Discover Public Art in Columbus Ohio: A Vibrant Outdoor Gallery
Public art in Columbus Ohio transforms everyday spaces into a dynamic outdoor gallery. Whether you’re exploring urban streets or riverfront parks, the city invites locals and visitors to experience creativity in unexpected places. Expansive murals, thought-provoking sculptures, and interactive installations provide an unforgettable journey that blends culture, community, and fun. In this guide, discover top public art locations in Columbus, along with helpful tips to enrich your visit.
Street Murals: Colorful Stories on Urban Walls
Public art in Columbus Ohio shines through its vibrant mural scene. Start in the Short North Arts District, the heart of the city’s visual creativity. Along High Street, you’ll find artistic gems like the “Mural of Hope” by Jeremy Jarvis and Hakim Callwood at 1182 N High St. This striking piece bursts with color and portraits that depict themes of unity and transformation.
Families will appreciate the playful “Mona Lisa Mural” at 641 N High Street, where a reimagined Da Vinci classic sparks curiosity and laughter. Visiting on the first Saturday of the month? Don’t miss the free walking tours during Gallery Hop — a perfect immersion into local stories and mural-making processes.
Head next to Franklinton, Columbus’ edgy arts hub. Explore the Gravity development at 500 W Broad St, where massive wall art by international icons like Eduardo Kobra shares space with edgy local works by Mandi Caskey (known as Miss Birdy). Grab a coffee nearby and stroll the alleyways to uncover evolving walls that mirror community voices.
Pro tip: Use the free “Columbus Makes Art” app from the Greater Columbus Arts Council for a mobile guide with mural locations, artist info, and nearby attractions.
Sculpture Walks and Photo-Ready Public Installations
Public art in Columbus Ohio extends far beyond murals. Along the Scioto Mile riverwalk, art meets nature through engaging sculptures and installations. Look for “Columbus Wings” by Royal Jarmon — an interactive piece inviting whimsical photos and playful moments.
Downriver at Scioto Audubon Metro Park, industrial-style sculptures created from recycled steel sit near the climbing wall. These environmentally conscious works reflect a bold blend of durability and design, perfect for travelers who appreciate eco-themed creativity.
For a delightfully surreal experience, visit the Topiary Park at 480 E Town St. There, 50 life-sized topiaries reenact Georges Seurat’s famous painting “A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte.” Children can dash through figures of dogs, boats, and people, while photographers get unique seasonal compositions.
Another visual treasure sits in Goodale Park—an ornate fountain by Malcolm Cochran features playful sculptures and misty sprays. Families love picnicking nearby while letting kids cool off amid this whimsical water art.
Hidden Gems: Undiscovered Public Art Across Columbus
The magic of public art in Columbus Ohio lies in its surprises. Beyond popular districts, explore lesser-known locations for one-of-a-kind installations. Outside the Columbus Museum of Art, rotating outdoor displays often fill the sculpture garden with kinetic and eco-powered pieces. Past works have included solar installations by artist David Best.
In the Trolley District near Franklin Park, discover impromptu art along construction fences at 1600 Oak St. Painted by local youth and community groups, these raw, emotional murals capture the area’s evolving cultural narrative.
Ohio State University and its surrounding neighborhoods offer unexpected creative stops. While the Wexner Center dazzles with contemporary programming, a short drive west to Dublin reveals the iconic “Field of Corn” by Malcolm Cochran—an installation featuring 109 concrete ears of corn in a former agricultural plot. It’s quirky, photogenic, and retrospectively charming.
Keep an eye out in German Village and the Brewery District for the utility box art program. Over 100 electrical boxes double as mini art galleries, wrapped with colorful designs that celebrate local history, nature, and neighborhood pride. Download walking maps from the Greater Columbus Arts Council for a curated route.
Interactive Public Art for Families and Explorers
Public art in Columbus Ohio isn’t limited to visual appreciation—it encourages touch, movement, and exploration. In the Arena District, McFerson Commons offers color-changing LED benches by StudioKCA. These light-reactive seats respond to motion and temperature, captivating kids and adults alike.
Step outside of COSI at 333 W Broad St for the “Science Playground,” where outdoor sculptures double as engaging experiments. Sound tubes, balancing stones, and spinning elements let little ones learn through play—without a ticket required.
In Linden, the “Art on the Bus Stops” project reimagines transit spaces. Partnering with COTA, colorful mosaic shelters and poetic panels now enliven bus stops. These installations uplift underrepresented neighborhoods and invite conversation while you wait.
Nature lovers should explore the Olentangy Trail north of Antrim Park where the group FLOW (Friends of the Lower Olentangy Watershed) curates temporary river sculptures. Made from natural and recycled materials, these evolving works bring art to the trails in sustainable and seasonal ways.
Seasonal Celebrations and Annual Art Events
Some of the most captivating public art in Columbus Ohio appears only seasonally. August’s Urban Scrawl in Franklinton brings muralists, sculptors, and performers together in a lively festival featuring live painting, street food, and music. Interactive booths invite the whole family to co-create.
December transforms the city with “Light Up Columbus,” where the Scioto Mile becomes a glowing tapestry of light art. Wander the illuminated paths and enjoy winter reflections on the fountains with warm drinks from nearby Milestone 229.
In June, the Columbus Arts Festival turns downtown into a visual wonderland. Along the riverfront, meet artists, browse pop-up galleries, and take in street performances that merge sculpture, poetry, and movement. Live art demos and kid-friendly workshops make it a festival for all ages.
Create Your Own Art Journey
Experiencing public art in Columbus Ohio is about more than sightseeing—it turns your walk into a gallery tour, your bike ride into an urban adventure, and your family outing into an art scavenger hunt. With rich storytelling, accessible installations, and community-centered support, Columbus art invites participation.
Start with a map from the Greater Columbus Arts Council or use the “Columbus Makes Art” app to plan your path. Explore neighborhood festivals through Experience Columbus. Most importantly, stay curious and let the city’s creativity guide you. Whether you’re meandering sidewalks, relaxing in parks, or exploring trail-side surprises, Columbus’ public art scene inspires at every turn.
