Columbus, Indiana
Arriving in a new place under the cover of darkness really ‘buries the lede,’ so to speak. Not that we really had any choice—the sun was setting by the time work ended and then it was completely gone just fifteen minutes into the 1.5 hour drive. Granted, there wasn’t much to see along the rural highways of Southwest Ohio and Southeast Indiana, but when you’re headed to a town that’s known for its landmarks—you really wish there was more to glean from the surrounding landscape upon arrival. That’s not to say that the main drag wasn’t charming after we dropped our bags and walked to dinner—but the dreary, dim, and cold realities of a winter’s evening don’t really lend themselves to sightseeing. Especially as you hurry back to the warmth of your rented accommodations. We’d arrived at our destination—even explored it a bit—but still weren’t really sure what to expect. If any place is going to surprise you when the sun comes up, though, it’s Columbus, Indiana.
I’d driven through years ago, but had yet to actually visit despite the city’s well-regarded reputation and relatively close proximity. At first glance, Columbus feels like any other example of “small town America.” You hop off the highway and navigate through a traffic-choked landscape of parking lots, chain restaurants, and strip malls before eventually landing in a quaint city center rife with local shops and an ornate, historic courthouse. What truly sets the place apart, though, is not just its internationally significant collection of architecture, but also the way in which the city proudly features that assemblage alongside a true reflection of modern, Midwestern-American culture and hospitality. The kind of place where you can set your eyes upon critically acclaimed works of art, but also order pizza from a Papa John’s that was originally a chiropractor’s office.
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Columbus Visitors Center
Featuring Yellow Neon Chandelier (1995) and Persians (1995) by Dale Chihuly.
Remind me to tell you at the end of this post about a random Dale Chihuly memory I have.
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First Christian Church
Eliel Saarinen (1942)
The father of Eero Saarinen (who’d eventually go on to design many notable works such as St. Louis’ Gateway Arch and the TWA Flight Center (now TWA Hotel) at JFK Airport), Eliel contracted his son to design much of the church’s interior.
Large Arch by Henry Moore which is displayed in the nearby Cleo Rogers Memorial Library plaza.
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Cleo Rogers Memorial Library
I.M. Pei. (Opened 1971, renovated 1989)
The coolest.
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Mill Race Park
Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates (1993)
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Eos (2006) by Dessa Kirk
Located in the median of 5th Street.
The Commons
A former “downtown mall” that has found new purpose as a community center boasting an wild indoor playground and the kinetic sculpture, Chaos I (1974), by Jean Tinguely.
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AT&T Switching Center
Paul Kennon (1976)
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Miscellaneous
Shawna and Ellie at the box office of The Crump Theatre.
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Irwin Conference Center
Eero Saarinen, Kevin Roche, John Dinkeloo, and Dan Kiley (1954)
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Previously Mentioned Papa John’s
Once a chiropractor’s office according to Google.
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North Christian Church
Eero Saarinen (1964)
The church’s congregation disbanded in 2022, but also donated the building to the Bartholomew County Library Board for future use.
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Cummins Corporate Office Building
Kevin Roche (1983)
The original Cummins Inc. factory was preserved and incorporated into the headquarter grounds.
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Columbus City Hall
Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (1981)
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