About Columbus

Columbus, Indiana, is a city where modern architecture, bold public art, family fun, and small-town charm combine to create a perfect getaway.

Just an hour south of Indianapolis, Columbus, Indiana, is a vibrant community where inspiring architecture, unique shopping, and family-friendly fun come together to create a one-of-a-kind destination. Columbus has earned national and international acclaim as one of the country’s most unexpected cultural hotspots. Known for its world-class modern architecture, vibrant arts scene, and warm hospitality, this community of just over 50,000 residents has a way of surprising and delighting everyone who visits.

Architecture lovers from around the globe flock here to see why Columbus is often called a “museum of modern architecture.” More than 80 noteworthy buildings and public spaces, designed by some of the world’s most celebrated architects and landscape architects, can be found throughout the community. From sleek glass churches to playful public sculptures, design is woven right into the fabric of everyday life. A stroll downtown offers an open-air gallery unlike anywhere else in America.

But Columbus isn’t just about architecture—it’s about the spirit of creativity and collaboration that built it. Known as “The Columbus Way,” this community’s unique culture of partnerships between businesses, civic leaders, and everyday citizens has shaped a place where design and innovation thrive side by side with small-town charm. It’s a model of what happens when people work together to imagine something bigger than themselves.

Art, history, and culture pulse through the city. Downtown you’ll find colorful murals, galleries, and public art projects that make the streets come alive. Annual events like Exhibit Columbus, a nationally recognized exploration of art and architecture, keep the city fresh and inspiring year after year. The Columbus Area Arts Council and countless local creatives ensure there’s always something new to discover.

Columbus is also a place to shop, play, and relax. Downtown boutiques, antique shops, and specialty stores make it easy to find one-of-a-kind treasures, while larger shopping districts offer familiar favorites. Families will love the hands-on fun at kids’ museums, indoor play zones, and the community’s many parks and playgrounds. Don’t miss Zaharakos Ice Cream Parlor & Museum, where sundaes are served with a scoop of nostalgia, or The Commons, with its towering indoor playground.

Whether you’re here for design, shopping, family fun, or simply to enjoy a welcoming Midwest getaway, Columbus is ready to surprise you. It’s a place where imagination shapes the landscape, and where visitors leave inspired—and eager to return.

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