Exhibit Columbus Transforms Downtown

Columbus, Indiana is well-known for everywhere art and unexpected architecture.

World class art and architecture surround the city, including works designed by world-renowned designers including Eliel and Eero Saarinen, Robert Venturi, I.M. Pei and Dale Chihuly.

Art and design flourish within the culture of this community, making it a beautiful place to call home and bringing in thousands of visitors each year from all over the US and around the globe.

This year’s Exhibit Columbus, the second iteration of the acclaimed exhibition of temporary architectural installations is happening now through December 1, 2019, and consists of 18 installations, located throughout downtown Columbus. Designers were asked to center their work around the theme of “Good Design in the Community,” highlighting that good design can improve people’s lives and make cities a better place to live.

Artists were encouraged to think about what it would be like to live and work in Columbus, Indiana, and how the new installations being produced for the 2019 exhibition will impact those who interact with them.

Each artist included in the 2019 exhibition was challenged to provide a plan for how the materials of the artwork could be used after the exhibition comes to an end. This year’s “Exhibit Columbus” features several botanical installations. For example, “Into the Hedge,” designed by SO-IL and located at the Bartholomew County Courthouse, includes 150 trees that will later be planted at Miller House and Garden.

Residents throughout the community were encouraged to participate in the creation of the installations. Some Exhibit Columbus artists hosted events to allow the community to influence designs. In addition to these events, locals volunteered to help build the installations once the designs were complete.

“Exhibit Columbus” transforms downtown Columbus, Indiana, throughout the last few months of the year. The exhibit also gives visitors a reason to come back to a place they may have already visited, so that they may see the community through a different lens.

If you are planning to attend “Exhibit Columbus 2019,” here is a sneak peek into a few of the installations you can expect to see:

Credit: Hadley Fruits, Exhibit Columbus

“XX” AT AT&T FACILITYAgency Landscape + Planning

Inspired by Xenia S. Miller and switching operators, designers will plant a nursery, build a platform and stage a series of community-inspired events.

Credit: Hadley Fruits, Exhibit Columbus

“Soft Civic” At Columbus City Hall

Bryony Roberts Studio

Seating areas and platforms will be created with custom-fabricated steel structures, which are interwoven with colorful rope.

Credit: Hadley Fruits, Exhibit Columbus

“Untitled” At Bartholomew County Public Library Plaza

Frida Escobedo Studio

The landscape of an elevated terrace, featuring native grasses, trees and wildflowers, will serve as a public space for gathering or quiet reflection.

Credit: Hadley Fruits, Exhibit Columbus