University District Art Walk includes a Rich OSU History and Beautiful Architecture

Rich with public art and filled with local history, Columbus Art Walks are entertaining and educational self-guided walking tours. When you walk the University District Art Walk, the printable map and downloadable mp3 tour lead you from one piece of public art to another, telling you stories from the past and present-day Ohio State University along the way. You learn all about the history, community, and the amazing art available to the public on these historic Columbus streets. Long enough to be a day trip, or to split into two walks, this is an Art Walk you won’t want to miss.

The Ohio State University’s grounds are rich with public art. From architectural art such as the Student Union and panels depicting 6 important scenes from Ohio’s history, to outdoor sculptures galore and award winning landscaped gardens that integrate art, science, and nature. Even accidental art is included on this walk…take special notice of the fescue test plot!

Art Deco, Modernism, Neoclassical Revival, Classical, Arts and Crafts, Romanesque, and other styles of art and architecture are represented here. There’s something for every aesthetic taste.

The Wexner Center for the Arts is featured on the tour, and is not to be missed. From the beautiful architecture to the varied arts housed within, visitors should enjoy the entire center. Even the grounds are a wonderful example of landscape art. Do take the time to visit the whisper wall behind the building…a great favorite for all ages! Psst, there’s a whispering arch on campus too, another fun stop.

Fun facts you’ll learn along the way make this walk worth the time and steps. Did you know that the original football stadium at OSU was built to house more football fans than the total population of Columbus when it was built in 1922? Do you know what the only non-university building on the campus is? You will! Which building is nicknamed Moby Dick? Where is a scarlet and gray hidden meeting place? What does the OSU campus have in common with Beijing and Madrid? How was Orton Hall designed to represent the study of geology, and does Dr. Orton really haunt the hall? Find out the answers to these and many more.

Enjoy the walk into history as well as the wonderful art. The fascinating stories included about the beginnings of OSU’s football program, the reason for an Underground Railroad marker, a favorite watering hole, and a stop at a replica of the very first building for OSU, built in 1872. You will also discover interesting facts about early faculty and academics: For instance, the college’s first Physics professor was recruited even though he had no Physics degree, simply because of his notable teaching ability at a local high school. No matter what your field of interest, there is history steeped into the grounds and walls of this fine institution everywhere you look.

Explore the University District! Whether you are a student, alum, prospective student, or you are just interested in art and history, walk the University District Art Walk: It’s the perfect way to get to know the history, beauty, and character of this great and historic campus. Enjoy!

University District Real Estate

If you’re looking to buy a home or invest in the University District, here is what is currently for sale there. We’ve also included any University District rentals appearing on the Multiple Listing Service.  This list updates automatically to display current properties on the market.

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