An art-filled stroll from campus to downtown
Many alumni recall a time when they wouldn't drive High Street from campus to downtown, much less walk. Times have changed.
We’ve mapped out about 7,000 of the best steps you can take in Columbus, an anything-but-pedestrian tour that connects the culture of the university with the culture of the city. Lace up your sneakers — and don’t forget your fitness tracker.
Wexner Center for the Arts
1871 N. High St.The Wex closes out a year of showing only female artists with “Cindy Sherman: Imitation of Life,” a survey of more than 100 pieces by the photographer and filmmaker. The Wex is one of two venues worldwide to host the exhibition.
Walk 800 steps south
Trism
1636 N. High St.The welcome newcomer from the owners of The Crest and The Market Italian Village is part bar, part juice bar, part superfood lunch spot and part event space.
Walk 1,400 steps south
Short North Stage at the Garden Theater
1187 N. High St.A jewel in the revitalization of the north stretch of the Short North, the professional theater company mounts eclectic seasons of musicals, plays and revues in the historic Garden Theater. Catch consistently lively and interesting cabaret and comedy performances in the smaller adjacent Green Room.
Walk 600 steps south
ROY G BIV Gallery
997 N. High St.This nonprofit gallery for emerging artists has been going strong since 1989, and it continues to be an anchor in the Short North. Galleries in the wee but mighty space rotate monthly, and the annual Small Works exhibition is a must-see.
Walk 800 steps south
One Line Coffee
745 N. High St.One Line has been one of the most vocal and visible players in the new wave of Columbus coffee roasters, hosting “cupping” events for baristas and connoisseurs and teaching customers about single-origin brews without sounding preachy.
Walk 400 steps south
Hammond Harkins Galleries
641 N. High St.After 18 years in Bexley, the gallery moved two years ago to this wide-open, airy corner space. HHG represents the estates of the city’s beloved Aminah Robinson and Dennison Griffith as well as distinguished contemporary artists.
Walk 100 steps south
Le Meridien Columbus, The Joseph
620 N. High St.Renowned art collector Ron Pizzuti has created a free public gallery right inside the lobby of this new boutique hotel. Just keep your eyes on the walls and ceiling for works by Ohio State luminaries such as Ann Hamilton and Tony Mendoza.
Walk 800 steps south
Hilton Columbus Downtown
401 N. High St.We’ve got not one but two hotels with their hearts in art. The Hilton Columbus Downtown features local artists exclusively, including Adam Brouillette, Christian Faur (don’t miss his crayon sculpture) and Sid Chafetz. The Gallerie Bar & Bistro is excellent.
Walk 1,200 steps south
Mac Worthington Studio and Gallery
138 N. High St.Artist Mac Worthington was a pioneer in the Short North, where he kept a studio and gallery for 28 years. Now he’s doing the same from the revitalized Atlas Building at High and Long streets. His art can be zany, serene, splashy and elegant.
Walk 1,000 steps south
Urban Arts Space
50 W. Town St.This sprawling Ohio State space inside the former Lazarus department store building hosts student and faculty exhibitions as well as community events such as Paging Columbus, a monthly spoken-word performance.
