Iconic Downtown Sculptures & Public Art Guide

Downtown Columbus, Indiana, is internationally recognized for its modernist design, world-renowned architecture, and impressive collection of public art. Many of these sculptures are located within a short walk of one another and visitors can discover striking sculptures by celebrated artists that explore movement and transformation.

Henry Moore, who famously believed that "sculpture is an art of the open air," and Jean Tinguely, celebrated for his inventive kinetic sculptures that explore movement, sound, and transformation, are among the renowned artists whose work can be found in Columbus. Iconic pieces such as Large Arch and Chaos I showcase their distinctive artistic visions. From the I.M. Pei Plaza at the Bartholomew County Public Library to parks, corporate campuses, and public spaces throughout the city, these remarkable works create a self-guided public art trail where sculpture, architecture, and landscape come together.

Yellow Neon Chandelier

Dale Chihuly

One of the first works of art visitors encounter in Columbus, Yellow Neon Chandelier welcomes guests inside the Columbus Area Visitors Center. Created by internationally renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly, the vibrant installation features cascading hand-blown glass forms and showcases the bold colors and organic shapes that have made Chihuly's work recognizable around the world.

Did you know? Columbus is home to three public permanent Dale Chihuly installations, making it one of the few communities where visitors can experience multiple works by the celebrated glass artist.

Modern Totem

Martin Beach

Carved from polished granite, Modern Totem by artist Martin Beach is a striking example of contemporary public art in downtown Columbus. Its stacked geometric forms and smooth surfaces invite visitors to walk around the sculpture, revealing new shapes and perspectives from every angle.

Did you know? The Mesabi black granite used to create Modern Totem came from the same quarry as the Bartholomew County Public Library's stone steps, tying the sculpture directly to its surroundings.

Large Arch

Henry Moore

Standing outside the Bartholomew County Public Library, Large Arch is one of the most recognizable public sculptures in Columbus, Indiana. Created by internationally renowned British sculptor Henry Moore, the monumental bronze sculpture contrasts beautifully with the geometric design of I.M. Pei's library, creating one of the city's most photographed public spaces.

Moore believed sculpture belonged in the open air, where changing light and weather continually transform how people experience a work of art.

Did you Know? Large Arch is one of Henry Moore's largest arch sculptures in the United States.

Exploded Engine

Rudolf de Harak

Created by designer Rudolf de Harak, Exploded Engine transforms a Cummins diesel engine into a striking work of public art. The sculpture suspends individual engine components in space, allowing visitors to see the intricate engineering that powers one of Columbus' most influential industries.

Did You Know? Exploded Engine is made from an actual Cummins diesel engine. Each component is carefully suspended in its exact position, creating the illusion that the engine has been frozen in mid-explosion while remaining mechanically accurate.

Eos

Dessa Kirk

Created by Louisville artist Dessa Kirk, Eos is a graceful bronze sculpture inspired by the Greek goddess of the dawn. With flowing, wing-like forms reaching skyward, the artwork symbolizes hope, renewal, and new beginnings. Its elegant silhouette and upward movement make it a striking addition to Columbus' collection of public art.

Did You Know? Eos was selected as the 2010 Bartholomew County Art in Public Places purchase, becoming a permanent part of Columbus' public art collection through a community-led initiative.

Credit: Rhonda Bolner

Skopos

Rick Bauer

Created by Indiana artist Rick Bauer, Skopos is a large steel sculpture that reflects movement, balance, and the relationship between art and nature. Located in Mill Race Park, its sweeping form stands out against the park's open landscape while complementing the surrounding trees, river, and trails.

Did You Know? During the historic 2008 flood, Skopos was swept from its foundation and carried downstream. The sculpture was later recovered, restored, and reinstalled, becoming a symbol of Columbus' resilience and commitment to preserving its public art.

Ancestral Way

Robert Pulley

Ancestral Way combines sweeping steel forms with intricate details inspired by nature and industry. The sculpture's dynamic curves and layered elements create a sense of movement, reflecting Pulley's signature style and Columbus' appreciation for bold, contemporary public art.

Did You Know? In 2024, artist Robert Pulley personally restored Ancestral Way, carefully repairing one of the ceramic sculptures to preserve the installation.

Daquqi

Peter Lundberg

Created by Swedish sculptor Peter Lundberg, Daquqi is a monumental sculpture of concrete and stainless steel weighing about 9,000 lbs that welcomes visitors at Robert D. Garton Veterans Plaza. Its abstract form and textured circular details invite interpretation while showcasing Lundberg's interest in scale, movement, and craftsmanship.

Did You Know? The sculpture's name comes from a poem by the 13th-century Persian poet Rumi.

Bartholomew County Memorial for Veterans

Thompson and Rose Architects

The Bartholomew County Memorial for Veterans is both a work of public art and a place for quiet reflection. Located on the Bartholomew County Courthouse lawn, the memorial features 25 soaring Indiana limestone pillars arranged in a five-by-five grid. As visitors walk through the monument, they discover the names of local service members who gave their lives, along with excerpts from their letters and diaries, creating a deeply personal tribute to their sacrifice.

Did You Know? The memorial's 25 limestone pillars were quarried in Indiana.

Chaos I

Jean Tinguely

Created by Swiss artist Jean Tinguely, Chaos I is one of Columbus' most iconic works of public art. Located inside The Commons, this kinetic sculpture is made from steel, wheels, gears, and salvaged industrial materials that spring to life with movement, sound, and light. Tinguely's playful design celebrates motion, engineering, and the unexpected, making it a favorite stop for visitors of all ages.

Did You Know? It's the only large-scale kinetic sculpture by Jean Tinguely in the Midwest and one of the few in the United States.

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