Short North Arts District, Columbus

Short North Arts District, Columbus (must see)

Head north from downtown Columbus to explore the artsy neighborhood of Short North. This area is centered on High Street between Victorian Village and Italian Village. It extends from downtown all the way to Ohio State University.

Short North Arts District is known for public art displays, music, performing arts and numerous art galleries and museums. Visitors to Columbus could easily plan an entire day of exploration in this hip neighborhood.

The artistic influences of the neighborhood have their roots in the 1980s. The Short North Business Association started monthly art shows that quickly grew into regular events. Galleries soon developed and the district became the center of arts in the city.

Those visiting Short North Arts District will see more than a dozen unique galleries. There are also a number of shops and eateries in the district. Those who want to return to the area at the end of their walking tour can take in a live performance at one of the many clubs and bars.

Public art is a mainstay of the district. Tourists are encouraged to take photos of the many works of art on the Short North Art Trail and share them widely. Visitors will see permanent pieces like "Are You A Life-force?" by Sally Meier and Joe Kavalec, a mural that celebrates a prominent local band. Other permanent art displays include an obelisk titled "In Dreams Again" by Andrew Lidgus, a suspended sculpture called "Jubilation" by Stephen Canneto and Judith Spater and "Mona Lisa Mural" by Brian Clemons.

Temporary murals are considered part of the annual mural series. These highly detailed and beautifully crafted murals are placed in the Short North Arts District each summer. Unlike many of the pieces in the galleries, murals do not primarily come from local artists. Visitors may see works from all over the globe represented on these temporary displays.

Why You Should Visit:
- To visit one or more of the many art galleries
- To enjoy free, public art

Tips:
Don't rush! The Short North Arts District is part of Columbus that should be savored. Plan a few hours at minimum to explore all that this neighborhood has to offer.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Columbus. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

Download The GPSmyCity App

Short North Arts District on Map

Sight Name: Short North Arts District
Sight Location: Columbus, USA (See walking tours in Columbus)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Columbus, Ohio

Create Your Own Walk in Columbus

Create Your Own Walk in Columbus

Creating your own self-guided walk in Columbus is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Columbus Introduction Walking Tour

Columbus Introduction Walking Tour

The state capital of Ohio is the beautiful and historic city of Columbus. Located in the middle of the Buckeye State, Columbus is known as both the governmental and cultural center of Ohio.

Columbus was first inhabited by the indigenous Adema, Hopewell and Fort Ancient people. Nearby mounds and a large number of artifacts kept at the Ohio Statehouse show evidence of these early cultures.

...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
German Village Walk

German Village Walk

One of the oldest and most treasured historic areas in Columbus, Ohio, is the laid-back German Village. Many of its charming brick houses along Beck, Mohawk, and Deshler streets were built by German settlers in the early-to-mid-19th century. Boutiques and art galleries, pubs, restaurants, and coffee shops look exactly as they did 150 years ago thanks to the meticulous preservation effort.

Among...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles

Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip


Things to Do in Columbus, Ohio USA

Things to Do in Columbus, Ohio USA

Columbus, Ohio is home to the NHL Hockey team The Columbus Bluejackets and the famous Ohio State Buckeyes. Columbus isn't just the Buckeyes, snow, and farmland, though! There are year-round and seasonal attractions for families that are worth visiting. Mix some fun and educational activities...