The Pizzuti Collection of the Columbus Museum of Art

I have always enjoyed viewing art in its many forms. I love experiencing the artists perspective because they so frequently see the world so differently than I do. The detail in sculpture, the color scheme in a painting, or the deeper meaning in a short film are all little discoveries that I hope to make as I peruse an art museum or collection. The Pizzuti Collection in the Short North Arts District of Columbus, Ohio is a magnificent selection of contemporary art.

The collection was founded by Ron and Ann Pizzuti who restored and donated an 18,000 square foot building and their contemporary art collection to the world. A non-profit organization, The Pizzuti Collection belongs to the community.

Museums and art collections such as this are some of my favorite parts of travel. The quiet contemplation that goes along with an exhibit is weirdly exhilarating to me. I feel so refreshed after I come out like I know something that I didn’t before. I hope that you are able to visit the Pizzuti Collection while you are in Columbus. It is by far the least time-consuming art exhibit in Columbus, but one of the best.

Where to Go

The Pizzuti Collection is located in the Short North Arts District on Park Avenue, just across from Goodale Park. It may be a pain to park in this area as it is very popular, especially on the weekends. Finding a parking garage will be your best bet as street parking is a nightmare in the Short North. It would be even better to take an Uber or Lyft.

Outside of the building is a sculpture garden that you can walk through before entering the building. Once inside, proceed up the stairs and to your right to check in at the reception. If you are a student or a member of the Columbus Art Museum, entrance is free. For all others, there is a $12 fee or $10 for seniors. There is a place to hang your coat in the winter. It is free, so don’t leave any valuables in your coat since no one will be watching it for you.

Inside the Collection

There are three floors inside. The lower level holds a resource library that is open to the public. They also offer educational programs, lectures, artist talks, and special events. I cannot speak to all of the exhibits, because they change so frequently, but I will share with you the ones that I experienced recently.

When Attitudes Become Chairs

I know what you are thinking. Chairs? What? I thought the same thing. How could chairs be interesting? Well, these chairs are especially interesting. I never imagined that someone could turn a chair into contemporary art. They are beautiful (well, mostly). Many of the chairs in this exhibit are accompanied by a video showing the process by which it was made. It is incredible the amount of detail that goes into designing and building a single chair.

These chairs are next level. I saw one made entirely of repurposed material that looked like seaweed. Another chair seemed to be layer upon layer of bubble wrap nailed to a chair frame (I am sorry I did not take a picture of this one). My personal favorite were these beautiful chairs made of glass that had flowers or feathers suspended inside them. I don’t think I could sit on a chair so beautiful.

This is certainly an exhibit that requires an open mind and a lot of respect for the work that went into creating these chairs. Each and every chair had a different personality and story to tell. They all have one thing in common, though: Attitude.

Lights

This is a simple exhibit that I couldn’t decide if I would love or hate. I ended up being indifferent about some parts and utterly fascinated by others. Once you ascend to the third floor, the exhibit greets you. With the hopes of banishing the darkness that winter brings, this exhibit is all light displays.

My favorite piece is one that was made to resemble the sunset. It is simply a long strip of lights in a beautiful color scheme in an empty room with white walls. I would expect this to be boring, but I stared at it in awe. The colors and how they lit the room and reflected off of the wooden floor actually reminded me of a sunset. They also chose the perfect room, as this one has a tall ceiling with details that you only see in older buildings.

Another room is dedicated to neon signs that make a statement. Many of them political. My favorite is one by Claire Fontaine which simply states: “Please God Make Tomorrow Better”. I need that in my home.

The Lower Level

On the bottom floor, there is a room with a collection called New on the Wall or N.O.W. These pieces are new and constantly changing with the hopes of inspiring artists. There is also a room for viewing short films called the Black Room. I saw a 6-7 minute video of the works of Shahzia Sikander’s works title SpiNN. While there are still prints associated with this exhibit, the animation that I experienced in the Black Room was fascinating. The spinning images that were layered over one another created multiple images that probably meant something that went over my head. I thoroughly enjoyed sitting in a quiet space watching the piece all the same.

Who Should Visit the Pizzuti Collection?

I want to say that everyone should visit, but this collection is contemporary and ever changing so it may not always suit your tastes. This is probably not a great place to take kids as it is very quiet and contemplative and a child may get bored pretty quickly. The Pizzuti Collection is a quick place to tour. You shouldn’t need more than an hour or two to see the whole collection. I would recommend stopping in before or after meal time. There are many great places to eat within walking distance. The Pearl and Forno are amazing brunch spots, and Brassica makes for a killer lunch.

If you ever find yourself in Columbus, and you enjoy looking at art and maybe even buying it, the Short North Arts District is home to many art galleries. You could fill an afternoon walking up and down High Street and popping into galleries (and craft breweries).

Feel free to contact me if you are ever in Columbus. I would be happy to give you some recommendations on what to do! If you plan on visiting the Pizzuti Collection, you can find their website here. Check it out to learn what exhibits are currently on display.

What are some of your favorite art museums or collections? Do you enjoy viewing contemporary art?

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