The Ohio Departments Building was built in 1933 by the state of Ohio as part of the Columbus Civic Center. In 2004, the building – which sits on the Scioto riverfront – was restored and converted into the Ohio Judicial Center where it now houses the Supreme Court of Ohio. During the renovation, Cincinnati Architect Harry Hake Jr. engaged 10 nationally-known artists to create artwork and decorative elements to depict Ohio’s rich history, including murals, metal, mosaic, bronze bas-reliefs and carved stonework that were incorporated into the design.
When the building was converted into the Judicial Center, two major works of art were also commissioned for the north and south reflecting pools. Andrew Scott’s Gavel – the enormous stainless steel judge’s gavel – graces the south reflecting pool, and Malcolm Cochran’s In Principle and In Practice – featuring subtle carved granite letters to create words relating to the justice system – highlights the north reflecting pool. The building has a visitors’ center, which is accessible from the Civic Center Drive entrance.
65 S Front St
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Franklin County
Please note: The Greater Columbus Arts Council (Arts Council) does not own or manage any public art. For the purposes of this database many pieces were entered by the Arts Council while we continue to search for the appropriate owner/manager of the work and other information to complete the entry. The Arts Council has tried to gather all available information about the works in this database, however, we acknowledge there may be missing or inaccurate information. If you can help us correct any inaccuracies, or provide more complete information, we would be grateful. Please use “Something missing? Please send us a note” above.
Taking images of public art works and sharing your experiences is one of the most fun reasons to engage with public art. As a community, we care deeply about the artists who have contributed the artworks we enjoy every day. Please be sure to credit artists when you share your photos. If you have an interest in using public artwork present in this database for commercial purposes, please contact Jami Goldstein at the Greater Columbus Arts Council. Taking your own images of public artwork does not release you from the responsibility of artist credit and/or compensation.
This site is produced and managed by the Greater Columbus Arts Council and supported by the Ohio Arts Council and public art collections across the state. Contributors to the databases to date include collections held by the Arts Commission of Greater Toledo, City of Columbus, Columbus Metropolitan Library, Dublin Arts Council, City of Upper Arlington Cultural Arts Department, City of Kettering, Downtown Mansfield Inc., Franklin County Convention Facilities Authority, John Glenn Columbus International Airport, Licking County Foundation, Ohio Arts Council’s Percent for Art program, Short North Arts District and the City of Sandusky. The database was funded in part by a grant from the Ohio Arts Council. Research and development support is provided by Designing Local, OSA Technology Partners and Columbus artist Stephanie Rond. The Columbus Makes Art campaign is a citywide, collaborative marketing effort designed to highlight the incredible talent of central Ohio artists. The Greater Columbus Arts Council is supported by the City of Columbus and the Ohio Arts Council.
To support and advance the arts and cultural fabric of Columbus. www.gcac.org
ArtsinOhio.com is your one-stop resource for arts, festivals and cultural events throughout the Buckeye State. And, even better, it’s free!
