When the Central Ohio Psychiatric Hospital was due for demolition in 1989, community groups and the Historical Society requested to use pieces from the facility in other public places, such as the Hilltop Library. Built in 1871, the hospital had beautiful stained glass windows, railings, and marble. To ensure the artifacts were properly catalogued and displayed, the state selected Robert Loversidge of Schooley Caldwell Associates to design the Hilltop Library. Inside the library, you will find stained glass windows, stair posts, railings and a marble fireplace from the hospital. The ornately decorated interior beams came from the hospital dining room. The library’s exterior also reflects aspects of the old hospital. If you look to the south, you will see a top rook, also known as a cupola, designed specifically to imitate the towers. The east exterior wall, along Hague Avenue, also is reminiscent of the houses along the corridor.
Opened in January 1996, the Hilltop Library combined the Hilltop and Hilltonia branches, much to the dismay of community residents who feared they would no longer receive personal service. The community was not disappointed after the building was constructed though … because the library specializes in service and specialized staff for residents. If the library is open, take a peek inside to see the Central Ohio Psychiatric Hospital artifacts and newer art pieces.
Columbus, OH, USA
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
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