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Kings Arts Complex

Description:

Known as the Soul of the City – the buildings that make up the Martin Luther King Jr. Arts Complex are deeply rooted in Near East Side history. Originally, the Near East Side community had 4 original theatres and movie houses: the Cameo Theatre and the Pythian Theatre on Mt... Read more

Known as the Soul of the City – the buildings that make up the Martin Luther King Jr. Arts Complex are deeply rooted in Near East Side history.
Originally, the Near East Side community had 4 original theatres and movie houses: the Cameo Theatre and the Pythian Theatre on Mt. Vernon Avenue, and the Empress Theatre and the Lincoln on Long Street.
Of the original four theatres, the Pythian is one of two that still stands today. Constructed in 1925, it is the only historic building in Columbus known to be designed by African-American Architect Samuel Plato. The building was named after the Knights of Pythians – who paid for its construction. The famous local Cotton Club occupied its 4th floor and main auditorium, and featured national jazz acts and local jam sessions from the 1940’s-1960’s, often launching the careers of local musicians.
After a $2.7 million renovation of the Pythian Theatre and the old Garfield Elementary School in 1987, and a $1.8 million addition in 1989, the Pythian Theater was renamed the King Arts Complex.
An oasis for cultural, performing and educational activities, as well as special events that highlight African American Art, Culture, and History, the Complex features murals and sculptures on its exterior and the Elijah Pierce Gallery, a permanent art collection, and interactive areas inside.
The interior features 2 murals by international artists that depict African American’s journey out of slavery – Ron Anderson’s “Cargo, the middle passage” and Onye Lockard’s “Behind the Bars”.
The exterior grounds also feature a children’s mural and sculptures, including those by Artist Woodrow Nash – best recognized for their tribal, rusty, and large presence – and a large limestone carving behind the Amos Lynch Plaza called “Family” by local artist Omar Shaheed.

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Kings Arts Complex
Categories
Architecture
Address:

King Art Complex
867 Mt Vernon Ave
Columbus, Ohio 43203
Franklin County

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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.

Nearby Public Artwork

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