CMOA - Columbus Museum of Art

The Columbus Museum of Art has been at the heart of Ohio’s cultural life for well over a century. Founded in 1878 as the Columbus Gallery of Fine Arts, it was the first art museum in the state to receive an official charter. From its earliest days, the museum reflected the vision of civic leaders who sought to enrich the city through touring exhibitions and a permanent public collection.

Its origins were rooted in generosity. Art patron Francis Sessions provided the museum’s first home, a Victorian mansion on East Broad Street. As the collection grew, the need for a more expansive setting became clear. With strong community backing, a new Italian Renaissance Revival building opened in 1931 on the same site, creating a landmark that continues to serve as a beacon of art and culture in Columbus.

Education has always been central to the museum’s mission. In 1887, it merged with the Columbus Art School, initiating a long tradition of fostering creativity. The school, later renamed the Columbus College of Art & Design, flourished into a leading institution before amicably separating from the museum in 1987. Both institutions remain vital forces in the city’s artistic landscape.

The museum has continued to evolve in step with its community. A transformative expansion in 2015 introduced the Margaret M. Walter Wing, a dynamic space that allows for major exhibitions, interactive learning, and welcoming public gatherings. In 2018, the gift of the Pizzuti Collection further expanded the museum’s reach, establishing a vibrant second location in the Short North Arts District devoted to contemporary art.

Today, the Columbus Museum of Art is celebrated for its outstanding holdings, which include European modernism, American masters, social commentary art, and works by beloved Ohio artists. It stands as a living institution where art, history, and community come together to inspire all who enter.