Peter Eisenman’s deconstructivist landmark at Ohio State — a scaffolding of grids colliding with a brick armory’s ghost — announced in 1989 that Columbus intended to matter in contemporary art. The Wexner Center for the Arts has kept that promise ever since.
Named for benefactor Leslie Wexner, the multidisciplinary center presents museum-caliber exhibitions without a permanent collection to protect — every show is a risk taken fresh — alongside film/video programming in its renowned theatre, performances, and the Billy Ireland Cartoon Library next door in Sullivant Hall.
Because it lives on a great university campus, the Wex doubles as Columbus’ intellectual commons: artists in residence, legendary filmmakers, and students all in the same café line.
Challenging, welcoming and never boring — the Wexner Center is where the city’s art conversation starts.
