Posted: 02/09/2007--25/11/2008 || Rate this Article: 3 || Views|| Sign In || Register ||Hello Guest
The City of Columbus has been the Capital of Ohio since the beginning of the 19th century, soon after it was founded. It has grown rapidly over the past 50 years and is now spread over more than 200 square miles. There are 19 Historic Districts and over 30 individual buildings registered. The latter includes the childhood home of James Thurber. The Ohio Historical Center has a museum in Columbus City that records the history of the area since the first human habitations. The museum is an enormous 3 storied structure with a plaza level, auditorium and a library with the States Archives. The complex spread over a quarter of a million square feet has exhibits of natural history, the period prior to European settlements and major developments that mark the evolution of Columbus City as a significant urban center of the modern United States. There is a store for visitors who would like to buy souvenirs.
Columbus City has a splendid Art Museum with a collection of some nine thousand paintings focused on 19th and early 20th century works. Monet, Picasso and Renoir are amongst the most famous artists whose works are well represented here. The Museum has the distinction of having the largest collection of works of the best artists of Ohio State, most notably George Bellows and Elijah Pierce. More than 150 photographs have been added of late. The Museum has exhibitions throughout the year and some of its exhibits have been shown abroad as well.
The Craft Museum is of recent vintage but has five major exhibitions each year to support a carefully assembled canvas of permanent exhibits. There are regular workshops for people of all ages as well. The gift shop at this place is an excellent place for crystal, silk and silver bargains. It serves as a valuable outlet for the work of American craftspeople. The museum is set in verdant surroundings in the Grandview Heights area.
The Santa Maria is a fascinating replica of the legendary explorer after whom the city is named. The tall ship is a working model and one gets a virtual experience of how Christopher Columbus and his intrepid crew sailed across the Atlantic, braving weather and other tribulations in search of exotic lands.
The Center of Science and Industry is a science museum for the entire family to enjoy. Visitors have the opportunity to learn about important discoveries in a participative manner. Movie Theaters add entertainment variety to the educative experience of a visit to this museum. Special attractions include producing a newscast and watching the human aging process in motion. There are many other exciting experiments in which the audience can take active parts.
The German Village is a realistic restoration of the early days of immigration from Europe. One should visit this historical site for an idea of how the first German settlers lived. Ancient buildings and streets create a very authentic ambience and there are a host of small shops with attractive things that you can buy to remember a trip.
The Statehouse is an important architectural landmark in the city. The Greek Revival style of the building expresses an affinity to one of the worlds oldest democracies. The style is far removed from that of Victorian England from whom Columbus Citys venerated founders won freedom. The Statehouse is a largely masonry structure with plenty of local limestone. Prison labor was used for a substantial part of the construction and it is believed that masons were imprisoned for even minor torts so that their labor could be used for the Statehouse!
The North Market Farmers Market has supplied fresh meat and vegetables for residents for the last 150 years. It is an important link with the past. It is always fun to visit this modern market with ancient links. There are special events at the site during each year, such as the Herb Festival. Visitors can enjoy the bonus of some gourmet grocery shopping when they drop in on this historic site.
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