News and Press
Landmark Columbus Foundation develops impactful projects and events through its three program areas: Progressive Preservation, Exhibit Columbus, and Columbus Design Institute. This page features our latest press releases and news. Stay connected to our work by signing up for our newsletter.
Four Installations to Remain in Columbus Beyond Exhibition, Public by Design
Columbus, Indiana — As preparations are being made to launch the fifth Exhibit Columbus exhibition in mid-August, organizers are reviewing the impact of the last exhibition. Each installation in Exhibit Columbus is designed to activate downtown Columbus, connect with a community partner, and spark conversations about the intersection of community, architecture, art, and design. Four installations from the 2023 exhibition, Public by Design—THE PLOT PROJECT, Ground Rules, InterOculus, and A Carousel for Columbus—are transitioning from “temporary” to “here to stay,” highlighting that the impact of Public by Design continues to shape everyday life in Columbus.
2025 Exhibit Columbus Exhibition to Open August 15 & 16
Columbus, Indiana — The Exhibit Columbus 2025 Exhibition, Yes And, opens the weekend of Friday, August 15 and Saturday, August 16 in downtown Columbus. The exhibition will feature thirteen outdoor, site-responsive installations, each inspired by partnerships across the diverse communities of Columbus and connected to the theme of the 2024–25 Cycle, Yes And. The modern design legacy serves as a world-class backdrop for living, creating an unmatched experience alongside contemporary art and architecture.
Landmark Columbus Foundation Announces 2025 Exhibit Columbus Design Camp June 16–20
Columbus, Indiana — Landmark Columbus Foundation will produce the 2025 Exhibit Columbus Design Camp, a specialty camp for 3rd- to 6th-grade students hosted at the Columbus Youth Camp from June 16 to 20. This innovative camp is created in partnership with the Foundation For Youth.
Landmark Columbus Foundation Announces Black Heritage Trail Markers to Recognize Historical Black Businesses
Columbus, Indiana — Supporting historian and long-time Columbus resident Paulette Roberts' work to document significant Black heritage sites throughout the city, Landmark Columbus Foundation announces the opening of the Black Heritage Trail.
Tracy L. Haddad Foundation Makes $100,000 Leadership Gift to Landmark Columbus Foundation Endowment
Columbus, Indiana — Landmark Columbus Foundation (LCF) announced today that the Tracy L. Haddad Foundation has pledged $100,000 to the LCF Endowment, a catalytic gift that challenges the community to help reach a $3 million campaign goal by the opening of the 2025 Exhibit Columbus Exhibition, Yes And, on August 15–16.
HutchFest 2025 Returns to Columbus with an Exciting Weekend of Music and Community Spirit
Columbus, Indiana — HutchFest, Columbus’ beloved community-driven music festival, returns to downtown Columbus for its third annual year on Friday, April 25, and Saturday, April 26. The two-day event will feature local and regional musical talent, celebrating the vibrant culture of Columbus while supporting three vital organizations: the historic Crump Theatre, Landmark Columbus Foundation, and the Miller House and Garden.
Landmark Columbus Foundation’s American Modern Photo Exhibition Moves to Ball State University’s College of Architecture and Planning
Muncie, Indiana — Landmark Columbus Foundation announces its acclaimed exhibition American Modern: Architecture, Community, Columbus, Indiana has been installed at Ball State University’s Estopinal College of Architecture and Planning (CAP) Gallery.
Landmark Columbus Foundation Announces the Launch of Public by Design Publication
Columbus, Indiana – Landmark Columbus Foundation (LCF) announces the publication of Public by Design, which charts the fourth cycle of Exhibit Columbus, Public by Design, from its inception with the Community Kickoff that introduced the Curatorial Team in early 2022 through the 2023 Exhibition that featured thirteen temporary installations of community-based art and architecture.
Landmark Columbus Foundation Launches Progressive Preservation Planning Grant in Collaboration with TenBerke
Columbus, Indiana — Landmark Columbus Foundation (LCF) is proud to announce the Progressive Preservation Planning Grant, a targeted initiative to assess and revitalize the historic Otter Creek Clubhouse. This endeavor underscores LCF’s commitment to caring for, celebrating, and advancing the cultural heritage of Columbus and like-minded communities.
Exhibit Columbus Reveals 13 Design Concepts for the 2025 Exhibition
Columbus, Indiana—Exhibit Columbus wrapped up its highly anticipated 2025 Design Presentations on February 22, marking a pivotal moment in the fifth cycle of this internationally recognized exploration of community, architecture, art, and design. During public presentations, participants, curators, partners, and community members gathered to witness the unveiling of installation concepts that will shape the 2025 Exhibit Columbus Exhibition, Yes And, which opens on August 16.
Exhibit Columbus Announces Design Presentations, Participants Will Present Concepts for Fall 2025 Exhibition
Columbus, Indiana — Exhibit Columbus announces its second major event of the 2024–25 cycle Yes And, the 2025 Design Presentations, on February 21 and 22 in downtown Columbus.
We Are Hiring: Partnerships Officer
The Partnerships Officer plays a key role in advancing the mission of Landmark Columbus Foundation by fostering strategic, collaborative, and mutually beneficial partnerships. Reporting to the Executive Director, this full-time, year-round role is responsible for effective project management, developing meaningful relationships with community stakeholders, supporting the execution of Exhibit Columbus, developing the Columbus Design Institute, and contributing to Progressive Preservation initiatives. Through these efforts, the Partnerships Officer enhances the organization’s capacity to care for, celebrate, and advance cultural heritage while driving community engagement and impact.
We Are Hiring: Advancement Officer
The Advancement Officer will lead efforts to build and sustain meaningful relationships that enhance Landmark Columbus Foundation’s fundraising and community engagement initiatives. Reporting to the Executive Director, this full-time, year-round role will strengthen the financial base and broaden the organization’s impact in alignment with its mission.
Landmark Columbus Foundation celebrates acclaimed new book with events in iconic U.S. cities
Columbus, Indiana — Landmark Columbus Foundation, a leader in design advocacy since 2014, is celebrating its new, critically acclaimed publication, American Modern: Architecture, Community, Columbus, Indiana, with events in major cities across the U.S.
Exhibit Columbus Symposium to highlight design conversations, site visits, and keynote events
Columbus, Indiana — Exhibit Columbus announces the details for its fifth symposium to explore the theme, Yes And, and to introduce the 12 participant teams to Columbus and connect with the curatorial partners. This unique two-day event invites attendees to explore the modern design legacy of Columbus, Indiana, and for participants to consider how they might add to the multiple and overlapping lives of buildings and spaces. The 2024 Symposium will be one of the most significant gatherings of contemporary artists, architects, and thinkers in the country and will take place in downtown Columbus. It features keynote conversations with participants and University of Michigan professor Julia McMorrough, as well as an improv and stand-up comedy showcase on Thursday night. All events are free and open to the public with a suggested donation.
Exhibit Columbus Announces 2024–25 Participants and Keynotes for the 2024 Symposium
Columbus, Indiana—After announcing Yes And as the theme of the fifth cycle of Exhibit Columbus, the organization announced four J. Irwin and Xenia S. Miller Prize Recipients, six University Design Research Fellows, a Communications Designer, and the High School Design Team. These twelve participants will attend the 2024 Symposium, October 24–25, and build an installation for the 2025 Exhibition, which is set to open August 15–16.
Landmark Columbus Foundation receives three major gifts, boosting endowment to over $1.8 million
Columbus, Indiana — Landmark Columbus Foundation is thrilled to announce three major gifts to its endowment, bringing the total amount to over $1.8 million. These gifts will help the foundation reach its ambitious goal of $3 million by the end of 2025. Several other generous donors have made pledges and contributions alongside these gifts, showcasing the community's unwavering commitment to preserving and advancing Columbus's unique cultural and architectural heritage.
Announcing Monumental Gestures, a new major arts initiative focused on Indianapolis
Landmark Columbus Foundation has announced a new Indianapolis-based project, Monumental Gestures. Monumental Gestures’ mission is to transform public spaces through ambitious art experiences that invite conversation, amplify voices, and celebrate histories.
Columbus (Ind.) Redevelopment Commission selects Merritt Chase to redesign Downtown Entrance Plaza
The City of Columbus Redevelopment Commission has announced that it has selected Indianapolis and Pittsburgh-based Merritt Chase to redesign a 1.5-acre plaza at the city’s most prominent entrance into downtown. The project is in collaboration with Columbus Design Institute, a technical service arm of Landmark Columbus Foundation.
First Christian Church in Columbus, Indiana Celebrates Completion of Tower Restoration
In November 2023, the congregation of First Christian Church, the community of Columbus, and supporters from around the country celebrated the completion of the first comprehensive restoration of the Church’s iconic tower. With a musical ceremony, held in the Church’s sanctuary, that honored towers around the world, including the Eiffel Tower, London Bridge Tower, the Leaning Tower of Pisa and Rapunzel’s Tower, First Christian leadership thanked the congregation and all of those who supported the $3.2-million, eight-month restoration project, which began in 2022 and was completed in December 2023.