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The Ohio Statehouse
Category: Landmarks & Historical Buildings [Edit]
Neighborhood: Downtown60 E State St
Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 752-9777
3 reviews for The Ohio Statehouse
If you've read some of my other reviews you may have noticed that I used to work in the Ohio Statehouse for several years. My office was located in the Statehouse, but I didn't actually work for the Statehouse staff. I'm going to try and write this review as I do all my other ones: For the benefit of someone who's never been here and knows nothing about the place.
Even though I did come here everyday to go to work and I had a desk/office up on the third floor, I believe I can remain objective. I was just in here five days a week. And for as awesome as it was to work here and as beautiful as this structure is, I don't think I can give it 5 stars. I feel as if the Statehouse is somehow disconnected from the public - an opinion I had even during my days of working here.
The thing that I do think is great about the Statehouse is that it's completely open to the public. Anyone at all can just walk through the front door and walk around. Sure, there are some areas restricted to the general public, such as the Governor's chambers, but for the most part you are free to roam. In fact, if you come in through the 3rd street entrance, you'll find a front desk. The woman who works at that front desk is so sweet. She'll make sure you get a guided tour if you want one - they offer them every day throughout the day. I think it's unique how accessible the Statehouse is to the public. And there's a reason behind it. The Statehouse is called, "The People's House," because they wanted to connect the public with the government. They want people to come in and look around. As far as security goes, state highway troopers roam the building and stand at posts all day, and even at night when the Statehouse closes to the public. The open hours are 9 to 5 weekdays, but sometimes they also do weekend events.
If you're really into history, you might want to take a Statehouse tour. They are pretty informative. When I first started my job they sent me on a tour so I could understand more about where I was going to be everyday. And there's a reason for that. Please be warned that if you decide to roam around on your own, you'll very likely get lost. This is such a confusing building to navigate. If I had a nickel for every time I was walking to my office and had to point a visitor in the right direction I'd be rich. I worked there for well over 2 years and still got turned around from time to time. The reason it's such a maze is because the original Statehouse was too cramped and small so they had to renovate and add on around the already constructed Statehouse. They didn't want to tear down the historic building. The whole thing has been renovated, but you can tell which parts are newer.
The architecture is beautiful. My favorite parts are usually the ceilings. For example, you have to see the rotunda. The floor is an optical illusion design of checkered tiles and looking up you'll see a beautiful dome with a stained glass window in the center. I have only found the rotunda in the U.S. Capitol in D.C. to be more breathtaking. If you arrive and House or Senate is not in session, you might get to see the chambers. Sometimes the doors are locked, but if you take a guided tour you might get to see them. They are beautiful rooms, with more stained glass on the ceilings and the dais looks fit for a king. The carpets are sort of hideous, and like most of the Statehouse everything looks quite gaudy. Too many ornate decorations all in one place. But somehow it works. One floor has green walls. Our hallway to our office on the Senate side had these pinkish/peach walls. The color scheme is questionable. Alone it's ugly but somehow altogether it's a gorgeous mess.
There is the Capitol Cafe (see my review) in the Statehouse crypt if you want to grab some lunch. The Statehouse hosts a variety of events to the public, such as student choirs at Christmastime, the popular Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, Cannon Firings, Veteran's Day celebrations, Inaugurations, music events performed on the Statehouse front steps, and a lot more all open to the public, and like the tours, all free. But I don't think that any of these events are really all that exciting. The Statehouse used to create an ice rink on the front lawn for "Skate on State," and anyone could come skate. But they did away with that. I thought it was their best event.
It's neat to be in the same building as Ohio's lawmakers, but you will feel that disconnection even as you're walking inside. The officials all have to keep their office doors closed so you're walking down hallways of shut doors. The events are alright, but not any must-sees. The tours are neat, and it might be a good way to waste an afternoon to learn a bit and see the majestic design. But I wish the Statehouse did more to invite the public and hosted more exciting events. I don't think it's reaching its fullest potential as a place for the people. The fact is, most Ohioans have never been here and would never think of it.
Great call on reviewing the statehouse, Kris. I would have never thought of that, and I used ti be a Page for the House of Reps in this building.
As with many old buildings, the architecture is so cool. I love the way through its various renovations the building has retained a old world feel to it. There is an exposed green elevator near the Senate Chambers that I am thinking about as I am writing this. It is obvious that the original blueprints did not intend for there to be an elevator there. It is almost as if the building is unapologetically saying - "don't you know I've been around long before those elevators things went in every building?"
I always thought one of the coolest parts of the Statehouse was the underground walkways that enable those with access to get all over downtown (well... at least the block or two around the Statehouse) without ever going outside into the elements. Wanna know a little secret? it really isn't that cool. Since most of that block is an underground parking garage you could pretty much get the same effect by walking around in the garage under city center.
Everything inside is much cooler. Take Kris' advice if you find yourself around that area in the day with nothing to do. Take the tour. A little history in the afternoon is good for you.
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I was walking aimlessly around Columbus when I first moved here and just randomly walked into the Statehouse. I was greeted warmly at the counter, and a lady walked up and offered me a tour of the place. An hour later I had been led through the Statehouse maze and knew everything there was to know about Ohio history.
Boring as that seems, I thought it was pretty great. The place is amazingly open to visitors. I imagine that's because they don't get a lot of wanderers off the streets. They let you have free reign of the place even without a tour guide, as I found out today. I just walked in and said, "is anything in session?" They said no, and gave me directions to the chambers. I walked in, took some pictures, exchanged restrained smiles with some suits, and walked out. I had way more access than I would have thought.
The atmosphere is as uptight as you would imagine. But i entertained myself by checking out all of the great art/architecture in the place. The architecture is seriously mismatched in a lot of places, but I like that. It's a metaphor for politics. Lots of opinions and no real unifying ideology. But I doubt that was the intention.