Eisenman’s grid goes feral: a building that behaves like a drawing you can walk inside — and sometimes get lost in on purpose.
Center at Ohio State University.
Visitor Guide
Don’t fight the weirdness. Let yourself take a wrong turn; the building is literally about misalignment and interrupted expectation.
From the plaza where the white lattice volumes align; mid-morning for clean white-on-blue contrast.
You can go inside. Galleries typically open Tuesday–Sunday (hours vary by day; check current schedule). Many programs are free or ticketed separately.
The ‘scaffolding’ language is not style — it’s Eisenman making architectural syntax visible, like you’re inside a diagram of architecture itself.
1–2 hours
Design & Structure
Conceptual geometry and grid transformations translated into buildable systems; design intent preserved through rigorous detailing to keep misalignments precise rather than sloppy.
White metal lattice and masonry: high-contrast materials that keep the diagram readable in real light.
Complex spatial overlaps require careful coordination of frames and tolerances; precision is the structure’s aesthetic.
See Together
Buildings that pair well with Wexner Center for the Arts — they're nearby or share a compelling architectural conversation.
More by Peter Eisenman
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House VI
City of Culture of Galicia
Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe
State Farm Stadium
Greater Columbus Convention Center
Nearby in Columbus
Greater Columbus Convention Center
Cleo Rogers Memorial Library
Cummins Corporate Office Building
Irwin Conference Center
North Christian Church
Frequently Asked Questions
Who designed Wexner Center for the Arts?+
Wexner Center for the Arts was designed by Peter Eisenman and completed in 1989. It is located in Columbus, United States.
Where is Wexner Center for the Arts located?+
Wexner Center for the Arts is located in Columbus, United States. Its coordinates are 40.0002°, -83.0094°.
When was Wexner Center for the Arts built?+
Wexner Center for the Arts was completed in 1989. It was designed by Peter Eisenman.
Can I visit Wexner Center for the Arts?+
Wexner Center for the Arts is a real building in Columbus that can be viewed from the outside. Check local information for interior access and visiting hours. Use the Parametric Atlas walking tour feature to plan a route that includes this building.