World’s Largest Gavel

The basics

Both a novelty and work of art, Gavel is the biggest and most expensive piece in the Ohio Judicial Center’s collection of 170 works, and surprises with its oversized scale (at a length of 31 feet, or 9.4 meters). Stop to admire it—and the symbolic weight of its message about justice—as part of a walking or cycling tour of downtown Columbus, together with other highlights like the Ohio Statehouse, Center of Science and Industry (COSI), and the Columbus Art Museum. The sculpture is also an easy walk from several city parks, including the Scioto Mile and Topiary Park.

Things to know before you go

• The World’s Largest Gavel is outdoors and free to visit, ideal for filling in a few minutes as you explore Columbus’ downtown sights.
• The sculpture sits in the middle of a reflecting pool, and is easy to photograph from all sides.
• The area surrounding it is paved and accessible by wheelchair and stroller.

How to get there

This public artwork is just south of the Moyer Judicial Center, along the Scioto Mile greenway for those walking or biking there. There are bike sharing and bus stops on South Front Street to the east, and parking at Huntington Plaza a quick walk north.

When to get there

You can see the World’s Largest Gavel anytime, but it’s best to go on a clear, dry day. (Note that while the reflecting pool may be inviting on a hot day, visitors are not allowed to enter the water.) After you stop by, head to the nearby Scioto Mile for a scenic walk along the river.

Public art highlights in Columbus

Fans of public art have much to admire in Columbus, where many of the parks and public plazas house sculptures and other open-air works of art. In addition to Gavel outside the Supreme Court, take in the CCAD ART sculpture towering above the Columbus College of Art & Design campus, three deer sculptures and the Chief Leatherlips Monument along the Scioto Mile, and the Short North Murals in one of the city’s most creative neighborhoods.