In the heart of Columbus, Indiana, stands a striking piece of modern art that never fails to captivate the imagination of visitors and locals alike. This is The Arch, a monumental sculpture by the renowned British artist Henry Moore. Installed in 1971, The Arch has become an iconic symbol of the city, blending seamlessly with its surroundings while standing out as a testament to human creativity and artistic expression.
The Arch, also known as Large Arch, is an abstract bronze sculpture that reaches nearly 20 feet in height. Crafted from sandcast bronze and patinated to a distinctive green hue, the sculpture's form suggests the organic shapes of human hip and leg bones. The negative space within the arch hints at an abstracted human torso with a head, creating a fascinating interplay between solid and void, form and space.
The sculpture's dimensions are impressive, with a base width of 12 feet 3 inches that expands to 13 feet 9 inches at its widest point at the top. Despite its hollow structure, The Arch weighs approximately 11,000 pounds, a testament to the robust nature of its construction. The surface of the sculpture is smooth, with little evidence of the joins from its assembly, and features deep wrinkles and a rough texture that Henry Moore himself described as reminiscent of elephant skin.
The creation of The Arch was a collaborative effort that brought together the vision of several prominent figures. Xenia and J. Irwin Miller, patrons of the arts, commissioned the sculpture and gifted it to the Cleo Rogers Memorial Library. The renowned architect I.M. Pei, who designed the library, envisioned a large work of art that would unify the public plaza between the library, the Irwin Gardens, and the First Christian Church. Pei's idea was to have a sculpture that could be touched and walked through, creating an interactive experience for visitors.
After seeing a smaller version of Henry Moore's arch at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City, Pei was inspired to commission a larger version for Columbus. Moore agreed to the project, provided that the arch was not so large or positioned in such a way that an automobile could pass through it. The result was a sculpture that perfectly balanced scale and intimacy, inviting visitors to walk through and around it, experiencing the art from multiple perspectives.
The creation of The Arch was a complex process that involved multiple stages and international collaboration. The sculpture was sandcast in 40-50 segments in Berlin, West Germany, by the Herman Noack Foundry. Each casting was about a quarter of an inch thick. Once completed, the segments were shipped to New Orleans, then barged up the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers to New Albany, Indiana, before being transported by truck to Columbus. The segments were then assembled on-site to create the seamless final piece.
The dedication ceremony for the Cleo Rogers Memorial Library, which had been completed two years earlier, took place on May 16, 1971, to coincide with the installation of The Arch. The event was attended by notable figures, including I.M. Pei, who emphasized the importance of the plaza as a public space that highlighted the surrounding buildings. Although Henry Moore was not present at the dedication, his work has since become a beloved fixture of the community.
From the moment it was proposed, The Arch sparked controversy within the community. Some locals were skeptical of its abstract form and unconventional appearance, giving it colloquial names like Dentist's Dream, Large Hip Joint, and The Big Bone. Despite the initial resistance, The Arch has grown to be an integral part of Columbus's cultural landscape, featured prominently in tours provided by the Columbus Area Visitor's Center.
Over the years, The Arch has faced challenges, including vandalism in 1984, when an encircled capital letter A was spray-painted on its surface. The community responded with efforts to remove the graffiti and protect the sculpture from future attacks, demonstrating their commitment to preserving this important work of art.
Today, The Arch stands as a testament to the power of public art to inspire, provoke, and unite. It is a focal point of the Roman-style, brick-paved plaza that surrounds it, providing a space for contemplation, interaction, and appreciation. The sculpture's patina has evolved over time, with a light blue hue forming in areas most exposed to the elements, adding to its dynamic character.
For visitors to Columbus, Indiana, The Arch is a must-see destination. It offers a unique opportunity to experience the work of one of the 20th century's most influential sculptors in a setting that encourages engagement and reflection. Whether you are an art enthusiast, a history buff, or simply someone looking to explore the cultural treasures of this vibrant city, The Arch is sure to leave a lasting impression.
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