COLUMBUS, Ind. -- South of Indianapolis, architecture lovers from around the world are traveling to the small city of Columbus. The population is less than 47,000 people, but it’s impact is huge on architecture and urban design.

The grand experiment that is Columbus, Ind., began with the vision of the late J. Irwin Miller.  The local industrialist commissioned his ground-breaking modernist home, now known as “Miller House.” But his vision extended further, to education.

Miller went to the school board in Columbus with a proposal to deal with the city’s overcrowded schools.

“He went to the school board in Columbus and said, ‘I’m willing to help you,’" Indiana University’s T. Kelly Wilson said.

Miller recruited a “dream team” of talented architects from around the world.

Columbus Area Visitor’s Center (to arrange tours)
506 Fifth Street
Columbus, IN
800-468-6564
columbus.in.us

Kids Commons (children’s museum)
309 Washington Street
812-378-3046
Kidscommons.org

The Commons (Indoor Playground)
300 Washington Street
812-343-9101

Indiana University Center for Art & Design
Art Gallery
812-375-7550

Zaharakos Ice Cream Shop
329 Washington Street
812-378-1900
Zaharakos.com

Upland Pump House
148 Lindsey Street
812-799-3587
Uplandbeer.com

 Hotel Indigo Columbus
400 Brown Street
812-375-9100

North Christian Church
850 Tipton Lane
812-372-1531

Miller House & Garden
2764 Highland Way
Columbus, IN
Discovernewfields.org