Everywhere you look at Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park and Museum, there’s something beautiful to see. It offers sweeping vistas of nature and clusters of modern art installations in its outdoor gallery with more than 75 sculptures of all shapes, sizes and colors. This summer, take an art adventure like no other in our neighboring Hamilton.
Pyramid Hill was founded by visionary and philanthropist Harry T. Wilks when he purchased an initial 40 acres of land to call home in 1987. He built the underground Pyramid House, named for its pyramid-shaped glass atrium, then continued to acquire adjoining space and art. It has grown into a renowned non-profit art park with a curated collection of sculpture, both modern and ancient.
New Executive Director Sean FitzGibbons is planning to add exhibits and events to Pyramid Hill’s schedule.
“He has some fabulous ideas,” Lee Sanders, interim director says of FitzGibbons. “Because he is an artist himself, he has connections with artists from all over the world. Stay tuned,” she adds, “it is going to be very exciting!”
“I am thrilled about working at Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park,” FitzGibbons says. “I am excited to continue and expand upon the dedicated work that has created such an impressive venue for fine art and an important resource for community engagement.”
Many of Pyramid Hill’s works are viewable from a vehicle on Gallery Loop Road, but visitors are encouraged to rent a golf cart and tour the sculptures at close range. Don’t miss the on-site Ancient Sculpture Museum, 10,000 square feet of artifacts. Pack a picnic and hit the hiking trails for the full experience, all for one ticket price.
Discover these featured sculptures and a calendar full of artistic events for all ages at Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park and Museum, open 365 days a year. 1763 Hamilton-Cleves Road, Hamilton, 513.868.1234, PyramidHill.org
Life’s Twists and Turns
Greg Loring
Situated on the edge of Lake Carol, Life’s Twists and Turns by Cincinnati artist Greg Loring is made of mangled metal, repurposed industrial parts and an aluminum canoe cut in two. Loring spent three months in the fall of 2017 creating the work onsite at the park. View this statement on navigating life’s unpredictable ups and downs on the way into Pyramid Hill, one turn off the entrance road.
Deja Vu
Chakaia Booker
Get sucked into the black hole of Deja Vu, a mesmerizing work by American artist Chakaia Booker. This large-scale piece is monumental loop de loops made from shreds, wraps and folds of rubber, cut from discarded steel-belted tires. Park the car (or cart) and take time to walk through the piece to fully experience the recycled treasure from all angles. Find Deja Vu across from Pyramid Hill’s Pavilion, along Gallery Loop Road, near Lake Nanci.
The Family
Boaz Vaadia
The Family is a captivating sculpture by Israeli-American artist Boaz Vaadia. Formed by stacking sedimentary rocks and shaped using a hammer and chisel, the work was inspired by nature. Viewers first encounter the back of the piece, a mother, father and child sitting together as if posing for a portrait. As is the case in many families, the mother figure holds the unit together, one arm reaching around the father figure, and legs encircling the child. The Family sits together on a large boulder, overlooking Upper Lake, just off of Gallery Loop Road.
Tory’s Comet
Harry Gordon
Tory’s Comet is made of American Elm, salvaged by American artist Harry Gordon. The roots of a horizontal tree flare out from its trunk, resembling the trailing tail of a comet. He gives the trees a second life as art, their knots and limbs a home for insects, birds and mushrooms. Over time, the piece weathers in the seasons of Pyramid Hill, naturally morphing and changing. Find it at the water’s edge, across from the 1820s Pioneer House on Gallery Loop Road.
Abracadabra
Alexander Liberman
The scarlet swirls of Abracadabra make up one of the largest works created by artist Alexander Liberman. Liberman drew the forms on steel before they were cut, and then used cranes to hold the pieces in temporary positions as it was built. The towering piece looks as if it was unfolded into its three-dimensional form, a crimson centerpiece atop the hill. Its blend of curves and edges are often a backdrop for weddings at the park. Take a seat at the Patio Overlook for a magical view of Abracadabra.
Wherefore Art Thou
Sam McKinney
Made of 10 tons of bronze and granite, Wherefore Art Thou turns a contemporary eye to Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. A twelve-foot slab of black rock separates yet unites the young lovers as they reach for each other through a heart-shaped hole. Kentucky artist Sam McKinney crafted the tormented couple, capturing the climax of the tragic play. Look for the vial of elixir clutched in the hand of Juliet and Romeo’s fatal dagger. Take a 360-degree look at Wherefore Art Thou on the final bend of Gallery Loop Road, in the heart of the park, just outside the Ancient Sculpture Museum.