There is no place in America quite like Columbus, Indiana. With a population of only 45,000, it boasts an architectural pedigree that rivals cities ten times its size. This small Midwestern city is home to a stunning collection of buildings designed by some of the most renowned architects of the 20th and 21st centuries. From Eliel Saarinen to Kevin Roche, Harry Weese to I.M. Pei, the city is an open-air museum of modernist and contemporary architecture. Few places in the world—let alone towns of comparable size—can claim to have a bank, a church, and a private residence all designed by the legendary Eero Saarinen.

Irwin Union Bank and Trust. Architect: Harry Weese Associates

Columbus’ modern architectural heritage can be traced back to a pivotal moment in 1939 when J. Irwin Miller, the influential businessman and philanthropist behind Cummins Engine Company, commissioned Eliel Saarinen to design the First Christian Church. This groundbreaking project became one of the earliest examples of modernist church design in the United States, signaling the town’s future commitment to innovative architecture. With its clean lines, functional form, and lack of traditional ornamentation, First Christian Church stood in stark contrast to the more conventional ecclesiastical buildings of the era. It was a bold statement—a declaration that Columbus would be a place where architectural excellence was not only welcomed but actively pursued.

Miller’s passion for architecture did not stop with a single project. By the mid-1950s, he had begun commissioning contemporary architects to design buildings both for Cummins Engine Company and for the broader community. This effort resulted in a series of iconic structures, including the Irwin Union Bank and Trust in 1954, the Cummins Engine Plant in 1955, and Miller’s own home in 1957, all designed by Eero Saarinen. These projects further cemented Columbus’ reputation as an architectural powerhouse.

Recognizing the transformative power of architecture, Miller took his vision a step further by establishing the Cummins Foundation Architecture Program. This initiative provided grants to cover architects’ fees for the design of primary and secondary schools in Columbus, ensuring that even the most utilitarian buildings would be designed with aesthetic and functional excellence in mind. Over time, the program expanded to include fire stations, government offices, and public parks, further integrating world-class architecture into the fabric of everyday life in Columbus.

Miller’s vision did not end with his passing; the tradition of commissioning exemplary architects for both private and civic buildings has continued into the present day. The Cummins Foundation Program has supported the design and renovation of over fifty structures, maintaining Columbus’ status as an architectural mecca. Buildings designed by Richard Meier, Robert Venturi, Cesar Pelli, and Deborah Berke contribute to the city’s rich tapestry of design excellence, ensuring that new generations continue to experience architecture as a fundamental part of the community’s identity.

Irwin Union Bank. Architect: Eero Saarinen

Today, Columbus is celebrated not only for its extraordinary architectural heritage but also for the way in which design has shaped its cultural and civic life. The town has become a pilgrimage site for architects, students, and design enthusiasts from around the world, all eager to witness firsthand the profound impact of Miller’s vision. The city’s commitment to architectural innovation proves that great design is not the exclusive privilege of large metropolises—it is a powerful force that can elevate even the smallest of communities.

First Baptist Church. Architect: Harry Weese Associates

Columbus stands as a testament to the power of visionary leadership and architectural excellence. What began with a single commission in 1939 has blossomed into a legacy that continues to shape the city’s identity and inspire the world. From religious and financial institutions to schools and public spaces, the city’s buildings tell a story of innovation, ambition, and unwavering commitment to design. In a country filled with towns of similar size, Columbus remains truly one of a kind—a shining example of how architecture can define and elevate a community.

Modernist Architecture of Columbus, Indiana

Tilt Shift Lenses for Architectural Photography

Landscape Architectural Photography Case Study: Love Bank Park in St. Louis