21-03-2025
Long live rock at the Columbus Main Library
Traditional shushing isn't happening these days at the Main Library, with the clattering of rock 'n' roll pinball machines echoing throughout the atrium.
Why it matters: The library is temporarily hosting artifacts from Cleveland's Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, which visitors can view — and play — for free.
It's the first time the museum's artifacts have been displayed in Columbus in a major standing exhibit, Rock Hall spokesperson Kelly Schikowski tells Axios.
Zoom in: On display are a drum set from Kiss' Farewell Tour, six pinball machines, and historic photos of famous rock stars.
A second-floor gallery offers a fascinating synopsis of Central Ohio's own rock music scene from library archives.
On the third floor, visitors can share their favorite local concert memories and see copies of Focus Rock Entertainment, a '70s magazine published in Columbus.
Plus: Themed programs for all ages are scheduled through May, including "Punk Rocks" on Tuesday evening and a Beatles kids' concert next Saturday.
Fun fact: The atrium photos are by Baron Wolman, Rolling Stone's first chief photographer, who was born and raised in Bexley.
Wolman credited the Dispatch for starting his career. His first published photographs were of the Berlin Wall being built in 1961, taken while serving in an Army intelligence unit.
Wolman offered the images to his hometown paper and was paid $50 for what ended up being a full-page story. It's also on display on the third floor.
"I thought, 'I'm getting paid for something I'm doing — I'm gonna be a photographer!'" he told Rolling Stone in 2011.
The big picture: Axios Cleveland's Troy Smith, our resident Rock Hall expert, tells me its artifacts often make their rounds throughout the country.
Recent examples: a space in Nashville's Ryman Auditorium and a Paul Simon exhibit in Los Angeles.
💭 Alissa's thought bubble: Troy also said his kids enjoyed the pinball machines in Cleveland, so I ventured downtown Thursday to try them out.
I love rock music and arcade games, so I appreciated learning their intertwined history.
Unfortunately, I also learned I'm absolutely terrible at pinball.
📍 Stop by: 96 S. Grant Ave., through May 22. 9am-9pm Monday-Thursday, 9am-6pm Friday-Saturday, and 1pm-5pm Sunday.
