Day Tripping: Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park and Museum

By Mary Casey-Sturk

There’s so much to enjoy at Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park and Museum, it’s sometimes easy to forget you’re only miles from home — not in some faraway place taking in the sights on vacation. 

History

The park was founded by the late Harry T. Wilks (1925-2014) who had a wish to preserve the land for future generations. He purchased 40 acres of land in 1987 to build his home, the Pyramid House. He added to this land by acquiring additional parcels and cleared space, building roads, hiking trails, and more. He wanted to combine the beauty of nature with artwork, and the park grew. In 1997, it became a nonprofit organization. In 2022, they celebrated 25 years.

Today, Wilks’ pyramid-shaped home (the aptly named Pyramid House) stands as a beacon in the Park and serves as an event center as well as a place to see some of the antiquities from his vast collection. In the surrounding acres, you can explore a permanent collection of outdoor sculptures (and temporary installations) amid the beauty of the outdoors, fulfilling Wilks’ vision, complete with rolling hills, meadows, lakes and multiple hiking trails.

From tall sculptures with contemporary flair that beg you to walk through them, to whimsical pieces that make you laugh, to traditional forms in a garden setting, each one will fill you with wonder as you contemplate their meaning — or simply enjoy them. They are set aside ponds, brooks and in fields, alone or in groups. You cannot help but want to see each and every one.

Annually, 30,000 visitors explore this Butler County gem to celebrate both art and nature. Getting around Pyramid Hill can be done on foot, by vehicle (with several places to park and get out and explore) or by the popular Art Cart (seasonal). Available for rent at the Visitor Center, the Art Carts are golf carts that provide easy access to the grounds. The easy-to-follow Gallery Loop is 1.75 miles. Some of it is steep, so be prepared if you are planning to walk. Snacks are available at the Visitor Center’s gift shop, but you can also pack a picnic and enjoy it at one of many stunning vistas including the Overlook Patio. 

More to See

Many don’t realize that there is also an Ancient Sculpture Museum (indoors) that has a collection of pieces from Roman, Greek, Syrian, Etruscan and Egyptian cultures. Some of these antiquities date back to 1550 BCE. Mosaics, figures, jars, reliefs and more are housed within a building that feels like you’ve stepped into an ancient villa as you enter from the courtyard’s garden.

Within the museum, the Museum Gallery presents exhibitions by local, regional and national artists. Cleverly combining the past and the present, the 10,000-square-foot museum contains Wilks’ own personal collection of ancient sculpture and was opened in 2007. The Museum Gallery opened in 2016 and recently they are creating more space for temporary exhibitions.

Tips for Visitors

Indian Hill Living Magazine reached out to Delaney French, the marketing manager at Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park for tips on visiting the park.

IHL asked French for recommendations for a first-time visitor. French replied, “We encourage first time visitors to really take their time enjoying the park. With over 300 acres, 80 outdoor sculptures, and an Ancient Sculpture Museum, there is a lot to see that could easily take up an entire afternoon.” Adding, “you’re able to drive your own car or rent an Art Cart to get around the park, either way, we recommend pausing at each parking area to get out and get close to all the art and nature to get the full experience.”

What attracts guests to the park? “One of the things we love most about art and nature is the ability to connect to any and everyone alike, so visitors from the city, state, country, and world can enjoy the park together.” French continued, “We regularly get visitors from the tri-state area of Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana, as well as international visitors from around the world in town for business looking to fill a free afternoon or attending events hosted at the park.” 

Art for All Seasons

Open year-round, you can experience the changing of the seasons as well as enjoy sculptures on loan to the grounds from contemporary artists. Elsewhere, there is a pioneer house dating to the 1820s (check out its unique ceiling), opportunities to see wildlife (a little birdy told me they also enjoy sculpture) and there are programs and events for all ages (visit their website for more information, operating hours and admission). An Annual Art Fair (September),  exhibition openings, concerts, and more are held at Pyramid Hill.

Every winter, during the holidays, they hold their popular drive-thru light show and Pyramid Hill is also available as a venue for weddings and other occasions. Have Fido in tow? Not to worry, leashed dogs are welcome to join the fun.  

French agreed that anytime is a great time to visit, “Our signature events held throughout the year are a great time to stop by and make for great traditions to bring your family back to, year after year. Art and Earth Day in the spring, Art Fair in the summer, and light show over the holiday season are our way of connecting with the community and offering a unique experience at the park.” 

With a mission to bring people to art in nature, it’s clear that they’ve achieved their goal! Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park and Museum is located at 1763 Hamilton Cleves Road in Hamilton. For more information, call (513) 868-8336 or visit pyramidhill.org.