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World's Largest Steel Gavel Sculpture: world record in Columbus, Ohio

May 02, 2023
World's Largest Gavel Sculpture: world record in Columbus, Ohio

Columbus, Ohio, United States--Gavel, a $200,000 sculpture by Andrew F. Scott, depicting a gavel, a mallet used by judges to maintain order in a courtroom and to punctuate rulings, is located at the Ohio Judicial Center, home to the Supreme Court of Ohio, situated in Downtown Columbus's Civic Center; the 31 foot steel. 7,000 pound gavel sets the world record for being the World's Largest Steel Gavel Sculpture, according to the WORLD RECORD ACADEMY.

World's Largest Gavel Sculpture: world record in Columbus, Ohio

"Large public sculpture adjacent to a judiciary building. Evildoers beware this giant hammer of justice, made of steel," the Roadside America reports..


"Sitting in a beautiful park-like setting between the two large justice buildings in downtown Columbus, the gavel serves as the centerpiece of a large reflecting pool. The day that we visited the grounds were clean, the stainless steel gavel shining, and the pool very clear. It is obvious that the city keeps this area well-maintained.


"A weekend morning is a perfect time to see the big gavel and tour the statues of Columbus. Traffic is minimal and parking on weekends is free."

World's Largest Gavel Sculpture: world record in Columbus, Ohio

"Gavel is a 2008 sculpture by Andrew F. Scott, depicting a gavel, a mallet used by judges to maintain order in a courtroom and to punctuate rulings. The work is located at the Ohio Judicial Center, home to the Supreme Court of Ohio, situated in Downtown Columbus's Civic Center. The work was considered the largest gavel in the world upon its completion.

"The sculpture was installed in the south reflecting pool of the judicial center in 2008. It depicts the authority that the judiciary has over decision-making. Both the sculpture and its counterpart in the north reflecting pool were funded by an Ohio State Bar Foundation grant. The sculptor is an Ohio State University graduate and professor of foundation studies at the Savannah College of Art & Design.

"The sculpture is one of about 170 works of art at the Ohio Judicial Center. It is the largest and most expensive of those works, with a cost of $200,000." (
Wikipedia)

World's Largest Gavel Sculpture: world record in Columbus, Ohio

"First stop Columbus. Head by 65. S. Front Street where you can’t miss the 7,000 pound gavel," the What A Trip says.


“The Gavel” sits in a reflecting pond next to the Ohio Supreme Court building. The 1931 art deco building is a fitting location for artist Andrew F. Scott’s sculpture that is reminder that justice ought to prevail. I snapped photos in the evening."

World's Largest Gavel Sculpture: world record in Columbus, Ohio

"“Gavel” by Andrew F. Scott is a 31 foot steel gavel and sound block located in the south reflecting pool outside the Supreme Court of Ohio," the Ohio Outdoor Sculpture says.


"The sculpture is constructed entirely from stainless steel and it is the largest gavel in the world. “Gavel” was commissioned in 2008 by the Ohio State Bar Association for the price of $200,000. Scott's massive rendition of the symbolic tool of the judge is charged with notions about the omnipotence of the judiciary. Early renderings of the artwork appear to include the phrase “NO JUSTICE NO PEACE” inscribed along the base of the sound block.


"Andrew F. Scott is a multimedia artist and sculptor whose work falls at the intersection of digital fabrication technologies, traditional fine arts practices, and collective cultural ideals. He finds much of his inspiration from African American art and culture and views his work through the spirit of “Sankofa,” a word in the Twi language of Ghana that literally translates to "go back and get it."

World's Largest Gavel Sculpture: world record in Columbus, Ohio

"If you’re a fan of roadside attractions and fun, quirky stops, you must add the World’s Largest Gavel to your list of things to see and do in Columbus, Ohio," the Travel Inspired Living reports.


"Built in 2008, this large stainless steel sculpture claims to be the World’s Largest Gavel and so far, no one disputes it. In fact, I searched and didn’t find anything similar.


"Located near the Scioto Mile along the scenic Scioto River in downtown Columbus, you’ll find this 30-foot-long by 13-foot-high art installation along Front Street at the Ohio Judicial Center the perfect spot for a fun photo opp."

World's Largest Gavel Sculpture: world record in Columbus, Ohio

"Just to the south of 65 Front Street, near the intersection of Front and State streets," The Road trippers says.


"Along Front Street in Downtown Columbus are located two pedestrian plazas-courtyards with some unique statues, flag poles and tidal basins/fountains.


"This is the large steel judicial gavel in honor if the Ohio Supreme Court. There is also a fountain/tidal pool with words (Reason, Honor, Wisdom, Justice...) written in steel. Open year round. Currently, (3/09) there is construction along Front St., so parking is at a premium."

World's Largest Gavel Sculpture: world record in Columbus, Ohio

"It’s hammer time, so to speak. Not far from the Supreme Court of Ohio, resides a giant sculpture synonymous with the court system," the Atlas Obscura reports.


"The giant gavel can be found inside the reflecting pool outside the supreme court building. The piece was commissioned by the Ohio State Bar Association and weighs around 17,000 pounds.


"There's plenty of metered parking along the streets in this area and the gavel is easy to see from your vehicle."

World's Largest Gavel Sculpture: world record in Columbus, Ohio

Reviews from TripAdvisor

"The fact that it is described as "The World's Largest Gavel" only assures that you have to see it to believe it. This 2008 sculpture by Andrew F. Scott, depicting a gavel, a mallet used by judges to maintain order in a courtroom and to punctuate rulings, depicting the authority that the judiciary has over decision-making. The stainless steel sculpture, which is 12 feet by 15 feet by 30 feet, is one of about 170 works of art at the Ohio Judicial Center and is the largest and most expensive of all, with a cost of $200,000."

"Why not go and check this out? It’s worth it for the 5 seconds you’ll want to be there and then continue on to the river."

"This is one of the oddities that I just had to stop for a visit since I was in town. There isn't much to it aside from the gavel statue, but it is neat. There is parking metered nearby."

"Fantastic piece of art, it's flabbergasting to see the size of this metal construction. Take a few steps back and stand feet away to get a photo of this art."


"Impressive and pertinent piece of art near the courthouse. While it may not be worth a special trip, keep your eyes open as you drive or walk around town."

World's Largest Gavel Sculpture: world record in Columbus, Ohio

Photos: World's Largest Gavel Sculpture: world record in Columbus, Ohio

(1-5, 10): Facebook/Supreme Court of Ohio

(6-9): Ohio Outdoor Sculpture

World's Largest Gavel Sculpture: Columbus, Ohio


Address: 145 S. Front St., Columbus, OH

Coordinates: 39.9595, -83.0022

Facebook: Supreme Court of Ohio
Directions: Just to the south of 65 Front Street, near the intersection of Front and State streets.

website: https://www.supremecourt.ohio.gov/

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