Pyramid Hill is a Monument to Art and Nature

Did you know there are at least two major museums in the Cincinnati region that were once someone’s home? One of them is the Taft Museum of Art, which belonged to the Taft family. The other one belonged to philanthropist Harry Wilks, who built a house in the hills of Hamilton with a glass pyramid reminiscent of the Louvre in Paris. As you might have guessed, that house (and the surrounding land) is now known as Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park and Museum.

Pyramid Hill stands at the intersection of art and nature. Recently voted the fourth best sculpture park nationwide by USA Today readers, this 300-acre cultural treasure has become an essential part of the Cincinnati region’s artistic landscape. Wilks founded the park with a vision to preserve the beautiful landscape from development. What started as conservation evolved into something much more significant as Wilks began collecting sculptures, creating a space where monumental art could exist in harmony with the natural environment.

The park’s name derives from its iconic centerpiece: the Pyramid House. Once featured in Architectural Digest, it is built largely underground, with its striking glass pyramid rising from the earth. Today, it houses Wilks’ impressive collection of antiquities, including pieces like the remarkable “Seated Scribe,” which dates back to 1550 BCE.

What makes Pyramid Hill truly special is its commitment to artists at all levels. The park showcases over 70 monumental outdoor sculptures by internationally renowned artists while providing exhibition opportunities for regional artists in its gallery museum. Local university students, particularly from UC’s DAAP program, create site-specific installations celebrating International Sculpture Day and Earth Day, often incorporating environmental themes that complement the park’s mission of connecting people to art and nature.

Pyramid Hill attracts more than 30,000 visitors each year, serving as the premier cultural tourist attraction in Butler County. It puts the region on both national and international maps. The park has doubled its staff in recent years, employing local artists while providing summer programs for children and hosting numerous special events that have become beloved community traditions.

None of this would be possible without the steadfast support of ArtsWave donors. Executive Director Sarah Templeton Wilson notes that ArtsWave has been providing steadfast support to the park “before we really had a lot of notoriety…it’s really helped lay a foundation so we can grow.” Operational support has enabled Pyramid Hill to expand programming, employ more staff, and strengthen connections with the broader Cincinnati arts community.

Through the generosity of ArtsWave donors, Pyramid Hill continues to flourish as a place where art, culture, education and nature intersect — a monumental asset that enriches our region and brings people together through the arts.

This blog post is based on content from “Better Know Cincy’s Arts,” featuring Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park and Museum.