Long live rock at the Columbus Main Library
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"Part of the Machine: Rock and Pinball" is at the Main Library through May 22. Photos: Alissa Widman Neese/Axios
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.
