Located 8 miles south of downtown Hamilton, Ohio lies an unexpected treasure called Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park and Museum. What makes Pyramid Hill such a treasure, beyond its impressive 300+ acre size, is the way in which the 80+ outdoor sculptures are artfully displayed among the bucolic expanse of rolling hills, meadows, lakes, and hiking trails. Connected by a series of easily navigable paths, you are welcome to experience this unique outdoor environment at your own pace. You may also choose between three different modes of transportation: your own vehicle, on foot or stroller/wheelchair, or by Art Cart. The Art Cart is essentially a golf cart that seats four and can be rented for $20 for the first hour and $15 for each additional hour. It is by far the most popular way to explore the park. (Art Carts are available on a first-come first-served basis.) Be sure to allow 3 – 4 hours for your first visit, so as not to miss anything. Leashed pets are also welcome.
Pyramid Hill’s outdoor space alone is well worth the relatively short, 30-minute drive from downtown Cincinnati. However, the park also features an Ancient Sculpture Museum that displays Greek, Roman, Etruscan, Syrian and Egyptian sculptures dating to 1550 B.C. and hosts exhibitions by local, regional and national artists. Currently the museum is only open Sundays and Mondays from 12 PM to 4 PM.
The park is open 365 days a year (weather permitting) during the following hours: Sunday through Wednesday 9 AM to 4 PM and Thursday through Saturday 9 AM to 7 PM. Recently reopened are the Visitor Center and restrooms located at the Pavilion. Be sure to bring your own water and other non-alcoholic beverages as the park water fountains are shut off. You are also welcomed to bring your own food. Please abide by social distancing guidelines, keeping 6 ft. separation. Guests in one carload must be from a single household. Please do not gather in groups of 10 or more inside the park.
Pyramid Hill was originally founded by Harry T. Wilks (1925 – 2014) when he purchased the first 40 acres of land in 1987 and started building his own home, The Pyramid House, and private art collection. Over the years Harry acquired additional artwork and purchased adjacent parcels of land on which to display them. He also built more roads, hiking trails, and small lakes. To protect the land from private development, Harry created a non-profit organization in 1997. Now with more than 30,000 visitors annually, Pyramid Hill serves as the largest cultural tourist attraction in Butler County.
Click here for more information, directions, and to learn more about Harry T. Wilks and his vision to create an accessible, non-profit sculpture park that would combine the beauty of nature with that of art.