The Garden Theater is about to get a little brighter.
On Wednesday, Jan. 21, Short North Stage will unveil a brand-new marquee at the historic theater on High Street, marking a big moment for one of Columbus’ longest-standing arts spaces. The reveal is open to the public and will include the first lighting of the marquee, plus a sneak peek at the theater’s upcoming production of Come From Away.
The Garden Theater first opened in 1920 and has been part of the Short North ever since, surviving decades of change while continuing to serve as a gathering place for live performance. For the past 14 years, it has been home to Short North Stage, a professional theater company focused on accessible, welcoming productions that draw both longtime theatergoers and first-timers.
The new marquee is about visibility as much as aesthetics.
Theater leaders say it will help more people notice what’s happening inside the building, support foot traffic along High Street, and reinforce the Garden’s role as a cultural anchor in the neighborhood.
Community members, arts supporters, and local officials are expected to attend the unveiling, including Columbus City Councilmember Nick Bankston and Short North Alliance president and CEO Betsy Pandora. The project was funded through individual donors and support from the Greater Columbus Arts Council.
For Short North Stage, the marquee represents a step toward the future of the Garden Theater, with plans to continue investing in the space and expanding community engagement. After years of being described as a “best-kept secret,” the theater is ready to be easier to spot.
