As the largest collection of comics and cartoon art in the world keeps growing, its home – the Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum – must do likewise.
After being closed six months for renovations, the museum reopened on May 23 with a redesigned space. Reimagined galleries and a reworked layout allow for new exhibitions including a new permanent collection.
“We had been thinking that we wanted to redesign and re-curate our permanent collection for a couple of years because it’s such a massive collection,” said Jenny Robb, head curator of comics and cartoon art.
The new permanent exhibition, “The Story of Comics,” chronicles the evolution of comics and cartoon art over more than 400 years through original artwork, interactive elements and themed gallery spaces.
“The exhibition has mini-galleries like ‘Decoding Comics,’ which explores what comics are and the language of comics,” Robb explained.
Items in the exhibition range from works by 18th-century artist and satirist William Hogarth to a collection of manga – which Robb noted is the world’s largest outside of Japan.
“The Story of Comics” includes a gallery dedicated to the beloved “Calvin and Hobbes” artwork of Bill Watterson.
“It’s our most popular collection. We’ve always had a small display, but it’s the most requested, so we decided to expand it to a mini-gallery,” Robb said.
“We’re just delighted to be able to exhibit this original art so people can engage with and experience it.”
The reopening also spotlights noted cartoonist and designer Chris Ware’s international exhibition, “Life is Complicated.” On view until Jan. 3, 2027, the installation was created specifically for the museum, which is hosting the only U.S. presentation of this collection.
“It might be the most beautiful exhibition we’ve ever done. It’s really stunning. [Ware] is a student of the history of cartoons and comics. He’s very serious about the craft,” Robb said.
“He’s designed an immersive experience that feels like you’re walking into a Chris Ware comic.”
The museum will host a special public program featuring Ware on Oct. 17, with additional details to be announced.
Robb said she hopes the expanded offerings will draw more patrons to the museum, which sees about 10,000 visitors per year.
“We really hope to see attendance increase. We hope the new exhibits will give people an incentive to come out and check out our galleries,” she said.
“We hope you look at all the art and laugh, see old friends – characters you remember from growing up, make new connections and discover new things.”
Located on the Ohio State campus in 110 Sullivant Hall, 1813 N. High St., the Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum is free and open to the public from 1-5 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays.
For more information, visit cartoons.osu.edu.
Contact features and entertainment reporter Belinda M. Paschal at bpaschal@dispatch.com.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Billy Ireland museum reopens with redesigned galleries, new exhibits
Reporting by Belinda M. Paschal, Columbus Dispatch / The Columbus Dispatch
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