Background

The Alan Cottrill Sculpture Studio & Museum, located at 110 South 6th Street in Zanesville, Ohio, serves as both the working studio and gallery for renowned sculptor Alan Cottrill, who has been creating cast-bronze works since purchasing the space in 2003. Housing over 400 bronze sculptures—including more than 60 at life-size or larger—the facility displays Cottrill’s complete body of work, from early maquettes and nudes studied at institutions like the National Academy of Design to monumental pieces like historical figures, animals, military tributes, and installations such as “The Ascent of Humanity.” Visitors can observe the artist sculpting clay most afternoons, watch artisans prepare pieces for casting at a nearby foundry founded by Cottrill in 1994, and explore educational plaques detailing each sculpture’s inspiration and process, often written by his daughter Sarah.

Spanning two floors plus outdoor sidewalk displays, the museum features diverse bronzes like Jesse Owens with his Olympic medals, a Native American figure atop the building, and unique sarcophagi modeled after Cottrill and his wife, making it the world’s largest exhibition of any living sculptor’s oeuvre. Open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (with some sources noting Sunday closures or seven-day access), entry relies on a suggested donation, and the venue emphasizes interactivity—guests are encouraged to engage with Cottrill, ask about techniques, and witness the full bronze-casting process in an accessible, welcoming environment.

Impression

My intention was not to visit this place on an absolutely perfect Ohio spring day in April. The intention was to walk through the downtown area of Zanesville, capturing some street photographs…but then I saw the sculptures lining the street and noticed the shop was open.

They have a recommendation of $2 for admission – TOTALLY WORTH IT! Read on to see and hear why!

Walking through some of the back streets, I turn the corner around the Dutro car dealership, heading back toward the downtown area I see this string of animal sculptures.

The further and further I go, more and more sculptures to feast your eyes upon.

I walk more and more, almost a full city block of artwork to see.

Approaching the building, I see that it is open, door handles adorned with handles resembling snakes. Grabbing the handles, I pull the handles lightly and see even more, absolutely stunning sculptures.

I turn right and follow the bright light to the work flow. This areas is surrounded by more sculptures. One of the studio artists approach me and ask if I’ve ever been there before. My reply is, no and they proceed to give me the run down of the place.

Maquettes in the back, and 300+ more sculptures upstairs by the steps I saw when I first walked in. Ask any questions, but most importantly – ENJOY.

And enjoy I did.

I tried my best to capture the awesomeness of these sculptures. If you feel anything from this images, that is great – but I hope that it motives you to visit and see them, experience them for yourself.

We are talking about a truly master artist at work here.

Most of the works are life size or larger. The level of accuracy and detail is amazing and astonishing.

If you are in the Zanesville area, this is a must stop. Go in, see all this awesome art, contribute to the artist. Just wish I had stopped in sooner!