Restoration Begins on George Sugarman’s ‘Cincinnati Story’ at Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park

A beloved piece of southwest Ohio’s art history is getting a refresh. Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum in Hamilton has launched a months-long conservation of “Cincinnati Story,” a bold and colorful outdoor sculpture created by artist George Sugarman.

Originally installed in downtown Cincinnati in the early 1980s, the 46-piece work was inspired by the waterways that shape the region. Its bright metal ribbons twist and bend like the rivers and tributaries found across southwest Ohio, and jets in a pool underneath the sculpture allow water to flow through the metal bends of the artwork. The sculpture was moved to Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum in 1999 when the park’s founder Harry T. Wilks took interest in the piece and local supporters helped it make the move. 

On Nov. 11, crews will begin disassembling the sculpture before sending it to a specialized restoration facility in Virginia. There, conservation experts will work to restore its structure and original coloring, ensuring the piece looks much like it did when it first debuted.

“The restoration of ‘Cincinnati Story’ will allow our staff an invaluable experience to learn about sculpture conservation from some of the best in the world,” said Patrick Walkenhorst, the park’s associate director of operations, in a Nov. 7 press release. “Not only will we see this piece brought back to life, but the knowledge gained will inform restorations of other sculptures at the park, enhancing our entire collection.”

The sculpture will return to its spot at the Overlook Patio in spring 2026, with a public rededication event planned to coincide with Pyramid Hill’s annual International Sculpture Day celebration in April.

“This restoration reflects Pyramid Hill’s ongoing commitment to the preservation of outdoor sculpture and public art,” said Sarah Templeton Wilson, the park’s executive director, in the same release. “‘Cincinnati Story’ has been a favorite piece at the park for over two decades and is an important piece of history for the area. We know visitors will be excited to see the original colors and forms envisioned by Sugarman.”

For more information about Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum, visit pyramidhill.org.

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