The Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum at Ohio State University reopened on May 23 after six months of renovations, featuring redesigned galleries and a new permanent collection titled "The Story of Comics." This exhibition spans over 400 years of cartoon art history, including works by William Hogarth, a large manga collection, and a dedicated mini-gallery for Bill Watterson's "Calvin and Hobbes." A special exhibition by cartoonist Chris Ware, "Life is Complicated," is on display until January 2027, with a public program featuring Ware scheduled for October 17.
The reopening matters because the Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum holds the largest collection of comics and cartoon art in the world, and the renovation allows it to better showcase its vast holdings to the public. The new permanent exhibition and Ware's immersive installation aim to increase attendance, which currently stands at about 10,000 visitors per year, by offering deeper engagement with the history and craft of cartooning. The museum's free admission and location on the Ohio State campus make it an accessible cultural resource for both scholars and the general public.