With high vaulted ceilings, smooth marble walls and stately glass atrium, the iconic Old Post Office in Hanover has been a popular local landmark for more than 100 years. 

This year, though, the landmark is taking on a new form: an art gallery. 

“Artists create these works that are very meaningful to them, and it’s really important for them to be able to communicate to other people, by having people actually see it,” said Andy Smith, curator for the Gallery at the Old Post Office.

“We can share online, but most people are seeing those online versions on a tiny phone that’s about 6 inches in size,” he added. “So they’re not really getting that full experience.”

Smith’s wife, Deb, came up with the idea for incorporating an art galley into the Old Post Office after she sought a space for underrepresented artists to showcase their work several years ago. 

Deb Smith, the current social/racial justice coordinator for YWCA Hanover, ended up collaborating with building owner Scott Roland to introduce two YWCA exhibits a year at the space.

“It actually works really well. People can come in and see the artworks and also admire the inside of this beautiful building at the same time,” Andy Smith said.  “I’m certain I can get artists to hang work year-round if Mr. Roland lets us. And he was gracious about letting us use that space year round.”

Thus the Gallery at the Old Post Office was born. The gallery shares space with other businesses, too, Andy Smith added.

The original Renaissance Revival building was designed by James Knox Taylor in 1910 and competed three years later. Taylor also designed the post offices in York and Gettysburg.

Taylor, who designed dozens of government buildings across the United States, was supervising architect of the U.S. Department of Treasury from 1897 to 1912, according to the Pacific Coast Architecture Database.

Hanover’s two-story sandstone/brownstone structure sits was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982, according to Andy Smith. 

The Gallery at the Old Post Office is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Opening receptions for exhibits and additional hours can be found by visiting the Gallery at the Old Post Office Facebook page.

The next exhibit is Dec. 17, with all types of art being accepted. 

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When the gallery first opened, Andy Smith typically approached artists about including their work, though now more artists are aware of the venue and are seeking spots for themselves. 

Andy Smith, as a visual artist himself, understands firsthand the importance of gallery space and community support for arts. 

“It’s really important for the artist themselves,” Andy Smith said, “and I think art is important for the viewer, too.”