Location: Columbus
Top Things to do in Columbus
Top 10 Museums in Columbus, Ohio (OH)
Ohio’s capital city is full of beautiful neighborhoods, a critically acclaimed food scene and top-ranked attractions. This creative-minded destination offers something for everyone. Families will enjoy COSI, the nationally known science center, as well as the Columbus zoo and its neighboring water park. Art lovers will savor the collections at the Columbus Museum of Art and revel in Gallery Hop, a monthly celebration in the Short North Art District. Columbus is a city that invites exploration.
Restaurants in Columbus
1. The Jubilee Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 124 reviews
A preservation of Catholic Church art and traditions salvaged from individuals and churches and schools that have closed. as well as a large collection of Bibles from 1558 and on, oil paintings, four working pipe organs, statuary, historic vestments from the Holy Land and many other treasures of the Catholic mind and memory.
2. Glass Axis
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 50 reviews
What began as a traveling hot shop over 25 years ago has become a 12,700 square feet non-profit glass art studio, with over 100 members, a gallery, and a mission dedicated to teaching and education. First experience classes give anyone an opportunity to play with fire and have a hands-on hot, warm, or cold glass art experience.
3. Wagner-Hagans Auto Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 170 reviews
We do not have regular hours. We do tours by appointment only. Due to my employment situation we do tours in the evenings and weekends.
Reviewed By gerasimp2019
Steve is a wonderful person! I’ve come all the way from Bulgaria and so far I’ve enjoyed his museum the most in Columbus. The collection is really nice and the combination of his classic american cars from the 50-60s, his very rare license plates, signs and items is a perfect combo and creates an unforgettable experience. He knows his stuff and he will be glad to give you a tour.
4. Pizzuti Collection
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 10 reviews
The Pizzuti Collection is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering cultural understanding and educational exchange by championing a diversity of voices from around the globe. We present an exciting range of exhibitions drawn from a collection of paintings, sculpture, film, photography, drawings, and prints that has been ranked as one of the top in the world. We also offer educational programs, lectures, artist talks, and special events throughout the year designed to deeply engage audiences in contemporary arts.
5. Studios on High Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7 reviews
Columbus' premiere artist-owned-and-operated gallery is located in the heart of the city's energetic Short North Arts District. Studios on High is a juried gallery of 22 exceptional, local artists. A unique blend of fine art and craft, visitors will delight in artists creating works on-site in oil, watercolors, mosaics, ceramics, jewelry, wearables and sculpture.
6. Center of Science and Industry (COSI)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,427 reviews
The Center of Science and Industry (COSI), located in Columbus, Ohio, is a dynamic, hands-on science center with more than 55 years of award-winning expertise in providing engaging, inspiring, and transforming learning experiences. From hands-on interactive exhibits in themed exhibition areas, and state-of-the-art planetarium, to traveling and education outreach programs, COSI delivers science and science educational experiences both in its building and far beyond its walls. With unprecedented and one-of-a-kind partnerships, including with the New York City-based American Museum of Natural History (AMNH), COSI has positioned itself as a national powerhouse museum with content and experiences for people of all ages. Located in Central Ohio, COSI stands as a leading cultural institution and destination attraction for regional, national, and international audiences. For more information on COSI's reopening and COVID-19 policies, please visit cosi.org.
Reviewed By JackieM125 - Toronto, Canada
COSI is definitely a place you have to visit, we were so impressed with how much there is to do and we could have easily spent a few days there. I loved how well laid out the center is so that you can easily go from exhibit to exhibit without getting lost in a maze. We loved the Dinosaur Gallery with awesome replicas, real and cast fossils. We entered Lost Egypt with its stunning artifacts including a real mummy and sarcophagus! The Oceans area is visually stunning, one side was like being on board an interactive submarine and the other side was a totally hands on Neptune themed water play area. It has to be seen to believed with all the watery, cavernous detail that kids and adults will love. A really cool area was Progress which depicted a life like reconstruction of a typical street corner during the turn of the 20th century. Then you turn the corner and the exact same street corner is updated to the 1950s. It was so interesting to experience how transportation, communication and technology have changed over the past century. Gadgets is a terrific hands on area with tonnes of experiments and simple machines. There are experiment labs that are first come first serve which book up quickly, so I recommend checking that out earlier in the visit. There is also Planetarium on the upper level showing spectacular films inside the 60 foot dome. It is a great place to take a mid visit break and check out any of the eye-catching, cinematic gems. There are some great outdoor areas to see too like the courtyard with any larger kid-friendly experiments and a beautiful, new playground just outside the main entrance. The amenities like the Atomic Cafe had tasty, healthy food options for all ages that were very reasonably priced and the huge gift shop had fun and educational mementos. Needless to say COSI does not disappoint and would definitely consider the annual membership as it is a great visit anytime of the year, rain or shine. Thanks COSI
7. Ohio History Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 242 reviews
The history of Ohio from the Ice Age to the present is chronicled inside this architecturally interesting concrete and glass structure, housing a vast collection of artifacts, exhibits on everything from ancient Indian cultures to industrial progress and archives documenting early settlers' daily lives. Current Exhibits Ohio–Champion of Sports 1950s: Building the American Dream Ohio Through Time World War I Era Display The Great Collections Experiment Follow the Flag Following in Ancient Footsteps Buildings, Places & Spaces The Nature of Ohio
Reviewed By S8954QBbarbarab - Columbus, United States
We were thrilled to partake in another Civil War weekend at the Ohio Village. Re -enactors set up camp and interacted with visitors, sutlers sold period toys and clothes, and a battle was held. There were some scheduled talks as well. They do this event I believe just every other year now so check it out the next opportunity as it is great for all ages.
8. Drainage Hall of Fame
9. Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,607 reviews
A botanical landmark just two miles east of downtown Columbus, Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens features exotic plant collections and displays, seasonal exhibitions, outdoor gardens (including community and culinary gardens) and a variety of educational programming. All set within the 88-acre Franklin Park. Inspired by horticulture, Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens elevates quality of life and connects the community through educational, cultural and social experiences. All ages can partake in a variety of special events and activities throughout the year. A full menu of classes, workshops and camps are offered in gardening, cooking, fine art and wellness. With its natural surroundings, both indoors and out, the Conservatory serves as a premier venue for special events and corporate gatherings.
Reviewed By 612BarbaraH612 - Worcester, United States
The botanical garden is a small portion of Franklin Park, so you have the opportunity to wander the grounds outside the botanical garden in addition to enjoying the outside gardens and indoor exhibits of the botanical garden itself. There's a very nice children's garden, a small formal garden area with a beautiful sculpture, an area devoted to community garden education, a conservatory with a variety of exhibits, a glass blowing demonstration, an excellent gift shop and a cafe. June 1, 2019 marked the start of a Chihuly exhibit that will be throughout the garden areas until the end of March, 2020. We just missed the Chihuly exhibit, but we will return to see it!
10. Orton Geological Museum
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