You have a few hours, and you are looking for something to do. You do not want to go to a sporting event and are interested in learning something but aren’t sure what to do. Since this is Columbus, you have many museums to choose from to visit. This blog will share some popular museums to visit.
The Ohio Statehouse is one of the oldest functioning statehouses in American. Visitors can visit the museum and take tours to learn about history of the building and some tidbit about Ohio itself. There are specials exhibits that are changed a few times a year and at least one is devoted to a different county in Ohio. As this is a functioning statehouse, you can witness government in action by sitting in on a Senate and/or House Chambers session. You may even see the Governor while you are walking the building. This is a great place to visit if you enjoy history, architecture, and/or art.
The Center of Science and Industry (COSI) museum is a great place to visit with family. COSI has many interactive exhibits where kids and adults alike can actively participate and learn. There are special exhibits that change at least once or twice a year and there is even a monthly event called COSI after Dark for 21+ to participate in. Many people enjoy the American Museum of Natural History Dinosaur gallery where you can see a full-size cast of a tyrannosaurs rex and even touch some actual fossils. There’s even a special area call Little Kidscape for young children under that age of six.
The National Veterans Memorial and Museum is quick walk or drive from COSI. The museum, having opened in 2018, is one of the newer museums to Columbus. It is dedicated to all veterans from all branches of service and tells stories and experiences of veterans throughout history. They have a monthly event, Rally Point, that is dedicated to connecting and educating Veterans, Veterans’ families, and those who support Veterans.
For those who enjoy history, the Ohio History Center, the headquarters of the Ohio History Connection (formerly the Ohio Historical Society) is the place to visit. Permanent exhibits are devoted to the history and nature of Ohio. Throughout the year, there are different activities and programs geared towards children, families, and adults. A popular yearly event is Night at the Museum where patrons can interact with different characters that share about how they are connected to Ohio History. During the summer season, the outdoor Ohio Village, allows visitors to visit buildings and artisans to learn about life in 19th Century Ohio.
The Columbus Museum of Art (CMA) has collections of late nineteenth and early twentieth-century American and European modern works of art. They also have the largest collections of art by local artists such Aminah Brenda Lyn Robinson, Elijah Pierce, and George Bellows. The museum values itself as a place that allows art experiences for anyone. There are open studios that allow visitors to drop in and with supplies and materials provided by the museum, create and possibly learn from local artists.
While there are museums throughout Columbus, the Ohio State University also has some museums that people can visit. One popular museum is the Billy Ireland Library and Museum. The museum houses the world’s largest collection of materials related to cartoons and comics. The museum was featured on CBS Sunday Morning on April 30th where one of the collections were discussed. There are many special events and exhibits that happen throughout the year.
Now that you now about some of Columbus’ museums, get out and explore!
