16 Top-Rated Museums in Columbus, Ohio

Author Anietra Hamper is a Columbus, Ohio, native and has authored two books on the best experiences and attractions in the city.

While Columbus is a fun town to explore by getting out and about, some of the best things to do are inside the museums throughout the city. Whether you are into science, art, history, sports, or nostalgia, there's a museum to visit that will satisfy every interest.

Columbus museums continue to evolve. Most of the museums feature unique permanent exhibits and have an active roster of touring exhibitions throughout the year. Some of the newer museums in Columbus celebrate the pop culture side of Columbus, with virtual reality and Instagram-worthy exhibits, making them quick stops to add to multi-day itineraries. Some of the museums even have restaurants inside or nearby that complement the theme or the visit.

For museum highlights and ideas on what to see, check out our list of the best museums in Columbus.

1. Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

Even if you do not have a green thumb, you will enjoy walking through the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, which is one of the most prized museums in the city. The greenhouses and gardens take you on a journey from the desert to the rainforest and the Pacific Islands.

There are more than 400 species of plants in the greenhouses and gardens, including a spectacular Palm House, which is a popular backdrop for local weddings. The 88-acre complex is accented with glass sculptures by renowned artist Dale Chihuly. This is one of the top parks in Columbus, with lots of outdoor gardens that make a great backdrop for a picnic.

The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children's Garden outside is a two-acre adventure course for children to explore and appreciate Ohio's landscape. Seasonal exhibits are popular and worth a look to see what's on display during your time in Columbus. The spring Blooms & Butterflies exhibit is one of the best, as guests get to enjoy the conservatory while walking among hundreds of newly emerged and colorful butterflies.

If you have more time to visit, you can take a glass-blowing, painting, or cooking class at the museum. Be sure to plan time for lunch at the Garden Cafe in the central atrium, where you can taste seasonal creations made from locally sourced products.

Address: 1777 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio

2. Center of Science and Industry (COSI)

The Center of Science and Industry, more affectionately known as COSI, is one of the most well-known and beloved museums in Columbus and one of the top things to do with kids in the city. While the hands-on exhibits like the Big Science Park, which lets visitors lift a 2,437-pound car, and the American Museum of Natural History Dinosaur Gallery are popular with kids, adults love the interactive learning, too.

Two must-experience features at COSI are the electrostatic generator, which makes your hair stand on end, and the High Wire Unicycle, which lets you ride across an 84-foot cable suspended two stories above the ground.

The museum is the backdrop for community events throughout the year, including the family-friendly First Night Columbus New Year's Eve celebration. If you or the kids need a snack, check out COSI's Atomic Café, which has a variety of quick bites to help keep up your energy for more exploration.

Address: 333 West Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio

3. Columbus Museum of Art

The Columbus Museum of Art specializes in a mix of art appreciation, from American and European works from the 19^th and early 20^th centuries to contemporary works that include sculptures, paintings, photography, wood carvings, and glass.

The museum has the world's largest display of works by Elijah Pierce, George Bellows, and Aminah Robinson, all international artists from Columbus. You can tap into your inner artist in the Wonder Room, where you can create your own masterpieces to be displayed next to famous textile artists.

One of the newest additions to the Columbus Museum of Art is the Pizzuti Collection, which was a stand-alone showcase for global contemporary artists in Columbus for many years housed in another location. Now, art enthusiasts can see various works from that collection while visiting this museum.

An exciting way to experience the museum is during one of the many community events held in the atrium, like jazz performances, lectures, and festivals. The museum has free admission on Sundays. Stay for lunch to enjoy the Schokko Café on the main level, where the entrées and sandwiches are as creative as the displayed artwork.

Address: 480 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio

4. Ohio History Center

The Ohio History Center and Ohio Village are two of the most memorable visits you can make in Columbus, and both are located in the same complex. The Ohio History Center has interactive exhibits that bring Ohio's history to life, from the rich background of sports in the state to anthropological discoveries in the Ohio landscape.

You get a fascinating education on the inventions created in the Buckeye State, with the context of what the pop culture scene was doing across the country at different periods in history. The outdoor Ohio Village is a living history museum that takes you back to village life in Ohio in the late 1800s.

Dress up in vintage costumes for an old-fashioned photo, learn how the blacksmith makes horseshoes, or give a speech from the steps of Town Hall with scripts modeled after mid-19th-century language.

Address: 800 East 17^thAvenue, Columbus, Ohio

5. National Veterans Memorial and Museum

The National Veterans Memorial and Museum is one of the newest museums in Columbus, with a national designation and a new kind of visitor experience. The museum provides insight into the front lines of combat from the personal perspectives of American war veterans.

Exhibits use multimedia experiences and share letters and photos from veterans and their families throughout the decades. There are permanent and temporary exhibits in the national museum, which was created to honor all U.S. military veterans.

Be sure to stroll along the Memorial Grove, which is landscaped with elm trees, and take a moment to visit the rooftop sanctuary honoring the military members killed in combat. The museum also hosts fun events, like USO-Style dance evenings on the rooftop and ceremonies for veterans throughout the year that are open to the public.

Address: 300 West Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio

6. Thurber House

The Thurber House is a Columbus literary institution honoring the life and career of cartoonist James Thurber. You can walk the narrow hallways of the Thurber House to see where the humorist spent much of his time creating his works of literature.

The second floor of the house has memorabilia relating to Thurber's personal and professional life and his bedroom and office. The closet inside the bedroom has the signatures of local artists who have spoken at the Thurber House, including Planetware.com contributor and local Columbus author, Anietra Hamper.

While the Thurber House is a treasure to visit at any time, one of the most special ways to experience it is during an Evening with Authors event or the Summer Literary Picnic Series, which both spotlight authors' recent works. The Thurber House is on the National Register of Historic Places and instills an appreciation for creativity and literature.

Address: 77 Jefferson Avenue, Columbus, Ohio

7. Otherworld

An immersive museum that embraces the futuristic virtual world and new technology is Otherworld. This unique concept museum is a 32,000-square-foot art installation designed to be an immersive experience for visitors who walk into a world of fantasy.

Otherworld has 47 rooms with different themes designed to combine the virtual and digital worlds in a wild mix of designs, colors, and realities. The rooms and bioluminescent dreamscapes take you through experiences like unusual flora and abstract light as you pass through playgrounds to secret passageways.

This concept is described as alternate realm tourism. The large-scale art and mixed-reality exhibits were built by a team of 40 artists with unique backgrounds bringing together expertise in the fields of animation, programming, sculpting, and other artistic genres, upping the level of creativity for this museum experience.

Address: 5819 Chantry Drive, Columbus, Ohio

8. Wagner-Hagans Auto Museum

This popular museum for car enthusiasts is a hidden treasure in Columbus. Most people have never heard of the Wagner-Hagans Auto Museum, but those who have discovered it know that it is one of the most fascinating museums in the city.

The galleries showcase an unusual license plate collection, pre-war military jeeps, neon signs, and old gas pumps. Throughout the museum, you will find fascinating pieces of auto-industry trivia and information about Ohio's role in automotive history.

Beyond the exhibits are interesting stories by the museum's curator and owner, Steve Wagner, which help visitors relate history to the present day. Exhibits change regularly, so each visit is like the first.

The car collection features many originals, and visitors get in-depth information on each car's design and how it was chosen for the museum. This is a small museum, so you will need to call to arrange a tour.

Address: 476 E. Kossuth Street, Columbus, Ohio

9. Central Ohio Fire Museum

Step inside the 1908 restored firehouse, now the Central Ohio Fire Museum, to get a glimpse of firefighting through the decades. One of the most compelling exhibits is the Burned Items Display, which demonstrates the dangers of fire with artifacts retrieved from house fires.

The museum's primary focus is fire safety education, so an interactive 9-1-1 simulator experience is offered for visitors, along with fire safety classes. The museum shows fire protection through the years, from vintage helmets and badges to firefighting equipment.

Compare the early horse-drawn fire trucks to the later model motorized versions. There is a kids' play area and a gift shop with unique items related to firefighting.

Address: 260 N. 4^thStreet, Columbus, Ohio

10. Jack Nicklaus Museum

If you love the game of golf, the Jack Nicklaus Museum is a must. The museum is dedicated to the life and career of Columbus native and golf legend Jack Nicklaus. You will see collections of golf memorabilia and a life timeline of one of the game's most successful and influential players. There are more than 2,000 pieces in the museum's collection.

The galleries highlight the personal history of Nicklaus, including glimpses into his childhood and insight into his professional sports career with more than one hundred competition wins. The Memorial Tournament Gallery showcases artifacts from this prestigious annual local tournament.

If you have extra time during your visit to Columbus, you may want to complement your visit to the Jack Nicklaus Museum with a round of golf at Nicklaus' course at the Muirfield Village Golf Club.

Address: 2355 Olentangy River Road, Columbus, Ohio

11. Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum

The Billy Ireland Cartoon Library and Museum is located on the Ohio State University Campus and has the largest collection of magazines; archives; artwork; comics; and newspapers related to comics, cartoons, and graphic novels in the world.

While this is a research facility, it is also a museum dedicated to the preservation and education of this genre. There are several collections of original artworks, including more than 200,000 original cartoons.

If you are a comic book fan, you will appreciate the vast collection of 9,500 underground comic books in the facility. In addition to the 2.5 million comic strip newspaper clippings and other permanent collections, there are exhibits and events that change regularly.

Address: 1858 Neil Avenue, Columbus, Ohio

12. Glass Axis

If you have an appreciation for glass artwork or even just a curiosity, the Glass Axis is a must-see during your museum visit to Columbus. This non-profit museum doubles as an art studio and gallery known for its classes.

Learn about the techniques involved in creating hot glass, fused glass, blown glass, and more by walking through the galleries. Glass Axis hosts revolving exhibits that highlight the various glass art specialties.

Stop in for a public glassblowing demonstration from member artists or register for a class if you have more time to learn glass art techniques for yourself. Glass Axis hosts a number of public events throughout the year, which are great times to visit. The gift shop is full of unique glass products, from jewelry to home décor.

Address: 610 W. Town Street, Columbus, Ohio

13. Orton Geological Museum

If you do not know what a Cryolophosaurus Ellioti is then a visit to the Orton Geological Museum is in order. This little-known museum is located on the Ohio State University campus.

It is a research facility that specializes in geological preservation, with more than 54,000 specimens, which include dinosaur relics and earth minerals. There is even a mastodon tooth on display.

One of the most popular additions to the museum is a replica of a Cryolophosaurus Ellioti, a 24-foot-long early Jurassic dinosaur fossil. The museum is free and has many collections that will spark your curiosity about Earth's natural history.

Address: 155 S. Oval Mall, Orton Hall Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio

14. Ohio Craft Museum

Many great artists come out of Ohio, and the Ohio Craft Museum showcases a variety of art genres. Walk through the museum to see examples of artwork, from ceramic, fiber, wood, and glass.

There are several permanent collections, including one on clay sculptures and another on creative jewelry. There are exhibitions throughout the year focusing on different types of mediums and artists.

If you have more time or can plan your visit around one of the museum's workshops or classes, it is worth it. You can learn how to create artwork in a new medium like weaving, quits, glass, and more. The Ohio Craft Museum gift shop is a must-visit for one-of-a-kind artistic gifts.

Address: 1665 W. 5^thAvenue, Columbus, Ohio

15. Cultural Arts Center

The Cultural Arts Center is a small museum that showcases visual arts and supports emerging artists. The museum is located inside an old armory, with a gallery that features quite a bit of contemporary art. It is also where exhibitions are held, featuring the works of students who take classes there.

The exhibits change regularly and cover all mediums. The museum is known for its art classes, but if you are only in Columbus for a short visit you might want to plan around a lecture or workshop to add to your experience at the center. Workshops range from creative writing to pottery.

Address: 139 W. Main Street, Columbus, Ohio

16. #Viral Selfie Museum

One of the newest and most unique museums and the first of its kind in Columbus is the #Viral Selfie Museum. The interactive gallery is outfitted with more than 20 exhibits designed to inspire creativity and Instagram-worthy selfies.

Explore the museum's eclectic collection of visual realms, from optical illusions and immersive bright colors to a wide range of props that can enhance your artistic creation.

Address: 1555 N. 4th Street, Columbus, Ohio

Map of Museums in Columbus, Ohio

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