THE 10 BEST Columbus Museums
Museums in Columbus
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69 places sorted by traveler favorites
- Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.
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What travelers are saying
- NOLAZ3 contributionsHard to put into words just how beautiful the gardens are. And it was locals Sunday so very crowded but well managed...The tulips were in full bloom and be sure to visit the butterfly garden. Just next door you could see the cherry blossom trees also blooming...Gorgeous....Lots of ,crafts for the kids...Would recommend all to go see.Written April 7, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Julie WBrunswick, OH49 contributionsThis was our second time at COSI. We haven’t been here since 2019.
It was Spring Break so a little more crowded for a Monday but it was fine. The parking garage was very busy right at 10, but once in check in was easy.
We primarily went for the Titanic exhibit. I love that they make guests select a time and it helps spread out guests. We all received a passenger ticket and at the end we found out if our passenger survived. These artifacts are amazing to see in person. We absolutely loved the exhibit with sets that made you feel you were on Titanic.
Our family enjoyed the eclipse show at the Planetarium, Progress City, Water, and Gadgets. Some of the exhibits have not changed since last time we there but our kids didn’t remember that.
They could improve their cafe experience from ordering to checkout, plus the costs for food were extremely high, and if I was from in town I would have packed.
Overall our kids had a great time.Written March 25, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Jacob P0 contributionsGreat place. Definitely worth a trip. Would also be good with kids. Try to solve the hidden puzzles. Spent about 2 hours and could have spent more for the puzzles, but brute forced the last few clues.Written May 11, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- JamesRoswell, NM13 contributionsHad a great experience here. The kids learned a lot during the trip and will come back soon hopefully next year when the weather is better.Written December 19, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Clyde HLondon, OH43 contributionsState history museums are wonderful, displaying the state's mist treasured artifacts. Ohio's is no different. Being a veteran I particularly appreciated the military history sections. Ohio Village is always a treat as well.Written September 3, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Angela S2 contributionsWe drove from Illinois to see the nativity sets at Christmastime. We saw sets of just 3 pieces all the way to the Fontanini set of hundreds of pieces. We also got in on a tour - highly recommended - where we heard more of the story behind some of the displays. The displays are fascinating and I learned a few things.Written December 12, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- HameliaColumbus, Ohio73 contributionsAlthough we’re central Ohio residents, my husband and I had never visited the National Veterans Memorial & Museum (NVMM) until last week. We found our visit to be educational, touching, and very rewarding.
Know that this isn’t a museum you can appreciate by just “breezing through.” There aren’t a ton of GEE WHIZ works of art or numerous battlefield relics, although there are a number of artifacts. This is a museum that invites you to slow down, read informational panels, listen to audio clips, and watch excellent videos. The main exhibition hall consists of two different parts: on the right-hand side is a series of small alcoves, each of which concerns a specific part of the veteran’s experience, such as enlisting, leaving home, finding a purpose, experiencing battle. The left-hand wall has a timeline of America’s wars, starting in 1775.
In each case, what could have been dry and cursory becomes alive and involving. If you merely walk by and look at the photos, you won’t be engaged by this, but any time you spend reading, listening or watching rewards you.
At the end of this curving gallery is a separate display of wartime letters dating from the time of George Washington to the present. Each is presented in a showcase along with a headset so you can listen to the text — useful when the writing isn’t so clear. We didn’t have as much time as I’d have liked to listen to every letter, but I hope to return for that sometime.
The lower level features temporary exhibitions. In our case it was “A Midshipman’s Journey,” a series of paintings by a woman who graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy a few years ago, here depicting the experiences of her and other students at the school. It was an unexpected and delightful presentation.
My husband and I spent 2-1/2 hours at the museum, and we could have spent more. We’ll return. We also didn't have a chance to visit the Memorial Grove, a tree-shaded sanctuary a few steps from the building itself, so that will have to await a second visit.
This isn’t really a museum for kids — it’s one in which you need to deliberately slow your pace and spend time digesting the material presented. Stories are very well told here, and the emphasis is on the experiences of the regular people who have served in the military, not those who set policy. If you’re willing to put in the effort with this museum, you’ll be well rewarded.
Be sure to admire the view of the Scioto River waterfront from here; you can walk a bit above the second floor terrace to have a panorama, or just take a few steps outside the museum's front door.Written August 31, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - ms julieDobson, NC87 contributionsUsual old apparatus, insurance badging, fire pictures, bell tower. The heartmobile was very unique. The best is the education section. The Burned Items Room and the Safety Kitchen was well done. The Safe Bedroom and other rooms would definitely be an eye opener and make you think.Written September 19, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- JumeirahJennyColumbus, OH618 contributionsI visited the museum to see the Celebrating Sparky: Charles M. Schultz and Peanuts exhibit. The museum is a hidden gem. It’s free to visit and offers a variety of cartoons to look at. Be sure to pick-up the handout on the counter. It’s very informative and explains the different styles of cartoons and drawing techniques.Written October 26, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- out-of-here-arizonaSun City West, AZ222 contributionsThis museum is on the grounds of Ohio State University. The museum tells about Jack's life from his birth to his growing up and his numerous accomplishments as a professional golfer. This museum is well worth taking the time to visit.Written September 4, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- brewColumbus_GeorgiaColumbus, GA1,238 contributionsA place really where you can buy crafts that other people have made. There was a children’s workshop down stairs but unsure of what wonderful thing they were making. They were in the middle of a new exhibit being installed.Written August 1, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- American Eskimo2,721 contributionsStopped in to see what the new exposition was at the Ohio Arts Council Riffe Gallery. Very well planned display of many pieces covering a variety of media. The staff is a pleasure to answer any questions and point out some exhibition features one could easily miss.Written January 31, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Porthos7West Chester, OH6,320 contributionsReally cool little art museum. The collection would be considered avant garde. You'll need under an hour. Go and enjoy!Written February 28, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Kurt J1 contributionMeeting ceramics artist Jennifer Jolley Brown was a thrill. She explained her process of Roku ceramics firing and how she created the beautiful vase I purchased as a house warming gift for friends.Written March 1, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Cheri DYardville, NJ464 contributionsVery small museum so if you are looking for a lot more, you will be disappointed. However, there really is much to see with some quite important collections located here. It is free on the campus of Ohio State University, but you will probably have to pay for parking in the nearby parking deck just a short walk away.Written June 20, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Columbus
- These places are best for museums in Columbus:
- Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
- COSI Center of Science and Industry
- Otherworld
- Columbus Museum of Art
- Ohio History Center
- These are the best places for kid-friendly museums in Columbus:
- Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
- Columbus Museum of Art
- COSI Center of Science and Industry
- Otherworld
- Ohio History Center
- These are the best places for couples seeking museums in Columbus:
- Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
- Columbus Museum of Art
- COSI Center of Science and Industry
- Glass Axis
- Columbus Museum of Art at The Pizzuti
- These are the best places for groups seeking museums in Columbus:
- Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
- COSI Center of Science and Industry
- Central Ohio Fire Museum
- These are the best places for budget-friendly museums in Columbus:
- Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
- Columbus Museum of Art
- The Museum of Catholic Art and History
- Ohio History Center
- National Veterans Memorial and Museum