Center of Science and Industry (COSI)
Columbus, OH
A must-see for science buffs of all ages, the Center of Science and Industry (COSI) is one of the top museums in Downtown Columbus. Its more than 300 hands-on exhibits include Ohio’s largest planetarium, the Giant Screen Theater, live shows, and a full-sized cast of a T. Rex skeleton. Tots will enjoy the Paw Patrol play area, while adults can check out collections dedicated to everything from the Titanic disaster to the International Space Station.
The basics
Columbus’ premier science museum, COSI is easy to pair with a walking or bike tour of downtown and its top sights. The museum sits on the Scioto Peninsula along a riverfront park with a splash pad, playground, and outdoor dining areas. Other downtown sights are within walking distance, including the American Museum of Natural History just next door and the Ohio Statehouse and Ohio Theater just across the river.
Things to know before you go
- COSI is particularly family-friendly, with kid-focused exhibits and activities inside the museum and a public park with play and picnic areas just outside.
- The museum complex includes a café and a shop with science-related gifts.
- In addition to the permanent exhibitions, COSI hosts temporary exhibits and events. Check the museum website for a complete calendar.
- There’s a wide range of services for wheelchair users, kids with sensory issues, and visitors with impaired hearing and sight.
How to get there
There are several parking options at COSI, including underground and street-level parking garages just west of the museum. You can also find metered street parking and paid parking lots within a 10-minute walk. If you’re using public transit, a COTA bus line stops nearby.
When to get there
The museum is open Wednesday–Sunday, with extended hours during COSI After Dark and other select dates; it’s closed on some holidays. Crowds hit their peak on the weekends, so visit on a weekday to see the exhibits at a more relaxed pace. The outdoor play area is ideal from spring through fall.
Visiting the top museums in Columbus
The small city of Columbus is home to a surprising number of top-notch museums that draw crowds of locals and tourists all year long. In addition to COSI, other favorites include the Columbus Museum of Art and the galleries at Columbus College of Art & Design. Lovers of contemporary art can visit Otherworld and the Wexner Center for the Arts, while history buffs will especially enjoy Kelton House Museum & Garden and the Ohio History Center.
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