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COSI, Columbus, OH

Photo: Brant Jones, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and resized.

MuseumsFamily FavoriteRainy-Day Pick

COSI

333 W Broad St · Columbus, OH

Why you should go…

COSI, the Center of Science and Industry, fills a curved concrete building by architect Arata Isozaki that incorporates the front of the former Central High School. Inside you move through themed halls such as Ocean, Space, Energy Explorers, Life and Gadgets, most of them built around things to touch and try. The Dinosaur Gallery was developed with the American Museum of Natural History, and there is a 220-seat planetarium plus a little kidspace for younger children.

  • #science museum
  • #planetarium
  • #dinosaur gallery
  • #kids activities
  • #hands-on exhibits

Good to know

General museums guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Check the special exhibition separately

    Touring shows usually carry their own ticket and their own opening hours, listed apart from general admission.

  • Look for the free window

    Many museums run community days, member evenings, or discounted late openings. It is worth a look before you pay full price.

  • Travel light through the door

    Large bags and backpacks often have to go to a coat check, and lines for it move slowly at opening.

  • Weekday mornings beat weekend afternoons

    School groups clear out by early afternoon midweek, while weekends stay busy from late morning on.

What's around here?

The closest stops to COSI, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Sightseeing
    History Buff

    German Village

    Free

    Walk brick-paved streets lined with restored red-brick homes, then browse the shops, restaurants and Schiller Park.

    1.2 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Attractions
    Family Favorite

    Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

    $25–$50

    Glasshouse biomes, outdoor botanical gardens, a children's garden and Chihuly glass art inside Franklin Park.

    2.9 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Sightseeing
    Iconic

    Ohio Stadium

    $25–$50

    See the Horseshoe, Ohio State's 1922 football stadium, with its Pantheon-style rotunda and stained glass murals.

    3.0 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Museums
    Iconic

    National Museum of the U.S. Air Force

    Free

    Walk through four huge hangars holding more than 360 aircraft and missiles, from Wright brothers artifacts to Air Force One.

    60 mi awayMore like this

  • Museums
    History Buff

    Carillon Historical Park

    Under $25

    A 65-acre open-air history museum with the 1905 Wright Flyer III, historic buildings and a 151-foot carillon.

    65 mi awayMore like this

  • Museums
    History Buff

    Armstrong Air & Space Museum

    Under $25

    See Neil Armstrong's Gemini VIII spacecraft, spacesuits and an Apollo 11 moon rock in his Ohio hometown.

    74 mi awayMore like this