Best Museums & Art Galleries in Columbus, United States

Columbus, United States, Columbus, Culture & Entertainment, Best Museums & Art Galleries

Best Museums & Art Galleries in Columbus, United States

1. The Columbus Museum of Art

Showcases over 5,000 works from ancient times to contemporary pieces.
  • Diverse Collection: Features artworks from various cultures and periods.
  • Community Engagement: Offers interactive workshops and events for visitors of all ages.
  • Changing Exhibits: Regularly updates exhibitions to keep content fresh.

2. The Wexner Center for the Arts

A unique blend of visual and performing arts in an architecturally significant building.
  • Architectural Marvel: Designed by award-winning architects, the building itself is a work of art.
  • Cutting-Edge Exhibits: Presents contemporary and experimental artworks.
  • Performance Venue: Hosts concerts, dance performances, and film screenings.

3. The Ohio History Center

Explores the rich history of Ohio from prehistoric times to modern day.
  • Interactive Exhibits: Allows visitors to participate in hands-on activities.
  • Resource Library: Provides access to historical documents and artifacts.
  • Ohio Culture Celebration: Celebrates the unique aspects of Ohio's cultural heritage.

4. The Center for African & African American Art & Culture

Preserves and showcases the rich artistic traditions of Africa and its diaspora.
  • Authentic Representation: Features artworks created by African and African American artists.
  • Community Outreach: Provides educational programs and workshops for the community.
  • Cultural Preservation: Promotes understanding and appreciation of African cultures.

5. The Columbus Cultural Arts Center

Offers studio spaces for artists and hosts various art exhibits.
  • Artist Studio Tours: Allows visitors to tour working artist studios.
  • Art Classes: Provides classes for adults and children in various art mediums.
  • Community Art Projects: Participates in community-wide public art projects.

6. The Decorative Arts Center of Ohio

Focuses on decorative arts and design from the 17th century to the present.
  • Historic Perspective: Offers insight into historical decorative arts.
  • Design Education: Provides workshops and classes on various design topics.
  • Changing Exhibits: Regularly updates exhibitions to keep content fresh.

7. The Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

A unique blend of tropical plants, outdoor gardens, and art exhibits.
  • Tropical Paradise: Offers a variety of tropical plant species in its indoor spaces.
  • Outdoor Gardens: Features beautifully landscaped outdoor gardens.
  • Art Integration: Incorporates contemporary art exhibits into its collections.

8. The Riffe Gallery

A public gallery showcasing works by Ohio artists and traveling exhibitions.
  • Ohio Art Showcase: Features artworks created by Ohio artists.
  • Traveling Exhibits: Brings in exhibitions from other museums and galleries.
  • Free Admission: Entrance to the gallery is free to the public.

9. The Sheridan Community Arts Center

A community arts center offering classes, workshops, and exhibits.
  • Community Focus: Serves the local community by providing art education.
  • Art Classes: Offers classes for adults and children in various mediums.
  • Artist Collaboration: Facilitates collaboration among local artists.

10. The King Arts Complex

A cultural arts center dedicated to promoting African American art and culture.
  • Cultural Preservation: Preserves and showcases the rich artistic traditions of African Americans.
  • Community Engagement: Offers workshops, performances, and classes for the community.
  • Artistic Collaboration: Encourages collaboration among artists and art organizations.

11. The Columbus Museum of Textiles & Costume

Explores the history and evolution of textiles and costume design.
  • Textile History: Offers insight into historical textiles and costume design.
  • Design Education: Provides workshops and classes on textile arts.
  • Changing Exhibits: Regularly updates exhibitions to keep content fresh.

12. The Ohio Craft Museum

Celebrates the art of craftmaking and provides educational programs.
  • Craft Education: Offers classes and workshops in various craft mediums.
  • Craft Exhibits: Showcases works by local, national, and international artists.
  • Community Engagement: Provides opportunities for community involvement in craft projects.

13. The Columbus College of Art & Design

A leading art and design university with a public gallery.
  • Artistic Education: Offers undergraduate and graduate programs in various art disciplines.
  • Student Showcase: Displays student works in the public gallery.
  • Community Outreach: Provides workshops and classes for the community.

14. The Columbus Metropolitan Library Art Exhibits

Hosts rotating exhibitions of works by local artists in various library locations.
  • Community Accessibility: Makes art accessible to the community through library locations.
  • Local Artists Showcase: Features works by local artists in various mediums.
  • Free Admission: Entrance to the exhibits is free with a library card.

15. The John Glenn Columbus International Airport Art Program

Displays contemporary artworks throughout the airport for travelers to enjoy.
  • Traveler Engagement: Provides a unique cultural experience for travelers.
  • Local Artists Showcase: Features works by local artists in various mediums.
  • Art Accessibility: Makes art accessible to a wide audience, including travelers.