
Cultural & Historical Destinations in Columbus, United States
1. Ohio History Center
Explore Ohio's rich history at this premier museum, featuring interactive exhibits and artifacts spanning prehistoric to modern times.
- Unique Artifacts: Houses the largest collection of Ohio-related artifacts in the world.
- Interactive Exhibits: Allows visitors to experience history hands-on, making learning fun and engaging.
- Research Library: Offers access to over 10,000 books, maps, photographs, and other resources for those interested in Ohio history.
2. Columbus Museum of Art
A world-class art museum featuring American and European works from the 14th century to the present.
- Diverse Collections: Showcases a wide range of art styles, from classical to contemporary.
- Free Admission: Enjoy the museum's offerings without an admission fee on Sundays.
- Art School and Camps: Offers art classes for all ages, fostering creativity in the community.
3. Thurber House
The childhood home of author James Thurber, now a museum and creative writing center.
- Literary Legacy: Preserves the legacy of a beloved American writer.
- Writing Workshops: Provides opportunities for aspiring writers to hone their skills.
- Historic Home Tour: Offers guided tours of the house, providing insights into Thurber's life and work.
4. Wagner-Hagans Auto Museum
One of the largest privately owned car museums in the United States featuring over 300 antique and classic cars.
- Vintage Cars: Features a vast collection of rare and unique automobiles.
- Rotating Exhibits: Regularly updates exhibits to keep visitors engaged and excited.
- Restoration Garage: Dedicated team restores cars on-site, providing insights into the process.
5. Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
World-renowned zoo featuring over 10,000 animals and a focus on conservation efforts.
- Animal Conservation: Committed to protecting endangered species through breeding programs and habitat restoration projects.
- Zoorassic Park: A dinosaur exhibit featuring life-size animatronic dinosaurs, providing a unique experience for visitors.
- Stingray Bay: Allows visitors to touch and feed stingrays in a safe and controlled environment.
6. Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
Tropical gardens filled with exotic plants from around the world, including a stunning glasshouse.
- Changing Floral Displays: Regularly updates floral displays to showcase new and unique plant species.
- Scattered Glasshouses: Includes several glasshouses, each featuring different climates and environments.
- Conservation Efforts: Works to protect and preserve rare and endangered plant species through conservation programs.
7. Columbus Metropolitan Library
A network of libraries offering books, digital resources, and programming for all ages.
- Extensive Digital Resources: Provides access to thousands of e-books, audiobooks, and streaming services.
- Community Programming: Offers a wide variety of programs for adults, teens, and children, promoting lifelong learning.
- Multilingual Services: Provides resources in multiple languages to accommodate diverse communities.
8. Columbus African American & Arts and Culture Center
A museum dedicated to preserving and promoting the history, arts, and culture of African Americans in Columbus.
- Permanent Exhibits: Features exhibits showcasing the rich history of African Americans in Columbus.
- Art Gallery: Displays works by local and national African American artists.
- Community Programming: Offers educational programs, workshops, and events for all ages.
9. Columbus Military Museum
A museum dedicated to preserving the history of the military in Ohio and the United States.
- Military Artifacts: Features a vast collection of military artifacts, including uniforms, weapons, and vehicles.
- Interactive Exhibits: Allows visitors to experience military history through interactive exhibits.
- Veterans Memorial: Honors the service and sacrifices of Ohio's veterans with a moving memorial exhibit.
10. Columbus Symphony Orchestra
A professional orchestra that performs classical music in Columbus.
- Classical Music Performances: Offers a variety of classical music performances throughout the year.
- Educational Programs: Provides educational programs, including workshops and youth orchestras.
- Community Concerts: Performs free concerts in community parks during the summer months.
11. Columbus Arts Festival
Annual arts festival featuring visual art, music, and performances.
- Visual Art Exhibits: Showcases works by local, national, and international artists.
- Live Music Performances: Features performances by a variety of musical acts.
- Artistic Workshops: Offers workshops and demonstrations for visitors to learn about various art forms.
12. Columbus Folk Music Center
A non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting traditional folk music.
- Concert Series: Hosts concerts featuring renowned folk musicians.
- Folk Music Education: Offers workshops, classes, and camps for those interested in learning about folk music.
- Community Events: Hosts events such as jam sessions, open mics, and potlucks to foster a sense of community among folk musicians.
13. Columbus Arts Castle
A historic building turned arts center, offering classes, exhibitions, and performances.
- Historic Building: Housed in a beautifully restored Victorian-era castle.
- Art Classes and Workshops: Offers classes in various art forms, including painting, sculpture, and photography.
- Exhibitions: Showcases works by local, national, and international artists.
14. Columbus Landmarks Foundation
A non-profit organization dedicated to preserving Columbus's historic buildings and neighborhoods.
- Historic Preservation: Works to preserve Columbus's historic buildings and neighborhoods.
- Tours: Offers tours of Columbus's historic buildings and neighborhoods.
- Educational Programs: Provides educational programs about Columbus's history and architecture.
15. Columbus Underground
An online publication covering arts, culture, and lifestyle in Columbus.
- Local News and Events Coverage: Covers local news, events, and trends related to arts, culture, and lifestyle.
- Community Engagement: Encourages community engagement by featuring user-generated content.
- Resource for Visitors: Provides valuable information for tourists interested in Columbus's arts and cultural scene.