Cultural & Historical Destinations in Columbus, United States

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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.