The best museums in Columbus in September 2025

These are the top 20 best museums in Columbus, United States, ranked by their rating and popularity in 2025. Click a museum for more information about the museum, including visitor information, exhibitions and reviews.

For a complete overview of museums in Columbus, their exhibitions and discount cards & passes, see our overview page with all museums in Columbus.

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Looking for the best museums in Columbus? These are the best ones:

  1. COSI1

    COSI

     Columbus, OH
    COSI, officially known as the Center of Science and Industry, is a renowned science museum and research center located in Columbus, Ohio. The museum was first opened to the public on the 29th of March, 1964, and has since been a hub for scientific exploration and learning. It offers a wide range of interactive exhibits and educational programs, making it a great destination for tourists interested in science and technology.
  2. Wexner Center For the Arts2

    Wexner Center For the Arts

     Columbus, OH
    The Wexner Center for the Arts, located at Ohio State University in Columbus, United States, serves as a contemporary art gallery and a 'research laboratory' for the arts. This unique combination makes it a place where art is not only displayed but also created, offering a dynamic and engaging experience for visitors.
  3. Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens3

    Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

     Columbus, OH
    Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is a botanical garden and conservatory located in Columbus, Ohio. It is open daily and an admission fee is charged. This horticultural and educational institution showcases exotic plant collections, special exhibitions, and Dale Chihuly artworks.
  4. Kelton House Museum and Garden4

    Kelton House Museum and Garden

     Columbus, OH
    The Kelton House Museum and Garden, located in the Discovery District of Downtown Columbus, Ohio, is a Greek Revival and Italianate mansion. This architectural style is a testament to the historical significance of the building and provides a unique aesthetic experience for visitors.
  5. Ohio Craft Museum5

    Ohio Craft Museum

     Columbus, OH
    The Ohio Craft Museum is owned and operated by Ohio Designer Craftsmen, presenting four major exhibitions each year, as well as focus exhibits and a gift shop. In addition, we offer educational programming for all ages and levels of experience. Ongoing funding for Ohio Designer Craftsmen and the Ohi
  6. Columbus Museum of Art6

    Columbus Museum of Art

     Columbus, OH
    The Columbus Museum of Art, situated in the heart of downtown Columbus, Ohio, is a significant cultural institution that was inaugurated on January 22, 1931. It was the first art museum to register its charter in the state of Ohio, marking a significant milestone in the state's cultural history.
  7. Ohio History Center7

    Ohio History Center

     Columbus, OH
    The Ohio History Center, located in Columbus, Ohio, serves as a history museum and research center. It is the main museum for the history of Ohio and also functions as the headquarters, offices, and library of the Ohio History Connection. This makes it a significant location for anyone interested in learning about Ohio's past.
  8. COSI: Center of Science and Industry8

    COSI: Center of Science and Industry

     Columbus, OH
    COSI, officially known as the Center of Science and Industry, is a renowned science museum and research center located in Columbus, Ohio. The museum was first opened to the public on the 29th of March, 1964, and has since been a hub for scientific exploration and learning. It offers a unique blend of interactive exhibits and educational programs, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
  9. Thompson Library9

    Thompson Library

     Columbus, OH
    The William Oxley Thompson Memorial Library, commonly referred to as the Thompson Library, is the primary library at Ohio State University's Columbus campus. It is the largest library of the university and serves as the central research library for the entire campus. Named in honor of the university's fifth president, William Oxley Thompson, the library houses the main stacks, special collections, rare books, and manuscripts, along with many departmental subject libraries.
  10. Museum of Catholic Art and History10

    Museum of Catholic Art and History

     Columbus, OH
    The Museum of Catholic Art and History, previously known as the Jubilee Museum and Catholic Cultural Center, is a significant cultural institution located on Broad Street in Downtown Columbus, Ohio. The museum reopened its doors to the public in late 2021 after a period of closure.
  11. Chadwick Arboretum & Learning Gardens11

    Chadwick Arboretum & Learning Gardens

     Columbus, OH
    Chadwick Arboretum, a 62-acre arboretum, is situated on the Agriculture campus of The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio, United States. This location makes it easily accessible for visitors and provides a unique blend of natural beauty and academic resources.
  12. Thurber House12

    Thurber House

     Columbus, OH
    Thurber House, located in Columbus, Ohio, is a literary center that was once the home of renowned author, humorist, and New Yorker cartoonist James Thurber. This historic house now serves as a hub for readers and writers, promoting the literary arts and commemorating Thurber's significant contributions to literature and art.
  13. Ohio Village13

    Ohio Village

     Columbus, OH
    Ohio Village, located in Columbus, Ohio, is a living history museum that provides a firsthand view of life in Ohio during the American Civil War. The museum is operated by the non-profit organization, Ohio History Connection. It offers an immersive experience into the past, allowing visitors to explore the lifestyle, culture, and history of Ohio in the 19th century.
  14. Columbus Museum of Art at The Pizzuti14

    Columbus Museum of Art at The Pizzuti

     Columbus, OH
    The Columbus Museum of Art at The Pizzuti, located in Columbus, Ohio, is a renowned destination for contemporary art enthusiasts. Since September 2018, it has been an integral part of the Columbus Museum of Art, offering visitors a unique blend of modern and traditional art.
  15. Statehouse15

    Statehouse

     Columbus, OH
    The Ohio Statehouse, a building of Greek Revival style, was inaugurated in 1857. This architectural style is characterized by its grandeur and elegance, making it a notable landmark in Columbus. The building's history and architectural style may be of interest to tourists who appreciate historical architecture.
  16. Central Ohio Fire Museum16

    Central Ohio Fire Museum

     Columbus, OH
    The Central Ohio Fire Museum, located in Downtown Columbus, Ohio, is a unique destination that offers a glimpse into the history of firefighting. The museum is housed in the former Engine House No. 16 of the Columbus Fire Department, a building with a rich history dating back to 1908. This historic building adds an extra layer of authenticity to the museum experience, making it a fascinating place to visit for those interested in history, architecture, or firefighting.
  17. National Veterans Memorial and Museum17

    National Veterans Memorial and Museum

     Columbus, OH
    The National Veterans Memorial and Museum (NVMM) is a significant landmark in the United States, dedicated to the veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces. It is situated in Columbus, Ohio, making it a notable destination for those interested in military history and the personal stories of veterans. The museum's location along the Scioto River between Franklinton and Downtown Columbus adds to its appeal, offering visitors a scenic view of the city.
  18. Columbus Historical Society18

    Columbus Historical Society

     Columbus, OH
    The Columbus Historical Society (CHS) is situated in the Franklinton neighborhood of Columbus, Ohio. This location is significant as Franklinton was the first non-native settlement in Central Ohio, and is surrounded by numerous historic and cultural sites. The society's office and museum building is a hub for local history and art exhibits, making it a worthwhile stop for tourists interested in the city's past.
  19. 19

    Orton Hall Museum

     Columbus, OH
  20. 20

    Nicklaus Museum

     Columbus, OH
    The Jack Nicklaus Museum is a unique institution dedicated to the life and career of championship golfer Jack Nicklaus. Located on the campus of Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio, the museum offers a comprehensive view of Nicklaus' life, both on and off the golf course. Visitors can learn about the history and legends of the game through various exhibits.

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