Step into a world where science surprises at every turn. Since opening in 1964, COSI has transformed from a historical society venture into one of America’s top-ranked science museums, combining immersive exhibits, quirky surprises, and genuine delight across generations.
Perched along Columbus’s scenic Scioto Mile, COSI offers over 300 hands‑on exhibits, Ohio’s largest planetarium, live science shows, and a giant-screen theater. It relocated in 1999 from the original Memorial Hall into a futuristic, elliptical former high school building—designed to look striking from across the river and familiar from downtown.
Key Highlights
Guests love venturing into themed “theatrical” exhibit worlds tied to big scientific ideas. From the sunken shipwreck cave entrance into the Ocean section—complete with a docked submarine, water jets, waterfalls, and Poseidon’s statue—to interactive displays exploring water pressure, erosion, and aquatic myth, this area is immersive and educational.
The Gadgets zone is a playground of pulleys, wind tunnels, emission engines, and a take-apart cafeteria-style menu where you dismantle old electronics to learn recycling physics. It even features a café where you can choose a quick experiment to conduct at your table.
In the Life gallery you explore optical illusions, anechoic chambers, posable zoetropes, and health interactive stations comparing your stats to national averages. A section on cultural beliefs about birth, body, and spirit rounds out the exhibit, alongside research pods run by Ohio State students and faculty.
The Dinosaur Gallery, added in 2017 through a collaboration with the American Museum of Natural History, features a full-size T. rex cast, titanosaur bones, and 100-million-year-old amber fossil displays that enchant the young and old alike.
Don’t forget the standout planetarium, Ohio’s largest, and the National Geographic Giant Screen Theater showing immersive films on nature and science. Plus, there’s the USA’s only high‑wire unicycle—an iconic crowd-pleaser.
Live performances include the famous rat basketball show, a decades-long quirky tradition where trained rats “dunk” small balls. Alongside is a nearly 60-year-old transparent talking model used to teach anatomy—one of the museum’s enduring favorites.
Atmosphere & Décor
COSI’s architecture welcomes you with light-filled atria that feel spacious yet cozy. Its layout uses themed domed exhibit pods that transport visitors into distinct worlds. The building balances futuristic design with remnants of the original Central High School to blend boldly and respectfully into downtown.
Indoor areas are bright, colorful, and playful. Expect interactive clutter like water displays, gadgets, and illusion props. The museum is often crowded, especially on weekends,—this contributes to a lively but occasionally loud vibe, particularly in shows and the planetarium where people enter mid‑presentation.
Other Considerations
So how’s the price? General admission is around $30 for adults and $25 for children ages 2–12 (under‑2 are free). Additional fees may apply for planetarium shows or films. Many visitors consider it mid‑tier pricing—but high value if you fully engage with the exhibits. Membership passes offer great value for locals planning multiple visits.
Can I bring littles? Absolutely. The Little Kidspace area is designed for pre‑K visitors through first grade, featuring age‑appropriate hands‑on zones including water play, art creation, dress‑up zones, and pretend markets—favorites among families with small kids.
Parking & Access? A municipal underground garage is adjacent to the museum, with street meter options nearby. Rates fluctuate during events downtown. Lockers are available but cost for each open/close; carrying a spare set of clothing is advised if kids plan on water‑based exhibits.
What about food? Onsite options include Molecules Brews + Bites and the Atomic Café with sandwiches and snacks. Many visitors report that food is pricey and average quality—packing your own may be wise if budgeting or picky about taste.
Does the experience feel stale? While the Dinosaur Gallery and rotating special exhibits keep things fresh, longtime locals mention that some original exhibits have remained unchanged for years. Nostalgic visitors sometimes miss spaces like the old coal‑mine or “Main Street” Progress area, which have evolved but not dramatically over time.
Best time to visit? Arriving early weekday mornings can help you beat the crowd. Late afternoons are usually less crowded, but check show schedules to avoid interruptions in the planetarium or live demos.
Center of Science and Industry (COSI)
📍 333 W Broad St, Columbus, OH 43215
Website: https://cosi.org/
