Columbus has a new front door — one that invites visitors and locals alike to step inside and get a feel for the city.
Located in the Short North Arts District, the new Experience Columbus Welcome Center serves as a central place to gather information about the city, discover local businesses and artists, and plan what to explore next. Designed to be welcoming, functional, and distinctly Columbus, the space reflects the creativity and energy of the neighborhood it calls home.
Mural by Carly Mitchell
A Welcome Center That Feels Like Columbus
Housed at 625 N. High St. inside The Joseph complex, the storefront occupies part of the former Anthropologie space — but the transformation is striking.
From the moment you walk in, it’s clear this isn’t a traditional visitor center. The space was designed in partnership with Columbus-based ZenGenius, with sustainability, accessibility, and art leading the way.
Three large-scale murals by local artist Carly Mitchell of C.E. Mitchell Design anchor the interior, featuring iconic Columbus landmarks like the Short North arches and LeVeque Tower — instantly creating photo-worthy moments. Reclaimed wood elements, a living moss installation, and soft finishes add to the inviting atmosphere.
Visitors may also notice subtle nods to the iconic deer statues situated along the Scioto Mile, incorporated into both the murals and select merchandise — a familiar detail that longtime locals will immediately recognize.
Custom candles created by Experience Columbus staff
Local Art, Local Makers, Local Pride
One of the standout features of the new welcome center is its local-first retail experience.
Instead of generic souvenirs, you’ll find a curated collection of Columbus-inspired goods made in collaboration with Central Ohio artists and vendors. That includes wearable artwork and designs from Columbus-based artist Fiona Miller, alongside newly created CBUS Soul® merchandise developed with local creatives.
Among the retail offerings are candles curated by the Experience Columbus team in collaboration with Penn & Beech Candle Co., a Columbus-based candle company. The custom scent was created specifically for the welcome center and is intended to give a welcoming feeling.
The shop offers something for everyone — gifts for friends and family, baby and pet items, locally-inspired snacks, and keepsakes. It’s the kind of place where locals can shop proudly and visitors can take home something that genuinely represents the city.
Welcome Center podcast studio
Your Hub for Exploring the City
Beyond retail and design, the Columbus Welcome Center serves as a starting point for discovering the city.
Inside, visitors can:
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Pick up the annual Columbus Visitor Guide
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Get help from knowledgeable destination specialists
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Redeem prizes from Experience Columbus’ free experiential trails, including the Columbus Coffee Trail, Columbus-Style Pizza Trail, and the new Columbus Booklovers Trail
The space also features a built-in podcast studio, home to the award-winning yes, Columbus podcast, where visitors may be able to watch live recordings and get a behind-the-scenes look at the production process. Hosted by Boxer of iHeartRadio and Sarah Townes of Experience Columbus, the yes, Columbus podcast shares inspiring stories, insightful interviews, and the latest happenings that keep locals and visitors connected to the heart of the city.
The Welcome Center will also feature a coffee bar offering complimentary coffee, giving visitors a chance to pause, plan their next stop, or simply take a break while exploring the Short North.
Gather information about Columbus at the welcome desk.
A New Community Gathering Spot in the Short North
While designed with visitors in mind, the welcome center feels just as much for locals.
Its location in the Short North Arts District makes it a natural stop during Gallery Hop, a meeting point before exploring nearby restaurants and galleries, or simply a place to pop into while walking High Street. With rotating pop-ups, activations, and events, it’s positioned as a community space — not just an information desk.
Columbus-inspired merchandise and apparel
Plan Your Visit
The Columbus Welcome Center is open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., with extended hours during special events like Gallery Hop.
Whether you’re welcoming friends from out of town or rediscovering your own city, this new space makes it easy to explore everything Columbus has to offer.
Be sure to tag us in your photos at the Columbus Welcome Center using #yesColumbus.
