COSI: Center of Science and Industry

Set along the Scioto Mile, Columbus’ Center of Science and Industry (COSI) is one of the city’s most recognizable cultural landmarks. Since 1964, it has grown into a nationally renowned, award-winning institution, but at its core, it remains what locals love most: a magnet for curious kids and adults.

What is COSI?

COSI is Columbus’ critically acclaimed science museum, featuring 300+ hands-on, interactive exhibits, a world-class Dinosaur Gallery, Ohio’s largest planetarium, live shows and other experiences designed to make science fascinating and fun for everyone. The museum has been named the #1 Science Museum in the Nation by USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards six times.

A Museum Built for Discovery

COSI’s galleries take you from the prehistoric world to deep-sea environments, or even to the mechanics of everyday inventions.

The American Museum of Natural History Dinosaur Gallery is a standout, with a full-size T. rex cast and rare fossil specimens that stop visitors in their tracks.

The center’s permanent exhibits, like Ocean, Energy, Gadgets or Progress, open up different corners of the scientific world through interactive stations designed to be touched, tested and tried.

However, it’s also the unexpected experiences that give COSI its unique character! Things like the high-wire unicycle that glides across the atrium, the planetarium that brings the night sky close, and the National Geographic giant screen theater that turns familiar topics into one-of-a-kind experiences.

Woman riding high-wire unicycle at COSI
High-wire unicycle

COSI Events and Festivals

COSI’s calendar stretches well beyond its galleries. Each May, the COSI Science Festival brings four days of programming to neighborhoods across Columbus, culminating in the Big Science Celebration on the museum’s front lawn. Throughout the year, rotating exhibits and themed weekends keep the experience fresh for return visitors, offering something new in almost every season.

Apr 25

The Science Behind Pixar

COSI

Apr 29

COSI Science Festival

COSI

View All Events

Mother, father and two young kids playing with water experience at COSI
Little kidspace at COSI

A Welcoming Space for Families

Families with kids of all ages will feel right at home at COSI.

The center’s little kidspace® is a dedicated area for early exploration (designed for infants to first graders). It features plenty of room to move, climb and imagine all sorts of creative possibilities.

Older kids will love the many hands-on challenges throughout the museum. Plus, COSI boasts stroller-friendly pathways, family restrooms, nursing areas and hands-on activities.

For active kiddos, Dorrian Green is located just outside the center and offers plenty of open space and water features for playing, picnicking and more!

COSI After Dark

Once a month, COSI shifts gears for visitors over 21. COSI After Dark opens the museum after hours with themed programming, music, drinks and space to explore at your own pace. The atmosphere is chill and playful, with a distinctly local feel that reframes one of the city’s best-loved buildings.

Group of kids watching science experiment at COSI

Family admiring life-size dinosaur at COSI

A Foucalt Pendulum swinging in front of a COSI sign

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Know Before You Go: Plan Your Visit to COSI

Address: 333 W. Broad St., Columbus, OH
Parking: On-site garage plus nearby lots
Hours: 10 a.m.–5 p.m., with extended opening hours on select dates
Tickets: General admission, with optional add-ons for special exhibits and shows
Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible building, elevators, sensory-friendly resources and ASL support for select programs

Arriving at opening hours offers the quietest galleries and the quickest access to the high-wire unicycle. Planetarium shows often fill up, so booking ahead is a smart move. As mentioned, Dorrian Green makes for an easy break spot between exhibits, and the free COSI App adds extra activities and videos to explore before or after your visit!

Stay, Eat and Explore Nearby!

With COSI as your starting point, the surrounding neighborhoods offer plenty of options.

The Arena District is nearby for casual meals and breweries; German Village is just south with cafés, bakeries and dinner spots; and the Scioto Mile offers plenty of quick bites, riverfront views and spots to relax. Everything is within walking distance, making it super easy to pair the museum visit with a city tour.

Explore more places to eat and things to do in downtown Columbus

COSI: FAQs

How long does a visit typically last?

Around 3–5 hours for most visitors.

What are the most popular exhibits at COSI?

The Dinosaur Gallery, Ocean, Energy, Gadgets and the Planetarium are perennial favorites.

Are there discounted admission days?

Occasional promotions appear throughout the year! Check COSI’s calendar for the latest updates.

Does COSI offer on-site dining?

Yes, the museum café serves snacks and meals suitable for families.

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