When you think Central Ohio, your first thought may not necessarily be “arts and culture hub.” But dig a little deeper, and you’ll find that the Columbus area is home to a wide variety of museums, entertainment venues, and more!
Next time you need weekend plans or want to enjoy an outing in the city, consider stopping at one of these arts and culture destinations.
Columbus Museum of Art
Located right in the heart of Columbus and just a stone’s throw away from the banks of the Scioto River, the Columbus Museum of Art houses collections from both local and international artists, ranging in medium from photography to glass and everything in between.
The current main exhibit, Driving Forces, will be on display until February and features work from over 75 artists from a variety of countries.
COSI
COSI, or the Center of Science and Industry, is just on the other side of the riverbanks in Downtown Columbus. The science center offers tons to explore, including the Dinosaur Gallery, the Unseen Oceans exhibit, a planetarium, a giant theater, and an immersive Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles exhibit.
You can also find special attractions for both kids and adults, including the Little Kid Space and COSI After Dark.
Wexner Center for the Arts
Dubbed the Wex, Wexner Center for the Arts is Ohio State University’s hub for contemporary art. The museum hosts work from artists all around the world, with a particular emphasis on creative mediums and boundary-pushing pieces.
The current main exhibit at Wex is HERE, a visual experience created by three Ohio-born artists.
Franklin Park Conservatory
The award-winning gardens of Franklin Park Conservatory are always ready to be explored, no matter the weather or the season. The magnificent glass dome surrounds the gardens, housing multiple biomes and over 400 species of plants from all around the world. In addition to the Conservatory, when the weather is pleasant you can also stroll through the outdoor botanical gardens, which span 88 acres.
The Conservatory regularly hosts events and classes, so be sure to check out the calendar before you plan your visit!
Central Ohio Fire Museum
Although it’s a departure from the typical museum experience, the Central Ohio Fire Museum is well-worth a visit. The 1908 engine house that contains the museum has been restored in such a way that many of the original elements were preserved, so even the building itself is a site to see.
As far as exhibits go, the Fire Museum houses a rich collection that retraces firefighters’ lives throughout the years, paying tribute to those in the past, present, and future.
Ohio Theatre
From the first moment you set your eyes on the Ohio Theatre, you’ll know that it’s something special. The expansive interior was originally a movie palace in 1928, but was saved from destruction in the 1960s and has since undergone multiple renovations and restorations. Over the years, the opulent Spanish-Baroque building has seen the likes of Julie Andrews, Yo-Yo Ma, Liza Minnelli, and John Denver perform under the 21-foot-high chandelier.
Today, you can expect the theatre to mostly host symphonic concerts, Broadway shows, and ballet performances. Be sure to catch The Nutcracker next month!
Explore Life in Central Ohio
Arts and culture, parks and green spaces, events and celebrations—Central Ohio is a hub for it all. Are you thinking of relocating to the area? Then let the Raines Group help!
From helpful buying resources to in-depth guides on the area to a specialized search tool, we have everything you need to make your new home search simple and stress-free. Ready to get started? We’re just a phone call away!
