Columbus Museums

(Columbus, Ohio - OH, USA)



Columbus plays host to an eclectic variety of appealing cultural museums, housing everything from historic Harley Davidson motorcycles, to Ohio history and golfing memorabilia, with the life and successes of local golfing legend Jack Nicklaus being very much celebrated at his own museum in the city.

The city of Columbus is also home to the largest hair and barber museum in the world, while families will likely enjoy spending time at the very interesting Center of Science and History (COSI). For a taster of local history, pay a visit to the Ohio Historical Center on Velma Avenue, and also to the Kelton House Museum and Garden in the East Town Street Historic District, where the Victorian days of Columbus are remembered and recreated.


A.D. Farrow Co. Harley Davidson Museum

Address: 491 West Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio OH, 43215, USA
Tel: +1 614 228 6353
Close to the downtown district is the first Harley dealership established in the country, which was founded as far back as 1912. Today, the A.D. Farrow Co. Harley Davidson Museum houses a huge assortment of related memorabilia and carefully restored vintage Harleys.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 09:00 to 18:00, Saturday - 08:00 to 17:00, Sunday - 11:00 to 16:00
Admission: free

Center of Science and History (COSI)

Address: 333 West Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio OH, 43215, USA
Tel: +1 614 228 2674
A museum bound to keep the children interested for a couple of hours, the Center of Science and History is home to interactive and hands-on exhibits covering a diverse range of subjects. Other attractions here include a large dome theater complete with moving seats.
Open hours: Wednesday to Saturday - 10:00 to 17:00, Sunday - noon to 18:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for seniors and children, children under two, teachers, and active military free

Barber Museum

Address: 2 1/2 South High Street, Canal Winchester, Ohio OH, 43110, USA
Tel: +1 614 833 9931
The Barber Museum is surprisingly the largest hair library and barber museum in the world, boasting artifacts and memorabilia dating back to the 18th century. Highlights include 58 barber poles, 500 shaving mugs, plus tooth-pulling tools, as well as a barbering hall of fame.
Open hours: by appointment only
Admission: free

Jack Nicklaus Museum

Address: 2355 Olentangy River Road, Columbus, Ohio OH, USA
Tel: +1 614/247-5959
One of the greatest golfers of all time is a Columbus native, Jack Nicklaus, who was actually born in this very city in 1940. This museum stands on the campus of the Ohio State University, close to the Davis Baseball Stadium and the Chadwick Arboretum, and documents his life with a great variety of interactive exhibits and interesting golf-related displays, including one of the best golfing collections in the country.
Open hours: Tuesday to Saturday - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for students with valid ID

Kelton House Museum and Garden

Address: 586 East Town Street, Columbus, Ohio OH, 43215, USA
Tel: +1 614 464 2022
Built in 1852, this beautiful Victorian house gives visitors a glimpse of life in 19th-century Ohio, when the city acted as an important stopover on the Underground Railroad, as only the Erie separated slaves from Canada and freedom. Guided tours are available each Sunday and can also be arranged during the week if required.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 10:00 to 17:00 (appointments only), Sunday - 13:00 to 16:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for seniors and children, children six years old and under are free

Ohio Historical Center

Address: 1982 Velma Avenue, Columbus, Ohio OH, 43211, USA
Tel: +1 614 297 2300
Located near the Ohio State University, this popular Columbus museum offers an in-depth overview of Ohio history from the Ice Age to 1970, through the use of over a million different items. Highlights at the Ohio Historical Center include an extensive collection of Native American Art, woven goods, and displays focusing on the state's natural history.
Open hours: Tuesday and Wednesday, Friday and Saturday - 09:00 to 17:00, Thursday - 09:00 to 21:00, Sunday - noon to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for students, children under five free