Center of Science and Industry (COSI)
4.4(3.1K)google
3.9(334)yelp
EducationalIndoor
Overview
COSI (), officially the Center of Science and Industry, is a science museum and research center in Columbus, Ohio. COSI was opened to the public on 29 March 1964 and remained there for 35 years. In 1999, COSI was moved to a 30000 m2 (320000 sq ft) facility, designed by Japanese architect Arata Isozaki along a bend in the Scioto River in the Franklinton neighborhood.
Practical Info
Every day10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Suggested Duration4-6 hours
Best TimeAn award-winning, globally acclaimed science center and planetarium complex perfect for any season. The most strategic visiting window is weekday mornings (Tuesday through Thursday) right at the 10:00 AM opening bell. This allows your family to experience the flagship multi-level physics engineering labs and dinosaur galleries seamlessly before school tour crowds track in.
Getting ThereCommanding the Scioto Riverfront loops at 333 W Broad St in downtown Columbus. Driving is highly convenient: take I-70 W to exit 100A for Front St toward the city center, and turn west onto Broad St crossing the scenic bridge. The educational resort features its own massive, secure multi-level underground paid parking structure directly attached below the lobby.
Travel Tips
- The immediate city-front underground garage commands steep baseline fees. Budget travelers should park at south municipal decks to lower outlays.
- The High Wire Bike installation enforces an ironclad footwear safety protocol. Flip-flops or open sandals are barred; fully enclosed gym shoes are mandatory.
- Saturdays and seasonal school excursions saturate public interactive galleries. Secure a quieter experience by planning your entry on Wednesday-Thursday after 14:00.
Reviews
Positive
- Ranked as one of the finest science centers in the nation! The quality of interactive exhibits is top-tier, making science wildly fun.
- The Dinosaur Gallery partnered with the AMNH is breathtaking, and the indoor interactive water table zone is a massive crowd-pleaser.
- Modern amenities like nursing suites and ADA ramps are pristine; wayfinding is clear, ensuring a smooth flow for stroller pushers.
- The riverside geography is brilliant; the massive window facades offer sweeping, uncluttered panoramas of the Columbus downtown.
Heads up
- Base admission is already high, yet the planetarium, giant screen, and advanced simulators require add-on fees, piling up costs.
- Weekday mornings are frequently overrun by massive school field trip groups; noise decibels soar, and exhibit queues get backed up.
- Because curation skews toward youth interactive education, solo adult travelers or advanced science techies may find content a bit basic.
- Their official subterranean parking facility charges steep event rates, and bottleneck exits cause lengthy delays during peak departures.