More Articles
Children exploring science museum

Cosi- Center Of Science And Industry in Columbus, Ohio

Step through the west-side entrance facing Dorrian Green and you’re in a building that hums with motion. Regulars pull up the COSI app to catch the next planetarium show, then loop past the American Museum of Natural History Dinosaur Gallery before spending time in hands-on spaces like Ocean or Progress.

The planetarium is a centerpiece here. It is Ohio’s largest, with a 60-foot dome and digital projection that puts crisp, wraparound visuals overhead. Shows are included with general admission and seating is first come, first served, so it’s worth checking showtimes in the app and planning your path through the galleries around them.

Permanent exhibits cover classic crowd-pleasers and science you can touch. The Dinosaur Gallery brings fossils and full-scale casts into view, while Big Science Park, Space, and Gadgets invite tinkering and testing. Younger kids get a dedicated area in little kidspace, and you’ll see scheduled live science demos pop up throughout the day.

If you prefer the museum without kids, look to COSI After Dark. It’s a 21+ evening series that typically runs on the second Thursday of the month with rotating themes, building-wide access, and food and drink available for purchase.

Practical touches help a full-day visit run smoothly. On-site dining includes Atomic Cafe and Molecules for quick meals and snacks. Parking is straightforward, with City of Columbus and LAZ-operated garages immediately west of the building and additional options within a short walk.

  • Location: Scioto Peninsula by Franklinton; main entrance faces Dorrian Green.
  • Hours: Hours vary by date; check the museum’s calendar before you go.
  • Admission: Age-tiered general admission with discounts for seniors and military; certified teachers admitted free with ID. Reciprocal benefits available for ASTC and ACM members. Museums for All pricing is offered. A 5% Columbus Arts & Culture Fee applies to tickets and memberships.
  • Known for: American Museum of Natural History Dinosaur Gallery, the 60-foot dome planetarium, classic interactive exhibits like Ocean, Progress, and Big Science Park, plus monthly 21+ COSI After Dark nights.
  • Accessibility: Assisted listening devices available for planetarium shows at no extra cost with photo ID.
  • Parking: Adjacent garages operated by the City of Columbus and LAZ; rates vary by event and time.

If you’re after an interactive science museum day with dinosaurs and a true planetarium, or a kid-free Thursday night option, this spot fits the brief.

Published: September 9, 2026 · Reviewed by the Whats Up Columbus editorial team