- Attraction: Center of Science and Industry (COSI)
- Location: 333 W Broad St, Columbus, OH 43215
- Industry: Science Museum
- Website: https://cosi.org
Get ready to embark on an epic scientific adventure.
This is an adventure where you can pilot a submarine, walk a tightrope on a unicycle 17 feet above ground, and come face-to-face with a full-sized T-Rex.
Welcome to COSI, the Center of Science and Industry in Columbus, Ohio – a place where curiosity meets pure excitement across 320,000 square feet of hands-on wonder.
This isn’t your typical “look but don’t touch” museum. Since opening in 1964, COSI has earned the prestigious title of America’s #1 Science Museum by USA Today’s 10Best awards for an incredible five consecutive years.
With over 300 interactive exhibits spread across seven themed worlds, COSI transforms complex scientific concepts into thrilling adventures that captivate everyone from toddlers to adults.
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The World’s Only High-Wire Unicycle: Buckle up for the most unique attraction on Earth! You’ll pedal across an 84-foot cable suspended 17 feet above the museum floor, while a 250-pound counterweight keeps you perfectly balanced. The sensation of floating through the air while visitors below look up in amazement is absolutely unforgettable.
Ocean Adventure Submarine: Dive into the ultimate underwater experience by climbing aboard COSI’s authentic submarine laboratory. You’ll pilot real Remote Operated Vehicles (ROVs) to explore the ocean depths, just like actual marine researchers. The bubbling water and immersive setting make you feel like you’re truly hundreds of feet beneath the sea.
Coal Mine Time Machine: Step through rickety doors into COSI’s famous coal mine elevator simulation that drops you deep into Ohio’s mining history. This beloved attraction was so popular that when it wasn’t included in COSI’s new building, visitor demand brought it back permanently.
American Museum of Natural History Dinosaur Gallery: Get up close with a massive Tyrannosaurus Rex cast, examine 100-million-year-old fossilized amber, and marvel at an eight-foot titanosaur femur. This permanent partnership brings New York’s world-renowned museum directly to Columbus.
Progress Through Time: Travel down authentic street scenes from 1898 and 1962, complete with period storefronts you can actually enter. You’ll send old-fashioned telegrams, experience a golden-age TV studio, and witness how dramatically our world has transformed in just over a century.
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Discover MoreGadgets & Mind-Benders: Challenge your perceptions with exhibits designed to completely trick your senses. You’ll lift a 2,437-pound car using simple physics, play melodies on a laser harp, and watch the massive Foucault Pendulum demonstrate Earth’s rotation by knocking down bowling pins.
Atmosphere & Experience
Architectural Marvel: COSI’s striking elliptical building, designed by renowned Japanese architect Arata Isozaki, looks like a futuristic spaceship that landed on the Scioto River. The geometric structure features 159 curved concrete panels that create an otherworldly appearance both inside and out.
Immersive Themed Worlds: Each exhibition area transports you to completely different environments. You’ll journey through crashed shipwrecks to reach the Ocean exhibit, stand before a towering 30-foot Poseidon statue surrounded by waterfalls, and navigate hallways packed with surprise interactive displays between major exhibits.
Perfect for All Ages: The museum seamlessly accommodates everyone with Little Kidspace designed specifically for children through first grade, while complex exhibits challenge teenagers and adults. You’ll find families spending entire days exploring without anyone getting bored.
Giant Screen & Planetarium: Ohio’s largest digital screen and planetarium provide spectacular shows that complement the hands-on exhibits. The immersive experience makes you feel like you’re traveling through space or diving to ocean depths.
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Value & Pricing: General admission runs around $25 for adults and $20 for children, which represents solid value considering you could easily spend 5-6 hours exploring. Many visitors find the experience worth far more than the cost, especially with the quality and quantity of interactive exhibits available.
Crowd Management: Arriving right when COSI opens at 10 AM gives you the best experience with smaller crowds and shorter lines for popular attractions like the unicycle. Weekends and school breaks can get quite busy, but the museum’s massive size helps distribute visitors throughout the space.
Special Events: Don’t miss COSI After Dark, monthly adults-only evening events (21+) featuring themed parties, cocktails, and full access to exhibits without crowds of children. Past themes have included 80s parties, Star Wars nights, and brewing experiences.
Parking & Location: Convenient underground and above-ground parking garages sit right next to the museum, typically costing around $5. The downtown Scioto Mile location puts you within walking distance of other Columbus attractions and restaurants.
Plan Your Time: Most visitors need 3-4 hours minimum to see the highlights, while science enthusiasts often spend entire days exploring. The museum stays open until 7 PM on weekends, giving you plenty of time to experience everything without feeling rushed.
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Discover MoreCenter of Science and Industry (COSI)
📍 333 W Broad St, Columbus, OH 43215
