The building incorporates the original 1924 limestone facade of the former Central High School.
COSI houses one of the largest outreach programs of any science center in the United States.
The planetarium uses a digital projection system capable of simulating the night sky from any point in the universe.
The museum features a 'Gadgets' exhibit that allows visitors to disassemble real appliances to understand their mechanical operations.
The building was designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Arata Isozaki.
The 'Ocean' exhibit features a 47,000-gallon water tank demonstrating wave action and water dynamics.
COSI is a large-scale science center located along the Scioto River in downtown Columbus, housed in a building designed by architect Arata Isozaki. It features a planetarium with high-definition digital projection technology and hosts permanent galleries focused on space, energy, and the human body. The museum contains the American Museum of Natural History Dinosaur Gallery, which showcases large-scale prehistoric fossils. COSI serves as a hub for interactive STEM learning, providing hands-on exhibits across multiple floors. The site integrates the historic Central High School building into its modern architectural structure. It frequently hosts traveling international exhibitions and large-scale educational programs for all age groups.
The elevated outdoor plaza offering a panoramic view of the downtown Columbus skyline across the Scioto River.
Prioritize the high-demand exhibits on the upper levels early in your visit to avoid peak crowds.
Check the digital signage at the entrance for daily live science demonstrations and planetarium showtimes.
Wear comfortable footwear as the facility covers over 320,000 square feet of floor space.
Attempting to see every single exhibit in one visit; the facility is expansive and best enjoyed by focusing on specific gallery themes.
Generally closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays during the academic school year.
