3 Best Museums in Columbus, OH

“2026 Update: National Veterans Memorial and Museum is primarily focused on delivering the personal stories of U.S. veterans, whereas other war museums are dedicated to the conflicts themselves. The Museum spans over 53,000 square feet of construction designed by Allied Works Architecture. The museum's mission is to honor, inspire, connect, and educate people and veterans, featuring two permanent exhibits and one temporary exhibit space. National Veterans Memorial and Museum is a house of personal artifacts such as military ribbons, footlockers, and letters service men and women sent home. The museum's virtual tours are specially designed for groups of up to 25 people by a Museum Docent via Zoom. National Veterans Memorial and Museum offers free admission for U.S. military veterans, active-duty military members, and children under age 5.”

“2026 Update: Central Ohio Fire Museum is an authentically restored 1908 engine house. The museum offers personally guided tours that are specially designed for visitors of all ages to engage and explore firefighters. Central Ohio Fire Museum also offers interactive fire safety education through a collection of hand-drawn, horse-drawn, and motorized fire apparatus, and provides an opportunity to participate in age-appropriate fire safety education. Visitors can experience the museum's fascinating evolution of the fire service, from the early days of horse-drawn steam engines and hand-pulled carts to the modern-day fire service that protects their communities today. Central Ohio Fire Museum offers free admission for children under 2.”

“2026 Update: Orton Geological Museum features an impressive collection of geological artifacts and displays. The Hall tour is specially designed by Packard & Yost, architects. The museum houses a bell tower containing the University Chimes, and the chimes ring every 15 minutes, which helps to identify the location of Orton Hall from quite a distance. Orton Geological Museum hosts an exhibition that is being prepared with the help of Landscape Architecture and students in the Certificate Program named Natural History Museum Curation.”