Columbus, Ohio is home to a number of unique museums that offer visitors the chance to learn about everything from art and history to science and technology. And while you may have heard of some of the big-name museums we LOVE, it’s the smaller, hidden gems that truly make Columbus a treasure trove for museum lovers.
In this blog post, we’ll highlight a few of these smaller museums and what makes them so special.
Anti-Saloon League Museum
During Prohibition in the U.S., the Anti-Saloon League of America played a crucial role in pushing for the passage of the 18th Amendment, which made alcohol illegal nationwide. This led to the rise of gangsters, bootlegging, and jazz music. Today, the Anti-Saloon League Museum can be found in Westerville, which was once known as the “Dry Capital of the World.” The museum contains artifacts and materials related to the temperance movement, as well as displays and photographs documenting the history of Westerville. In addition, the museum also houses the John R. Kasich Congressional Collection, featuring documents and memorabilia donated by the former governor. Outside the museum, visitors can find a historical marker honoring Agnes Meyer Driscoll, a celebrated code-breaker who was inducted into the National Security Hall of Fame.
- Free Admission
- Located in a historic building attached to the Westerville Public Library, visitors can access the museum through the library’s main entrance.
- 126 S. State St | Westerville, OH 43081
- You can take a virtual tour before going.
Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum
The Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in comics and cartoons. The museum is home to the world’s largest collection of comic strip art and features exhibits that showcase the history and impact of cartoons on American culture. Visitors can view original artwork, rare manuscripts, and other artifacts that shed light on the creative process behind some of the most beloved cartoons of all time.
Ohio History Center
The Ohio History Center is a larger museum, but it still offers a more intimate experience than some of the other museums in Columbus. The museum features exhibits that explore the history of Ohio, from the state’s early Native American inhabitants to its role in shaping the nation during the Civil War and beyond. In addition to the exhibits, the Ohio History Center also hosts a number of special events and programs throughout the year.
Pizzuti Collection
The Pizzuti Collection is a contemporary art museum that showcases works by emerging and established artists from around the world. The museum is housed in a historic building in the Short North Arts District and features rotating exhibits that highlight a diverse range of styles and mediums. In addition to the exhibits, the Pizzuti Collection also hosts events and programs that encourage visitors to engage with the art on display.
Wagner-Hagans Auto Museum
Car enthusiasts won’t want to miss the Wagner-Hagans Auto Museum, which features a collection of classic cars and other vehicles from throughout the 20th century. The museum is housed in a former Ford dealership and features a wide range of cars, from early Model T’s to iconic muscle cars from the 1960s and beyond. In addition to the cars themselves, the museum also features artifacts and memorabilia that offer a glimpse into the history of American car culture.
Central Ohio Fire Museum
If you’re looking for a unique and educational experience in Columbus, Ohio, the Central Ohio Fire Museum is a must-visit destination. Housed in a beautifully restored 1908 engine house, the museum offers personal guided tours that will take you on a journey through the history of firefighting in Ohio. While the museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the past, its primary focus is on fire safety education. Visitors of all ages can participate in classes and interactive programs that use hands-on experiences to teach them about the importance of fire safety. Another highlight of the museum is the Burned Items Display, which features items that have been damaged in house fires to emphasize the dangers of fire and the importance of fire prevention. With exhibits like these, the Central Ohio Fire Museum is a must-see for anyone interested in history, firefighting, or fire safety.
- Free parking available in driveway
- Handicapped accessible
- Admission Prices: Adults $8, Seniors $7, Children $6
- 260 N 4th St | Columbus, OH
Jack Nicklaus Museum
Nestled in the heart of The Ohio State University sports complex, in the hometown of golf legend Jack Nicklaus, Columbus, Ohio, lies a 12,000 square-foot educational and historical facility that golf enthusiasts will not want to miss. The Jack Nicklaus Museum takes visitors on an immersive journey through the history of golf, with a particular focus on Jack’s unparalleled career. Here, you’ll discover a treasure trove of memorabilia from Jack’s 18 major championships and 100 worldwide professional victories, including trophies, photographs, and other mementos. Beyond his accomplishments on the course, the museum also showcases the many facets of Jack’s life and personality, revealing the man behind the golfing legend. With its engaging exhibits and fascinating insights into the history of one of the world’s most beloved sports, the Jack Nicklaus Museum is a must-visit destination for golf fans of all ages.
- Admission: Adults $10, Students $5 (Valid ID Required)
- Credit Card Transactions Only
- Closed Sunday/Monday
- https://www.nicklausmuseum.org/
- Facebook Page
- 2355 Olentangy River Rd | Columbus, OH 43210
Jubilee Museum
In 1998, Fr. Kevin Lutz founded the Jubilee Museum with the purpose of preserving the rich history and art of the Catholic Church. The museum’s collection focuses on liturgical art, as well as any artwork that depicts the life of Christ, Mary, the saints, and the history of Catholicism. The museum also recognizes the importance of art that references Christian history and the Reformation, and holds a significant collection of Jewish art and history in high esteem. Overall, the Jubilee Museum seeks to capture and preserve the Catholic mind and memory through its diverse collection, which encompasses a wide range of artwork and artifacts that tell the story of the Catholic Church and its impact on the world. Whether you’re a history buff, an art enthusiast, or simply curious about the rich heritage of Catholicism, the Jubilee Museum is a fascinating and educational destination that should not be missed.
- 57 South Grubb St. | Columbus, OH 43215
Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum
The American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation, established in 1982, is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to preserving the rich history of motorcycling. One of the Foundation’s primary objectives was to establish a Hall of Fame that would celebrate and honor the achievements of our community, as well as create a permanent archive for preserving our past. The realization of this goal came to fruition on August 16, 1990, when the Foundation opened the Motorcycle Heritage Museum adjacent to the AMA headquarters in Westerville, Ohio. The Museum boasts a range of exhibits that showcase all facets of motorcycling history, providing visitors with a comprehensive view of the evolution of the motorcycle and its cultural impact. The American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation and its Motorcycle Heritage Museum serve as important resources for those who want to learn more about the fascinating history of motorcycling and its impact on American culture.
- 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week.
- The admission fees for the motorcycle museum are as follows: AMA members get in for free, while members of national motorcycle organizations pay $9. The admission fee for adults is $10, while students between the ages of 12 and 17 pay $3. Seniors can get in for $8, and families (parents and all single children under 18) can enjoy a discounted rate of $25. Children who are 11 years old and younger can enter for free.
- https://americanmotorcyclist.com/visit/
- 12515 Yarmouth Dr | Pickerington, OH
Museum of Classical Archaeology
The Museum of Classical Archaeology at Ohio State is designed to provide a significant focus for ongoing teaching, research, and outreach in a number of areas within the University.
- ย I would call before going. The website didn’t have exact hours. The phone number is 614.292.1949. However, the website did say the Museum is closed Summer Semester and during University holidays and breaks.
- The museum is in the basement of Dulles Hall (which can be reached by the main elevators) and it is located at the very end of a long corridor opposite the elevator doors.
- Dulles Hall | 230 Annie and John Glenn Avenue | Columbus, OH 43215
Ohio Railway Museum
The Ohio Railway Museum has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1948 and is considered one of the oldest railroad museums in the United States. The museum’s mission is to educate visitors on the impact and significance of railroads on Ohio’s history and the country as a whole. The museum accomplishes this through dynamic displays and demonstrations that showcase the evolution of railroading throughout the years. From static equipment displays featuring electric traction and steam engines to ride-alongs in the museum’s streetcars and Pullman passenger car, visitors are transported back in time to experience a century of rail history. The Ohio Railway Museum is a unique destination that offers an educational and immersive experience for all ages and interests.
- https://www.facebook.com/OhioRailwayMuseum/
- Click here to download our brochure
- 900 Proprietors Road | Worthington, OH 43085
- The Ohio Railway Museum is located in historic Worthington, Ohio a northern suburb of Columbus. It is near major interstate freeways in the north Columbus area. Exit Interstate 71 at Route 161 (Worthington) and go west one mile. Proprietors Road is the first traffic light west of the three railroad underpasses. Go north on Proprietors and the museum is on the right 1/2 mile north of Dublin-Granville Road.
Ohio Craft Museum
The Ohio Railway Museum has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1948 and is considered one of the oldest railroad museums in the United States. The museum’s mission is to educate visitors on the impact and significance of railroads on Ohio’s history and the country as a whole. The museum accomplishes this through dynamic displays and demonstrations that showcase the evolution of railroading throughout the years. From static equipment displays featuring electric traction and steam engines to ride-alongs in the museum’s streetcars and Pullman passenger car, visitors are transported back in time to experience a century of rail history. The Ohio Railway Museum is a unique destination that offers an educational and immersive experience for all ages and interests.
- Free Admission
- 1665 W. 5th Ave. | Columbus, OH 43212
The National Barber Museum
Travel back in time and see barbering history unfold before your eyes! You’ll learn the history, see shaving mugs and amazing tools + barber chairs and colorful barber poles.
- Contact them at (614) 837-8400 or (614) 833-1846 to schedule your tour.
- 135 Franklin St | Canal Winchester, OH 43110
