Discover Columbus Museums for All: Accessible and Affordable Fun for Families

Museums are a valuable resource for learning, entertainment, and community engagement. Unfortunately, the cost of admission can be a barrier for many families, preventing them from experiencing all that museums have to offer. That’s why Columbus institutions are coming together to launch “Museums for All Columbus” starting July 12th, 2021.

“Museums for All Columbus” is a local initiative that seeks to identify and remove any obstacles that prevent community members from accessing and enjoying the city’s museums. This program is part of the national “Museums for All” program, which focuses on removing financial barriers to visiting museums and cultural centers.

The six participating institutions – Columbus Museum of Art, COSI, Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, National Veterans Memorial and Museum, Ohio History Center and Ohio Village, and the Wexner Center for the Arts – have committed to offering discounted admission rates to SNAP recipients, with discounts ranging from free to $3.45 per person.

But, “Museums for All Columbus” is about more than just lowering admission prices. Each institution has also pledged to examine and align operations and resources to support greater access, re-evaluate and re-design programming, and communication practices to make museums more accessible and inclusive for all.

The initiative was born out of the success of the Columbus Foundation’s “Big Explore” event, a one-day event that offered free access to Columbus museums, including Museums for All. The event drew record-breaking attendance and demonstrated the need for more accessible programming and collaboration between museums.

Here’s how “Museums for All Columbus” works:

1. Visit the website of the museum you wish to visit.
2. Read how to get your tickets. Each museum has its own process, some require online reservation, and some are available for in-person ticket purchase.
3. Bring your EBT card (also known as SNAP benefit) to the front desk or guest services.
4. The most you’ll pay for a regular visit is $3 per person, and some museums offer free admission.

Here is the specific information for each museum:

• Columbus Museum of Art offers free admission for general and special exhibition admission. Request a Museums for All ticket at their admissions desk, or reserve your ticket online with promo code M4A.
• COSI offers $3 per ticket for up to eight visitors. Make a reservation for the date you wish to visit and bring your confirmation email to the COSI box office on the day of your reservation. Please bring a photo ID and proof of participation in WIC, Ohio Directions or Ohio Medicaid. Note that some exhibitions may have additional fees.
• Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens offers $3 general admission and special engagement tickets for SNAP, EBT, WIC, and Medicaid participants, as well as Access Members. Proof of Access Family membership or SNAP, EBT, WIC, or Medicaid will be required at the front desk or can be reserved in person, online, or over the phone.
• National Veterans Memorial and Museum offers $1 tickets for up to seven people (2 adults and 5 children per household) with free parking. Recipients of federal SNAP, EBT, WIC, and Medicaid benefits are eligible. Walk up to the guest services area to redeem the benefit or reserve your tickets by email or phone.
• Ohio History Center and Ohio Village offer $1 per ticket for up to eight visitors. Email reservations or walk up to the admission area to redeem the benefit. Note that this benefit is only redeemable at Ohio Village.
• Wexner Center for the Arts offers free gallery admission.

“Museums for All Columbus” is an exciting initiative that strives to promote inclusivity and accessibility in Columbus museums. By working together, the six participating institutions are making it easier and more affordable.

For more Ohio museums participating, check out this link.