Explore Columbus | GOX 2024 | Columbus, Ohio, USA

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens offers world-class horticulture, art and nature-based exhibitions, and educational programs for all ages. Situated on 40 acres on the eastern side of Franklin Park, the Conservatory features the historic 1895 John F. Wolfe Palm House; 83,000 square feet of glasshouses; botanical gardens including the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden; and meeting and event spaces. The Conservatory owns the largest collection of glass artwork by Dale Chihuly in a botanical garden and is home to internationally recognized light artist James Turrell’s Light Raiment II, which illuminates the John F. Wolfe Palm House every evening from dusk until dawn.

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Columbus Zoo and Aqaurium is home to more than 10,000 animals representing 600 species from around the globe. Of these species, more than 34 are endangered and 11 are threatened, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services. For more than 95 years, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium has evolved to be a cornerstone of the community and a destination inspiring the appreciation and conservation of many of the earth's most amazing animals.

Columbus Museum of Art

Columbus Museum of Art (CMA) creates great experiences with great art for everyone. We celebrate, cultivate and champion the creativity within each and every one of us. Our collection includes American and European modern art, Impressionism, German Expressionism, Cubism, folk art, contemporary art, glass, photography and more. A diverse schedule of special exhibitions is on view year round. Our dynamic JPMorgan Chase Center for Creativity features thoughtfully designed exhibitions and galleries that stimulate curiosity and creative thinking.

National Veterans Memorial and Museum

One of Columbus’ newest attractions, the National Veterans Memorial and Museum , located on the downtown riverfront, is the only place in America dedicated to telling the stories of veterans of all branches of military service over the course of all conflicts. The building itself is an architectural masterpiece, winning accolades from Architectural Digest for its curving lines and unique cast concrete construction.

Exhibits in the succinct circular space take place in a series of alcoves, where the different parts of a service member's journey are told, from enlistment to swearing-in, to training camp, to wartime service to coming home. While there are a few artifacts, they tend toward the personal (letters from home and tokens of good luck,) and the experience of military service is explored primarily through personal stories.

More To Explore

There is more to see and do in Columbus, Ohio. Please check the link below for their official tourism website which contains additional attractions, maps, and information!