51 Most Interesting Museums in Ohio (with Pictures)

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Last Updated: Nov 06, 2022

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Map of Museums in Ohio

See the map of the top museums in Ohio below.

Each marker on the map shows the location of the museum in Ohio on the map. The number on the museum marker is the popularity rank of the musuem. You can click on a museum marker to see how you can get to that museum.

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Museum Popularity Rank
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 1
Columbus Museum of Art 2
John P. Parker House 3
McDonough Museum of Art 4
John Rankin House 5
Neil Armstrong Air and Space Museum 6
Cincinnati Observatory 7
International Women`s Air and Space Museum 8
The International Peace Museum 9
National Museum of the Great Lakes 10

How Many Museums are in Ohio?

There are at least 51 museums in Ohio.

Click here to jump to the list some of the best 51 museums in Ohio

Museums in Ohio

Now, let us take a dive into the museum scene in Ohio.

We will share with you information and pictures of museums in Ohio.

To give you a feel of what Ohio looks like, this article may also contain pictures of other places, people and things in Ohio, in addition to museum pictures.

  1. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

    Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (48532739827) by author, licensed under CC BY 2.0

    The museum chronicles the evolution of rock music, as well as the musicians, producers, engineers, and other prominent personalities who have affected it. Ahmet Ertegun founded the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation in 1983. In 1986, Cleveland was chosen as the hall of fame`s permanent home.

    • 🌐Museum Website: Website

    • ♿Wheelchair Accessibility: Yes

    • 📈Popularity Score: 10 /10

    • 📍Location: Map Directions

  2. Columbus Museum of Art

    Columbus Museum of Art by Transferred from en.wikipedia to Commons by Kurpfalzbilder.de using CommonsHelper., licensed under CC-BY-SA-3.0

    The Columbus Museum of Art began as the Columbus Gallery of Fine Arts in 1878. It was the first art museum in the state of Ohio to obtain its charter. Nannette Maciejunes has been the museum`s Executive Director since 2003.

  3. John P. Parker House

    Parker house by Transferred from en.wikipedia to Commons by Stepshep using CommonsHelper., licensed under CC-BY-SA-3.0

    In Ripley, Ohio, the John P. Parker House is a historic house museum. Parker was an abolitionist and Underground Railroad conductor. In 1980, the home was added to the National Register of Historic Places. In 1997, it was also recognized as a National Historic Landmark.

  4. McDonough Museum of Art

    Youngstown – Butler Institute of American Art – 20200305125645 by BaIdBeard, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

    On the campus of Youngstown State University is the McDonough Museum of Art. The museum, which opened in 1991, focuses on contemporary art through displays and teaching. Changing exhibitions, installations, performances, and talks by regional, national, and worldwide artists are featured at the museum.

  5. John Rankin House

    John Rankin House — Ripley, Ohio by Christopher L. Riley, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

    One of the first stations on the Underground Railroad was the John Rankin House. Uncle Tom`s Cabin was inspired in part by Harriet Beecher Stowe`s visit to Rankin. The Ohio History Connection now runs the house, which was purchased by the state of Ohio in 1938.

  6. Neil Armstrong Air and Space Museum

    Neil Armstrong Air and Space Museum 01 by Niagara66, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

    The Armstrong Air & Space Museum first opened its doors in 1972. The museum, which is located in Wapakoneta, Ohio, commemorates the history of aeronautics and space flight. The museum is listed as a partner organization with the National Aviation Heritage Area (NAHA).

  7. Cincinnati Observatory

    Cincinnati Observatory by Analogue Kid at en.wikipedia, licensed under CC BY 2.5

    The Cincinnati Observatory is the country`s oldest professional observatory. At the University of Cincinnati, it was an important facility for astronomical study and instruction. The observatory also has a robust outreach program that focuses on astronomical education in the Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana areas.

  8. International Women`s Air and Space Museum

    Art Nalls at the Cleveland National Air Show in 2014 by Skeet Shooter, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

    The IWASM (International Women`s Air and Space Museum) is a museum dedicated to the history of women in aviation and space. The museum, which is housed in the historic home of one of the Wright brothers` uncles near Centerville, Ohio, opened in 1986.

  9. The International Peace Museum

    Dayton 1997-built Nova Bus RTS 9709 loading on Third St downtown in 2005 by author, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

    The International Peace Museum (formerly the Dayton International Peace Museum) is a non-profit, primarily volunteer-run peace museum located in downtown Dayton, Ohio, United States. The Museum`s mission is to promote, through education and collaboration, a more equitable, civil, and peaceful world. Its programs and exhibits are non-partisan, secular, and feature themes of conflict resolution, equity, social justice, tolerance, and protecting our natural world. It commemorates the 1995 Dayton Agreement. It is the only peace museum in the Western Hemisphere to still have a physical location.In addition to functioning as a traditional museum, the Peace Museum serves as an activities center for those who seek a community of peace. The Peace Museum features permanent, temporary, and traveling exhibits that highlight the rich history of, and potential for, nonviolent solutions to conflict and sustainability in the natural world. Located in the Courthouse Plaza Building on Dayton`s Courthouse Square, the Peace Museum includes a library, an interactive children`s room, a gathering space where visitors can engage in conversation, and holds events such as book discussions and story slams. The museum is open from 10 A.M – 5 P.M Friday and Saturday for visitors and Tuesday – Thursday by appointment. The Museum`s admission is $5, it is free for members.

  10. National Museum of the Great Lakes

    National Museum of the Great Lakes fresnel lens display by Flickr, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

    Toledo, Ohio is home to the National Museum of the Great Lakes. From a US perspective, it honors the natural and constructed heritage of the North American Great Lakes. The museum is best known for being the home port of the SS Col. James M. Schoonmaker.

  11. Mazza Museum

    Fine Arts Pavilion by Burwellj, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

    The University of Findlay`s Mazza Museum of International Art from Picture Books is located in Ohio. It is focused to children`s picture book illustrations.

  12. Cleveland Museum of Art

    Indian basket lamp – Cleveland Museum of Art (49325659176) by author, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

    More than 61,000 works of art are housed in the permanent collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. It is the fourth-richest art museum in the United States, with a $755 million endowment. It is one of the world`s most popular art museums.

    • 🌐Museum Website: Website

    • 📞Museum Phone: +1 216 421 7350

    • ⏱Opening Hours: Su,Tu,Th,Sa 10:00-17:00; We,Fr 10:00-21:00 || Jan 1,Jul 4, Dec 25 off

    • 💲Admission Fee: No

    • ♿Wheelchair Accessibility: Yes

    • 📈Popularity Score: 1 /10

    • 📍Location: Map Directions

  13. National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

    Cincinnati, Ohio – panoramio (2) by author, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0

    In 2004, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center was established. It is one of a new breed of `conscience museums` in the United States. Thousands of slaves were able to flee the southern slave states by crossing the Ohio River. Many people sought safety in Cincinnati before going north to Canada in search of freedom.

  14. Great Lakes Science Center

    Cleveland Skyline (27700270056) by Cleveland Skyline, licensed under CC BY 2.0

    The museum first opened its doors in 1996. In the summer of 2006, the Science Center placed a wind turbine in its front yard. A 300-foot solar array canopy with 156 photovoltaic panels generates enough energy to run the Science Center`s exhibition space for an hour.

    • 🌐Museum Website: Website

    • 📞Museum Phone: +1-216-694-2000

    • ⏱Opening Hours: Mo-Sa 10:00-17:00; Su 12:00-17:00 || Sep 4-Apr 1: Tu-Sa 10:00-17:00; Su 12:00-17:00 || Dec 24,Dec 25,2018 Sep 9,2018 Sep 20, 2018 Oct 7, 2018 Oct 14, 2018 Nov 4, 2018 Nov 11, 2018 Dec 9, 2018 Dec 23 off

    • ♿Wheelchair Accessibility: Yes

    • 📈Popularity Score: 1 /10

    • 📍Location: Map Directions

  15. Cleveland Museum of Natural History

    Cleveland Museum of Natural History (30525411330) by author, licensed under CC BY 2.0

    The Cleveland Museum of Natural History first opened its doors in 1920. Founded to conduct anthropology, archaeology, astronomy, botany, geology, paleontology, wildlife biology, and zoology research, education, and collection development.

    • 🌐Museum Website: Website

    • ⏱Opening Hours: Mo,Tu,Th-Sa 10:00-17:00; We 10:00-22:00; Su 12:00-17:00|| Jan 1,Jul 4,Aug 27-31,Dec 25 off

    • 💲Admission Fee: Yes

    • ♿Wheelchair Accessibility: Yes

    • 📈Popularity Score: 1 /10

    • 📍Location: Map Directions

  16. COSI

    CoSI Butterflies (50580480997) by CoSI Butterflies, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

    COSI was founded in 1964 and relocated in 1999 to a 320,000-square-foot (30,000-square-meter) campus constructed by Japanese architect Arata Isozaki on a bend in the Scioto River. The Ohio State University has a research center as well as laboratories for health and medicine.

  17. Richland County Museum

    Richland County Museum Ohio by User:OHWiki, licensed under CC0

    In 1979, the National Register of Historic Places listed the Lexington School and First Congregational Church. The Richland County Museum is now housed in the former school building. The church is also known as the Old Congregatory Church and the New School Presbyterian Church.

  18. National Museum of the United States Air Force

    Memphis Belle – 52132743863 by author, licensed under CC BY 2.0

    Wright-Patterson Air Force Base is home to the National Museum of the United States Air Force. The National Museum of the United States Air Force is the world`s oldest and largest military aviation museum. The museum attracts over a million people each year, making it one of Ohio`s most popular tourist destinations.

    • 🌐Museum Website: Website

    • ♿Wheelchair Accessibility: Yes

    • 📈Popularity Score: 1 /10

    • 📍Location: Map Directions

  19. Cincinnati Art Museum

    Cincinnati Art Museum (8027773277) by author, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

    The Cincinnati Art Museum (CAM) was established in 1881 and is one of the country`s oldest art museums. It was the first art museum west of the Alleghenies to be purpose-built. Its roughly 67,000 works cover more than 6,000 years of human history.

    • 🌐Museum Website: Website

    • ⏱Opening Hours: Tu-We,Fr-Su 11:00-17:00; Th 11:00-20:00

    • 💲Admission Fee: No

    • ♿Wheelchair Accessibility: Yes

    • 📈Popularity Score: 1 /10

    • 📍Location: Map Directions

  20. Taft Museum of Art

    Taft Museum of Art by Eric Inglert, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0

    In Cincinnati, Ohio, the Taft Museum of Art is a fine art collection. It is located at 316 Pike Street, a 200-year-old historic mansion. Built around 1820, the house is the oldest domestic timber structure in downtown Cincinnati. Martin Baum and Nicholas Longworth were among the residents.

  21. Imagination Station

    Imagination Station in 2022 by Mbrickn, licensed under CC BY 4.0

    The Imagination Station is a non-profit, hands-on scientific museum in Toledo, Ohio, located on the Maumee Riverfront. Over 300 displays are available for `children of all ages` at the venue. Due to a lack of finance, COSI had to lock its doors to the public in 2007.

  22. Ohio River Museum

    Ohio River Museum by Wolfgang8741, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

    In Marietta, Ohio, the museum is located on the Muskingum River near its confluence with the Ohio River. The oldest surviving pilothouse belongs to the riverboat `TELL CITY,` which was built in 1889 and named after Tell City, Indiana.

    • 🌐Museum Website: Website

    • 📞Museum Phone: +1-740-373-3750

    • ⏱Opening Hours: Sep-Oct Sa 09:30-17:00; Sep-Oct Su 12:00-17:00; Apr-Aug Mo-Sa 09:30-17:00; Apr-Aug Su 12:00-17:00

    • 💲Admission Fee: Yes

    • 📈Popularity Score: 1 /10

    • 📍Location: Map Directions

  23. Château Laroche

    Chateau Laroche 2019a by Antony-22, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

    Château Laroche, commonly known as Loveland Castle, is a museum located north of Loveland, Ohio, on the banks of the Little Miami River. Harry D. Andrews, a Boy Scout troop commander, World War I veteran, and medievalist, began construction in the 1920s.

  24. Cleveland History Center

    Mercedes (48382518721) by author, licensed under CC BY 2.0

    Frederick C. Crawford founded the Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum in 1965. It`s part of the Cleveland History Center of the Western Reserve Historical Society.

    • 🌐Museum Website: Website

    • 📞Museum Phone: +1 216 721 5722

    • ⏱Opening Hours: Tu-Su 10:00-17:00

    • 💲Admission Fee: Yes

    • ♿Wheelchair Accessibility: Yes

    • 📈Popularity Score: 1 /10

    • 📍Location: Map Directions

  25. Toledo Museum of Art

    Toledo Museum of Art Monroe Street entrance by My own photographic work., licensed under CC BY-SA 2.5

    Edward Drummond Libbey founded the Toledo Museum of Art in 1901. It is home to a collection of around 30,000 items. The museum receives over 380,000 visitors each year on average. The readers of the visual arts website Modern Art Notes named it America`s favorite museum in 2010.

    • 🌐Museum Website: Website

    • 📞Museum Phone: +1-419-255-8000

    • ⏱Opening Hours: Tu,We 10:00-16:00; Th,Fr 10:00-21:00; Sa 10:00-17:00; Su 12:00-17:00; PH off

    • 💲Admission Fee: No

    • ♿Wheelchair Accessibility: Yes

    • 📈Popularity Score: 1 /10

    • 📍Location: Map Directions

  26. Allen Memorial Art Museum

    by , licensed under Public domain

    Oberlin, Ohio`s Allen Memorial Art Museum (AMAM) is a museum dedicated to art. The collection, which was founded in 1917, now contains approximately 15,000 works of art. It is one of the top three art museums in the United States, and it is run by Oberlin College.

  27. McGuffey House and Museum

    by , licensed under Public domain

    The William H. McGuffey House is a historic house museum at 401 East Spring Street, on the campus of Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, United States. Built in 1833, it was the home of author and professor William Holmes McGuffey (1800-1873) from then until 1836. It is believed to be the site where he wrote the first four of the McGuffey Readers, widely popular instructional texts used to educate generations of Americans. The house was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1965. It is now operated by Miami University as the William Holmes McGuffey Museum.

  28. Warren G. Harding Home

    by , licensed under Public domain

    In Marion, Ohio, the Harding Home is a historic house museum. Warren G. Harding, the United States` twenty-ninth president, lived there. The house was left to the Harding Memorial Association by Mrs. Harding. The home is now run by the Ohio Historical Society.

  29. Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum

    The American Motorcyclists Association`s Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum is an extension of the organization. The museum pays tribute to persons who have made significant contributions to motorcycle racing, motorcycle manufacturing, or motorcycling in general. Motorcycles, riding gear, and memorabilia are also on show.

  30. EnterTRAINment Junction

    In West Chester Township, Ohio, there is an indoor model railroad display called EnterTRAINment Junction. Over 90 G-scale trains are on show in the 25,000 square foot display. The American Railroading Museum, an expo center, and a fun house are all part of the complex.

    • 🌐Museum Website: Website

    • ♿Wheelchair Accessibility: Yes

    • 📈Popularity Score: 1 /10

    • 📍Location: Map Directions

  31. Tri-State Warbird Museum

    In Batavia, Ohio, the Tri-State Warbird Museum is a private, non-profit aircraft museum. It`s just adjacent to Clermont County Airport.

  32. Allen County Museum

    The Allen County Museum is located in the city of Lima, the county seat of Allen County, Ohio, United States. Occupying a half city block, the museum campus includes the main museum building, a log house, the MacDonell House (a Victorian mansion), a Shay Locomotive display, the Children`s Discovery Center, genealogy and local history library, railroad archives, and the Children`s Garden. The museum is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. According to recent reports of the American Alliance of Museums Accreditation Department, less than 800 museums, out of more than 11,000 in the United States, are accredited. Standards for accreditation apply across the board to both small and large institutions.

  33. The Castle Historic House Museum

    In Marietta, Ohio, the Castle is a historic Gothic Revival style mansion.

  34. Caesar’s Creek Pioneer Village

    Caesar`s Creek Pioneer Village is a historically recreated community in Caesar Creek State Park, located in Waynesville, Ohio, United States. The village was formed when historic buildings were moved here in 1978 in order to save them from destruction from the creation of Caesars Creek Lake.The village consists of an open-air collection of over 15 restored log cabins and other buildings from the 18th century and early 19th century. The log buildings are open during special events, but can be viewed from the outside year round. The village is maintained and operated by a private non-profit organization. The buildings include a Quaker meetinghouse, a broom shed, a pioneer school house, blacksmith shop, carpenter shop, toll house and many family houses. This includes the historic 1803 Elam Log Cabin.

  35. Butler Institute of American Art

    Youngstown – Butler Institute of American Art – 20200305125645 by BaIdBeard, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

    The Butler Institute of American Art was the first museum in the United States dedicated solely to American art. Norman Rockwell`s Lincoln the Railroadsplitter and Albert Bierstadt`s The Oregon Trail are among the collection`s favorites. Among the highlights of the collection are George Washington`s wedding and William Gropper`s Youngstown Strike. The Beecher Center was built in 2000 with the goal of bringing technology and art together. The museum also has a substantial collection of paintings by Robert Motherwell, an Abstract Expressionist painter. The museum had its first sale in fifteen years in 2007.

  36. First Ladies National Historic Site

    City National Bank Building by Brenda Gottsabend, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0

    Canton, Ohio is home to the First Ladies National Historic Site. The webpage was created in 2000 to honor all of the first ladies of the United States. The Ida Saxton McKinley Historic Home and the Education & Research Center make up the complex.

  37. Campus Martius Museum

    Campus Martius Museum by Snoopywv, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

    Campus Martius was Marietta`s second fortification, and the first to be built solely for civilian defense. The Rufus Putnam House is the sole section of the fortress that has survived. The Ohio Company Land Office is also housed in the museum. Both are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

    • 📞Museum Phone: +1-740-373-3750

    • ⏱Opening Hours: Mo-Sa 09:30-17:00; PH,Su 12:00-17:00

    • 💲Admission Fee: Yes

    • 📈Popularity Score: 1 /10

    • 📍Location: Map Directions

  38. Limper Museum

    Culler Closer Front by Sanderb2, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0

    The Karl Limper Geology Museum is located in Shideler Hall at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. It is located off the lobby on the main level of the building. The museum was established in 1968 and contains a collection of ore minerals, meteorites, and a 16 inch trilobite. Much of the basis of the collection was collected by William H. Shideler, founder of Miami`s geology program. The museum was funded by donations from alumni including James Wolff.

  39. Fiairport Harbor Marine Museum and Lighthouse

    Fairport Harbor West Breakwater Lighthouse (7283978848) by author, licensed under CC BY 2.0

    Fairport Harbor, Ohio is home to the Grand River (Fairport Harbor) Light. The lighthouse, which features a 60-foot tower and a detached keeper`s home, was built in 1871. Exhibits regarding the lighthouse`s history and keepers can be found at the museum.

    • 💲Admission Fee: Yes

    • 📈Popularity Score: 1 /10

    • 📍Location: Map Directions

  40. Bicycle Museum of America

    Crown Store, New Bremen – panoramio by author, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0

    The Bicycle Museum of America houses one of the world`s greatest private bicycle collections. It`s in New Bremen, Ohio, in the United States.

  41. Ohio History Center

    Ohio History Center 2018 006 by Sebastian Wallroth, licensed under CC BY 4.0

    In Columbus, Ohio, the Ohio History Facility is a history museum and research center. Ireland & Associates designed the structure in a Brutalist style. After being relocated from its previous location by Ohio State University, it reopened in 1970 as the Ohio Historical Center.

  42. Canton Museum of Art

    Canton Fire Department Medic 562 (24294633662) by author, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

    In 1935, the Canton Museum of Art was established. The museum`s permanent collection was influenced by two key factors: purchases of works by local artists and donations. The Ralph L. Wilson Collection of American Art was a crucial step toward the eventual focus on American artists from the 19th and 20th centuries.

  43. Patterson Homestead

    RubiconFarm by Greg5030 Photo by Greg Hume, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0

    In Dayton, Ohio, the Patterson Homestead is a historic house museum. Colonel Robert Patterson, an American Revolutionary War veteran, constructed it in 1816. In 1953, the home was given to the city of Dayton and has since been used for educational and historical purposes.

  44. The Betts House

    Begin with me sign by DRieselman, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

    The Betts House, erected in 1804, is Cincinnati`s oldest surviving structure and Ohio`s oldest brick dwelling. It also serves as the Ohio headquarters of The National Society of the Colonial Dames of America. It is a house museum that features exhibits and activities about Cincinnati`s history.

  45. Thomas Edison Birthplace Museum

    by , licensed under Public domain

    In Milan, Ohio, the Thomas Alva Edison Birthplace is a historic house museum. It was the birthplace of American inventor Thomas Alvo Edison, who was born there in 1841. (1847-1931). In 1965, it was named a National Historic Landmark, and in 1966, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

  46. Kelton House Museum

    by , licensed under Public domain

    The Kelton House Museum and Garden is located in Columbus, Ohio`s downtown area. The Junior League of Columbus founded the museum to enhance a knowledge of daily living in 19th-century Columbus. It also provides information about the Underground Railroad to visitors.

  47. Garst Museum

    by , licensed under Public domain

    The Garst House, also known as the Garst Museum, is an historic building located at 205 North Broadway in Greenville, Ohio, United States. On November 16, 1977, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Today it is a local history museum operated by the Darke County Historical Society.

  48. Liberty Aviation Museum

    The Liberty Aviation Museum is located near the Erie–Ottawa International Airport in Port Clinton, Ohio.

  49. The Col. James M. Schoonmaker

    For much of the twentieth century, the Col. James M. Schoonmaker, originally Willis B. Boyer, was a commercial vessel on the Great Lakes. It is now a museum ship in Toledo, Ohio, and was named after Medal of Honor recipient James Martinus Schoonmakers.

  50. Ohio Railway Museum

    The Ohio Railway Museum was established in 1948 as a railway museum. It`s in Worthington, Ohio, not far from Columbus.

  51. Johnson-Humrickhouse Museum

    The Johnson-Humrickhouse Museum in Coshocton, Ohio, is a general interest museum. Its collections total more than 17,000 objects. Within five galleries, there are four permanent themed exhibits: Native American, Historic Ohio, Asian (Japanese and Chinese), and 19th and 20th Century Decorative Arts.

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