The 25 Best Museums in Ohio [2024]

Ohio is a relatively quiet state in the middle of the U.S., but it’s home to some of the Midwest’s best museums. Whether you’re planning a solo trip or a family vacation, there’s an Ohio museum to suit your interests. To kickstart your travel planning, here’s a list of Buckeye State’s best museums.

The Best Museums in Ohio

1. American Sign Museum (Cincinnati)

When the American Sign Museum opened in Cincinnati in 2005, the facility had already been 6 years in the making. It was founded by the Swormstedt family, who were mainstays in the sign industry and thus passionate about preserving how signage designs and techniques have changed over time. Today, over 200 different vintage signs are in the American Sign Museum collection, many of which were used for advertising between the end of the 1800s and the 1970s.

While these signs are the site’s main attractions, they’re far from the only things on display. Thousands of other artifacts, such as photos, documents, design tools, and other items meant to catch the eyes of passers-by, are also housed at the museum.

Some beloved pieces include a rare single-arch McDonald’s sign and a glass orb used by a California shopping center. This facility also restores signs, a process that visitors can observe.

Admission is free for members and children under 13, $10 for military personnel, first responders, and teens 13 to 18, $15 for seniors 65+, and $20 for other adults. The American Sign Museum is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The nearest bus stop is Colerain Avenue and Monmouth Avenue.

• Address: 1330 Monmouth Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45225

2. Boonshoft Museum of Discovery (Dayton)

The Boonshoft Museum of Discovery is one of Ohio’s most well-known children’s museums. Most of the exhibits in this Dayton facility are focused on teaching kids about the sciences and natural history. Over the years, the museum has acquired nearly 2 million items, many of which are displayed to help visitors of all ages learn about the world.

Currently, there are 9 permanent exhibits. The most beloved are Discovery Zoo, which houses 150 live animals, and the Oscar Boonshoft Science Center, which is full of interactive displays for hands-on learning.

Boonshoft hosts activities almost every day, ranging from animal encounters to child-friendly lectures. In addition to these programs, the museum’s calendar includes several other special events. Boonshoft even hosts STEM-themed summer camps for kids each year.

Admission is free for members and kids under 3, $12 for kids 3 to 12, $13 for seniors 60+, and $15 for other adults. The Boonshoft Museum of Discovery is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 12 to 5 p.m. The nearest bus stop is Riverside at Ridge.

• Address: 2600 Deweese Parkway, Dayton, OH 45414

3. The Butler Institute of American Art (Youngstown)

Located in Youngstown, The Butler Institute of American Art was the first museum in the country solely dedicated to collecting and showcasing American art. Since its opening in 1919, the museum has collected over 22,000 works of art spanning over 300 years of national art history. Virtually every medium is represented in the space, ranging from traditional paintings and sculptures to more modern and unique visual creations. 

Only a fraction of the Butler Institute’s pieces can be displayed at a time, but the facility rotates its galleries periodically to highlight different works. Temporary exhibitions are also frequently hosted on the property.

Beloved pieces include “Did You Speak to Me?” by William Merritt Chase, “The Oregon Trail” by Albert Bierstadt, and “Struggle” by Siggy Puchta. The museum frequently holds special events, including film screenings and classes.

Admission is free for all visitors. The Butler Institute of American Art is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 12 to 4 p.m. The nearest bus stop is Wick Avenue at East Spring Street.

• Address: 524 Wick Ave., Youngstown, OH 44502

4. Carillon Historical Park (Dayton)

Spread across over 60 acres of land, the Carillon Historical Park museum complex preserves the Dayton area’s history of innovation and technology. Though the park didn’t officially open until the 1950s, it highlights inventions and industrial marvels dating back to the late 18th century. Multiple structures make up the museum park rather than all exhibits concentrated in a single building.

Some of the park’s most visited areas include the Wright Brothers Aviation Center, which houses the first practical airplane, the Wright Flyer III. Newcom Tavern is the oldest building in Dayton and one of the facility’s most historic exhibits.

Weather permitting, Carillon hosts several events each year, including historical reenactments, camps, and fundraisers. It can also be rented as a private event venue.

Admission is free for members and children under 3, $10 for kids 3 to 17, $12 for seniors 60+, and $14 for other adults. The Carillon Historical Park is open Monday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 12 to 5 p.m. The nearest bus stop is Patterson at Carillon Park.

• Address: 1000 Carillon Blvd., Dayton, OH 45409

5. Castle Noel (Medina)

Castle Noel is the largest year-round Christmas-themed attraction in the country. Though other facilities may put up Christmas decorations around December, Castle Noel is known for celebrating the holiday season all year.

Spread out over 40,000 square feet, the museum is made up of a series of Christmas-themed installations. Props from famous holiday movies, including “Elf,” “Christmas Carol,” and “Santa Claus: The Movie” are some of the most beloved parts of the exhibit. There are also numerous recreations of well-known movie scenes, unique decorations, elaborate Christmas villages, and more.

Together, these displays create an immersive holiday experience, whether you visit in December or July. Castle Noel is known for being an ever-changing experience. Every year, the facility adds more items to its collection, so it’s possible to visit every year and see something new.

Admission is free for infants, $22.95 for kids under 13, $27.95 on Tuesday through Thursday openings, and $29.95 on Friday through Monday openings. Opening times vary. There are no public transit stops in the museum’s immediate vicinity.

• Address: 260 S. Court St., Medina, OH 44256

6. Center of Science and Industry (Columbus)

The Center of Science and Industry (COSI) has been recognized nationwide for its science education outreach programs. These programs largely consist of the COSI on Wheels, a traveling program that visits communities and schools around the Midwest. However, this project wouldn’t be possible without the flagship museum in Columbus.

Currently, over 10 permanent or long-term exhibits delve into different science fields, ranging from ocean studies to technology and industry. Additionally, the center virtually always has at least 2 to 3 temporary on-site exhibitions tackling more unique and niche fields. Some beloved exhibits have included Colors of Nature and a gallery of artifacts recovered from the Titanic.

Admission is free for children under 2, teachers, and members. Tickets start at $23 for military dependents 2 to 12, $25 for kids 2 to 12, $28 for seniors 60+, military servicemembers or dependents 13+, and $30 for other adults. Tickets purchased on-site are $5 more. COSI is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The nearest bus stop is West Broad Street and Belle Street.

• Address: 333 West Broad St., Columbus, OH 43215

7. Children’s Museum of Cleveland

Since 1981, the Children’s Museum of Cleveland (CMC) has been one of Ohio’s premier locations for children to learn and create. Most on-site exhibit sets are designed for kids under 10, but families with children of all ages are welcome.

Over the years, CMC has grown, and today there are 8 exhibit spaces for kids to explore. Adventure City is the largest space on the property. This model city lets kids play pretend, build, and begin to learn about the world so they can become future problem-solvers, leaders, and creators.

The Theater exhibit is another beloved space, especially among young performers. With costumes, props, and effects available to play with, children are encouraged to express themselves through plays or concerts. Education is an important pillar of CMC, so the museum often hosts camps and classes for kids of all ages.

Admission is free for members and infants under 12 months and $15 for everyone else. The Children’s Museum of Cleveland is open Friday through Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The nearest bus stop is Euclid Avenue and East 40th Street Station.

• Address: 3813 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44115

8. Cincinnati Art Museum

The Cincinnati Art Museum opened in 1881, making it one of the nation’s oldest art museums. Since its founding more than 140 years ago, the museum has acquired over 67,000 works of art, the oldest dating back 6,000 years. The museum represents cultures and art styles from around the world and is famous for having one of the most comprehensive collections in the Midwest.

There are 12 categories in the museum’s collection, and works are routinely rotated to feature items from the archives. Some highlighted pieces housed at the Cincinnati Art Museum include “Powel Crosely, Jr.” by Nam June Paik, “Sun on Prospect Street” by Edward Hopper, and “Undergrowth with Two Figures” by Vincent van Gogh. Temporary exhibitions are also a frequent part of the facility’s event calendar. These include family days, educational classes, and tours.

General admission is free for everyone. The Cincinnati Art Museum is open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Members can visit an hour early on Saturdays and Sundays. The nearest bus stop is Art Museum Drive and MT Adams Drive.

• Address: 953 Eden Park Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45202

9. The Cleveland Museum of Art

Known for its large collection of Asian and Egyptian art, The Cleveland Museum of Art (CMA) is one of Ohio’s biggest cultural centers. It first opened in 1913, and since then, the space has acquired over 60,000 art pieces from around the world. Since the CMA collection is so large and diverse, most items are kept in the archive, and the pieces have been split into 8 departments.

Some beloved works housed by the CMA include “Morning Glory with Black” by Georgia O’Keeffe, “Paris Windows With Flags, Bastille Day” by Ilse Bing, and “The Holy Family on the Steps” by Nicolas Poussin. Several ancient artifacts are also housed here, including statues from the early Bronze Age, ancient tomb guardians from China, and even ancient Egyptian coffins.

General admission is free for everyone. The Cleveland Museum of Art is open Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. The nearest bus stop is East 105th Street and Park Lane.

• Address: 11150 East Blvd., Cleveland, OH 44106

10. Cleveland Museum of Natural History

Opened initially as a research and education institute, the Cleveland Museum of Natural History has grown to become one of the state’s most prominent natural history facilities. Today, the entire museum is dedicated to the fields of anthropology, archaeology, astronomy, botany, geology, zoology, and more to help visitors and scientists learn about the world.

In the over 100 years since its founding, the museum has amassed a collection of over 4 million specimens, which are either displayed, studied, or preserved. Since this collection is so massive, exhibits are routinely rotated to highlight new items.

Items preserved by the museum include 13,000-year-old tools, faceted gems that have been collected from around the world, and the skull of what scientists call a juvenile Tyrannosaurus rex. Temporary exhibitions are also a frequent part of the museum experience, as are special events, such as fundraisers, tours, and camps.

Admission is free for members and kids under 3. Tickets start at $7 for children 3 to 18, college students, and seniors, and $10 for other adults. The Cleveland Museum of Natural History is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The nearest bus stop is East 105th Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Drive.

• Address: 1 Wade Oval Drive, Cleveland, OH 44106

11. Columbus Museum of Art

The Columbus Museum of Art (CMA) was Ohio’s first chartered art museum, and it’s still one of the state’s most impressive fine art facilities. Though the museum specializes primarily in American and European modern art, it also has a sizable collection of contemporary pieces, folk art, glass, photography, and other items.

Some of the most renowned items on the property include “Still Life with Compote and Glass” by Pablo Picasso, “The Mediterranean” by Claude Monet, and “Christine Lerolle Embroidering” by Pierre-Auguste Renoir.

Since the museum houses and preserves works of art from so many masters, exhibits are changed regularly to showcase different pieces. The facility also sponsors multiple artist projects to encourage up-and-coming contemporary creators. These are in addition to CMA’s numerous educational events and projects. 

Admission is free for members, children under 4, veterans, and military personnel and their families, $10 for kids 4 to 17, students, and seniors 60+, and $20 for other adults. Tickets are $5 on Thursday evenings, and all fees are waived on Sundays. The Columbus Museum of Art is open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. The nearest bus stop is East Broad Street and North Washington Avenue.

• Address: 480 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43215

12. Dayton Art Institute

The Dayton Art Institute (DAI) has been considered one of the best fine arts centers in the U.S. for years. Known for making art accessible to people of all ages, the museum has grown in popularity in recent decades as it’s become a top field trip destination.

The collection consists of over 20,000 works of art, the oldest of which were created 5,000 years ago. Some notable collection pieces include “Purple Leaves” by Georgia O’Keeffe, “After the Bath” by Edgar Degas, and “Study Heads of an Old Man” by Peter Paul Rubens.

Education is an important part of DAI’s mission. The museum works with schools and other organizations to sponsor programs for visitors of all ages that help curate a community interest in the arts. Temporary exhibitions also help bring new cultures and art to the area.

Admission is free for members and kids under 7, $5 for kids 7 to 17 and college students, $10 for seniors 60+ and active military personnel, and $15 for other adults. DAI is open Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday from 12 to 5 p.m. The nearest bus stop is Riverview and Dayton Art Institute.

• Address: 456 Belmonte Park North, Dayton, OH 45405

13. Ernest Warther Museum & Gardens (Dover)

Dover’s Ernest Warther Museum & Gardens is almost entirely dedicated to its namesake, Ernest “Mooney” Warther, a local wood carver. Split between the garden grounds and the museum exhibits, the space highlights many of Warther’s handmade pieces.

Warther has a particular passion for sculpting trains, and many of his steam engine carvings have survived to the present day and are located at the museum. Some of the Warther family’s personal effects are also displayed for the public, including Frieda Warther’s button collection, which has over 73,000 pieces.

The gardens span 3 acres of outdoor space, which is peaceful for visitors to explore. While the museum is intended as a self-guided experience, tours are offered 3 times a day.

Admission is free for kids under 4, $7 for kids 4 to 11, $8 for students 12 to 17, $18 for seniors 65+, and $19 for other adults. The Ernest Warther Museum & Gardens is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. There are no public transit stops in the museum’s immediate vicinity.

• Address: 331 Karl Ave., Dover, OH 44622

14. Frank Lloyd Wright’s Westcott House (Springfield)

Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural designs can be found around the country, but Westcott House in Ohio might be one of the most famous. Built in 1908 and commissioned by the Westcott family, the home is the only Prairie-style structure Wright ever brought to life.

As part of a mission to preserve Wright’s contributions to his field, the home remained largely untouched, even after the Westcott family no longer owned the property. It only became a publicly accessible museum in the 2000s.

To maintain the structure’s integrity, all visits must be made as part of a tour, and it’s strongly suggested that you book a spot ahead of time. Additional events, including lectures, camps, and workshops, are frequently held at the Westcott House, which is also available as an event venue.

Admission is free for members, children under 7, and school groups, $17 for seniors 65+, military personnel, Clark County residents, and groups, and $20 for other adults. Frank Lloyd Wright’s Westcott House is open Tuesday through Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday from 10:45 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 12:45 to 5 p.m. There are no public transport stops in the museum’s immediate vicinity.

• Address: 85 S. Greenmount Ave., Springfield, OH 45505

15. Great Lakes Science Center (Cleveland)

Though it focuses mainly on the Great Lakes, the Great Lakes Science Center has exhibits covering various topics, from industry and technology to astronomy. With hundreds of traditional and interactive displays on the property, the center can capture the attention of visitors of all ages.

The museum’s 9 main wings delve into topics ranging from impressive inventions and creations in the Cleveland area to the work done by NASA. Some of the exhibits particularly beloved by guests include the Polymer Funhouse, the Plasma Ball, and the Steamship William G. Mather.

Recently, the science center has also gained renewed popularity due to its Clinic Dome IMAX Theater, which screens educational and nature-related videos. To help curate an interest in STEM, camps, programs, and activities are hosted for kids and families throughout the year.

Admission is free for members and kids under 2, $14.95 for kids 2 to 12, $17.95 for seniors, and $19.95 for other adults. Great Lakes Science Center is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The nearest light rail station is North Coast Station.

• Address: 601 Erieside Ave., Cleveland, OH 44114

“Great Lakes Science Center is home to the NASA Glenn Visitor Center, one of only 11 official NASA visitor centers in the country, and we bring STEM to life through hundreds of hands-on exhibits, the Cleveland Clinic DOME Theater, historic maritime museum Steamship William G. Mather, daily science demonstrations, and more.”

Amanda Taunt, vice president of operations, Great Lakes Science Center

16. House From A Christmas Story (Cleveland)

Since its release in 1983, “A Christmas Story” has been a beloved holiday film. After years of being an unofficial tourist spot, the home used for filming was eventually turned into the House From A Christmas Story museum. This home is instantly recognizable from the outside for fans of the movie, but now guests are allowed to explore the interior as well.

Inside, the home has numerous exhibits, many featuring props and costumes used during filming. Some items that fans love to see are the snowsuit worn by the character Randy, the chalkboard used in all school scenes, and a selection of behind-the-scenes photos. There’s even one of the now-infamous Red Ryder BB guns. This isn’t meant to be a self-guided experience, so all visits must be done as part of a tour.

Admission is free for kids under 5 and $17 for everyone else. The House from A Christmas Story is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The nearest bus stop is West 14th Street and Buhrer Avenue.

• Address: 3159 West 11th St., Cleveland, OH 44109

17. Imagination Station (Toledo)

Housed in what was once the original structure for the Center of Science and Industry (COSI), the Imagination Station inspires children of all ages to learn about science and the world around them. With hundreds of interactive exhibits, the space can create an enriching experience for kids and their families.

Imagination Station’s exhibits can be divided into over 30 different wings, and the space was designed to be versatile enough to spend an hour or a full day on the property. Some of the areas visitors love most are the Ames Room, which plays with perspective and optical illusions, the Animation Station, and the High Wire Cycle.

While most of the spaces in the museum are appropriate for all children, some have recommended ages. To continue learning, Imagination Station also hosts camps and family events.

Admission is free for kids under 3. Ticket prices vary depending on the attractions you visit. Imagination Station is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 12 to 5 p.m. The nearest bus stop is Summit and Adams South West.

• Address: 1 Discovery Way, Toledo, OH 43604

18. International Women’s Air & Space Museum (Cleveland)

Cleveland’s International Women’s Air & Space Museum (IWASM) is one of the only museums in the world that’s entirely dedicated to the contributions women have made in aviation and space. Using artifacts, articles, uniforms, art, photos, and more, the facility can accurately portray women’s history in these fields over the years.

IWASM’s collection is divided into 5 departments:

• Mercury 13 honors the women who participated in the 1960s Women in Space Program.
• IWASM Institutional History is largely photographic and documents the creation of the museum and its roots.
• Ruby Wine Sheldon Collection honors the work of pilot Ruby Wine Sheldon.
• Ruth Nichols Collection honors its namesake and other early women pilots.
• IWASM Photo Archives is a comprehensive collection of 100 years of women in aviation.

This museum also houses a research center and regularly hosts learning events for both children and adults.

Admission is free for all visitors. The International Women’s Air & Space Museum is open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The nearest light rail station is South Harbor Station.

• Address: 1501 N. Marginal Road, Cleveland, OH 44114

19. Merry-Go-Round Museum (Sandusky)

The Merry-Go-Round Museum in Sandusky preserves beautiful but often overlooked carousel figures and antiques. The museum’s centerpiece is a 1920s carousel, which the facility purchased in 1991. Unlike many merry-go-rounds, which feature mostly horses, this ride has county fair-style animals, combining horses and other species.

Though that’s the most famous attraction at the museum, it’s far from the only exhibit. Over the years, the museum has acquired numerous other pieces, ranging from single-rider seats depicting animals such as tigers, camels, and giraffes to photos and advertisements. The museum hosts several special events each summer, and the center is available as a venue for parties and weddings.

Admission is free for children under 4, $6 for kids 4 to 14, $7 for seniors, and $8 for other adults. The Merry-Go-Round Museum’s opening hours vary by season. It’s routinely closed in January. The nearest bus stop is Washington and Wayne.

• Address: 301 Jackson St., Sandusky, OH 44870

20. National Museum of the Great Lakes (Toledo)

Toledo’s National Museum of the Great Lakes (NMGL) educates the public about the heritage, culture, and history of the Great Lakes region of the U.S. and how these bodies of water helped Ohio grow and develop as a state. NMGL began as just a small exhibit. As the facility grew, it soon became one of the biggest facilities run by the Great Lakes Historical Society.

Using a combination of documents, interactive media, and artifacts, the museum teaches visitors of all ages about the area’s maritime history. NMGL even has 2 ships in its care, which can be toured between May and October: the Col. James M. Schoonmaker and the Tug Ohio. Several special events are held on the property as well, including sensory-friendly visit times.

Admission is free for kids under 6, $8 for children 6 to 17, $10 for military personnel, first responders, and seniors, and $11 for other adults. The National Museum of the Great Lakes is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 12 to 5 p.m. The nearest bus stop is Washington.

• Address: 1701 Front St., Toledo, OH 43605

21. National Underground Railroad Freedom Center (Cincinnati)

Since opening in 2004, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center has remembered the men and women who found freedom through the Underground Railroad and those who helped create it. The facility was considered part of a national Museums of Conscience project when it opened. This initiative aimed to teach visitors about freedom struggles in the hopes of building a better and more secure future.

The permanent collection currently includes 8 exhibits. One of the most historic but also solemn exhibits in the museum is the Slave Pen, an actual jail structure for enslaved individuals built in the 19th century. Media is also used to educate guests, including the “Suite for Freedom” orientation film, which briefly introduces the Underground Railroad and sets the tone for the rest of the museum experience.

Admission is free for children under 3, $11.50 for kids 3 to 12, $14 for seniors 60+, and $16.50 for other adults. The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The nearest bus stop is Rosa Parks at Freedom.

• Address: 50 East Freedom Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202

22. Ohio Craft Museum (Columbus)

The Ohio Craft Museum uses its yearly exhibitions to uplift artists and teach the community to appreciate the arts.

Each year, the museum hosts 4 major exhibitions, which change seasonally. While these are the space’s main events, the museum also hosts smaller focus galleries that delve into the works of specific artists or art styles. There is also a small permanent collection on the property comprising 250 works of art.

Notably, the museum showcases a wide variety of mediums, from fiber and wood to glass, metal, and mixed media. What virtually all the facility’s pieces and exhibitions have in common is that Ohio artists created them. To support the art community, the Ohio Craft Museum also gives grants to creators to help them pursue a career in the arts.

Admission is free for everyone. The Ohio Craft Museum is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The nearest bus stop is West 5th Avenue and Ashland Avenue.

• Address: 1665 West 5th Ave., Columbus, OH 43212

23. Pro Football Hall of Fame (Canton)

First opened in 1963, the Pro Football Hall of Fame honors famous figures in the NFL. As of the last induction ceremony, 371 people, ranging from coaches to players, were honored in the hall. In addition to the hall of inductees, the museum also houses numerous exhibits that delve into different football-related topics, such as college players, how the league has changed in the 100 years it’s existed, and more.

Sports artifacts, including trophies and uniforms, are displayed alongside multimedia exhibits and interactive areas to create an enriching experience for longtime and new fans of the sport. While all NFL teams have at least 1 player in the hall, the Chicago Bears are famous for having more representatives than anyone, with 32 inductees over the years.

Admission is free for members and children under 6, $36.50 for kids 3 to 12, and $43.50 for other adults. The Pro Football Hall of Fame is open daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. The nearest bus stop is 17th Street and Harrison Avenue North West.

• Address: 2121 George Halas Drive NW, Canton, OH 44708

24. Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (Cleveland)

Every year, beloved musicians are inducted into Cleveland’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (RRHOF). While visiting the hall itself is the centerpiece of the museum experience, it’s only one of many things worth seeing.

The museum showcases rock and roll history through permanent and temporary exhibits featuring artifacts from concerts and musicians’ careers. For years, the museum has consisted of 5 levels of exhibits, but a sixth space dedicated to Bon Jovi’s 40-year career recently opened.

Individual artists, bands, producers, and other influential rock figures are represented in the museum. Some of the most famous artists honored are Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, Buddy Holly, and James Brown.

Admission is free for members and kids under 6, $25 for kids 6 to 12, and $35 for other adults. Opening hours vary by season. The nearest light rail stop is North Coast Station.

• Address: 1100 East 9th St., Cleveland, OH 44114

25. Toledo Museum of Art

Toledo’s Museum of Art has gained notoriety among art lovers around the world over the years. Since its opening in 1901, the museum’s collection has grown to over 30,000 items, split between the space’s 45 galleries and archives.

While many of the pieces preserved by the facility are from 19th and 20th-century artists, the space also houses notable artifacts from ancient Greece and Rome and the Renaissance period. Some of the museum’s most beloved pieces are “Woman in a Black Hat” by Pablo Picasso, “The Roofs of Old Rouen, Gray Weather” by Camille Pissarro, and “Antibes Seen from La Salis” by Claude Monet.

It’s also an important exhibition space for temporary galleries. These showcases often delve into the art of specific cultures, artists, or movements, like “Expanding Horizons,” “Beth Lipman: ReGift,” and “Africa Unmasked.”

General admission is free for everyone. The Toledo Museum of Art is open Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. The nearest bus stop is Monroe and Parkwood South West.

• Address: 2445 Monroe St., Toledo, OH 43620

How To Get Free or Reduced Admission to Ohio Museums

We’ve indicated with each museum whether or not children, students, or seniors receive free or reduced admission. Several other programs offer similar concessions.

The Museums for All program offers free or reduced admission to museums throughout the U.S. for those receiving food assistance (SNAP benefits). Participating Ohio attractions include the American Sign Museum, the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, the Cincinnati History Museum – Cincinnati Museum Center, and the COSI – Center of Science and Industry.

Bank of America’s Museums on Us program offers cardholders free general admission on the first full weekend of every month to the following Ohio museums: the Columbus Museum of Art, the Dayton Art Institute, the Great Lakes Science Center, and the National Veterans Memorial and Museum.

Participation is subject to change; please verify participating museums and entry conditions before your visit.

Final Thoughts

Ohio has no shortage of museums worth visiting, no matter your interests. From history to art, there’s an exhibit, gallery, or facility in this Midwestern state for you. We hope this list has helped you narrow down your options so you know where in Ohio you should head to see the best museums.