The March 29th anniversary will include a four-hour program of activities and experiences, as well as a forward-looking address by museum President and CEO Dr. Frederic Bertley.

COLUMBUS, Ohio, March 27, 2024 — The Center of Science and Industry (COSI), voted the best science museum in the country by USA Today, will mark its 60th anniversary on Friday, March 29, 2024 with a special four-hour (10:00am to 2:00pm) celebration that includes a rich program of activities and experiences, along with a forward-looking keynote address by Dr. Frederic Bertley, who has served as President and CEO of the pioneering museum since 2017.

“Over the last 60 years COSI has grown and expanded to become one of the finest museums of science and industry in the country,” Dr. Bertley said today. “We are proud to set an example for other museums that look to us for ideas and programs that they can bring back to their own communities. And we owe our success to the team members, volunteers, donors, and community partners who have made COSI the remarkable, nationally renowned cultural institution it is today.

“Every year we inspire more than a million people to experience the natural wonders of our world,” Dr. Bertley continued, “and we look forward, through expanded exhibits, programs, experiences, and educational offerings, to inspire even more people in the future.”

The original idea for COSI was born during a business trip to Chicago in 1957 by Sanford N. (Sandy) Hallock ll, who worked as an account executive for the Byer and Bowman advertising agency. While there, he attended the Museum of Science and Industry that he visited as a boy with his father. When Sandy returned home, he said to his wife Peggy, “Do you know what Columbus needs? It needs a Museum of Science and Industry!” Sandy’s lifelong interest in science and technology led him to pursue the dream of creating such an institution in Columbus, and in 1958 he wrote the original proposal for a Center of Science and Industry.

COSI opened to the public on March 29,1964. That first day, COSI welcomed more than 5,000 guests, who paid 50 cents for an adult and 25 cents for a youth admission. Since then, COSI has engaged with 40,000,000 people both at the museum and beyond through various offsite community activations. COSI has also engaged with millions of people online through its robust digital offering that includes the Emmy award-winning Dr. B in 3 video series.

Originally established in Columbus’s Memorial Hall, the museum moved to its current location in downtown Columbus at 333 West Broad Street on November 6, 1999. Internationally renowned architect Arata Isozaki designed the 320,000 square foot building – which was featured in the architect’s portfolio that won the Pritzker Architecture Prize in 2019.

“The success we have experienced to date is a testament to what can grow from the seed of an idea that Sandy Hallock had in 1957,” Dr. Bertley reflected. “Every day we are reminded of his vision, and the commitment of all who followed in his footsteps, to bring something special to this remarkable community. All of us in Columbus and throughout the Midwest continue to be blessed by the vision and perseverance he had more than 60 years ago.”

Dr. Bertley has been bringing his own love for science and industry to Columbus since 2017 when he became the President and CEO of COSI. His drive to innovate has led to highly engaging experiences including the COSI Science Festival, The Color of Science™ and EiPiC™ programs, as well as the celebrated STEAM kit program given away to students across the country. Dr. Bertley is committed to strengthening STEAM education by expanding nationwide access to STEAM programs to people of all ages and backgrounds to drive interest in and appreciation for science to create a more science-literate society.

Under his leadership, COSI has been lauded as the nation’s #1 science museum for four consecutive years by the USA Today Readers’ Choice Awards and been awarded the prestigious 2023 IMLS National Medal. Looking forward, Dr. Bertley is committed to extending COSI’s reach and influence internationally through partnerships with the United States State Department and individual United States embassies in countries around the world, including Canada, Egypt, India and beyond. His goal is to inspire millions, if not billions, of people to develop a passion for STEAM.

“Our mission remains the same as it was 60 years ago — to engage, inspire, and transform lives and communities by being the best partner in science, technology, and industry learning both through on-campus exhibits and programs as well as through an expanding range of online and digital activations. By doing so, we will help ensure that generations to come will inherit a world of endless possibilities,” Dr. Bertley concluded.

COSI, ranked “#1 Science Museum in the Country” for four consecutive years as voted by USA TODAY’s 10Best, is an esteemed science center that has delighted Central Ohio with all things science for 60 years, inspiring interest in science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) topics and delivering our experiential, “hands-on fun” brand of learning. COSI has been awarded nine Emmys for its effective science communication television and video productions impacting science literacy for people of all ages. As a trusted educational resource for families, schools, and community partners, COSI is an essential element of our regional, national and international communities, engaging millions of people annually through onsite, offsite, and online experiences.