Hallway Exhibits

COSI delivers exceptional exhibits at every turn, including hallways and public spaces. Explore science and industry-themed displays featuring stunning photography, sculptures, and interactive exhibits. These thought-provoking collections are all included with general admission.

Exhibit Information


Location	All Levels
Hours	10am – 5pm
Price	Included with General Admission
Accessibility Notes	None

Foucault's Pendulum

Visit the iconic COSI pendulum in our front entrance in front of our atrium. Did you know that the original COSI pendulum can be found in our history of COSI exhibit in our progress gallery? Pendulums have been a part of COSI since the first building opened in 1964. Learn about the physics behind this device while you watch it count down the hours.

Highwire Unicycle

Ride a unicycle 17 feet above the ground! Ride Restrictions: Riders must wear closed-toe, flat shoes (no sandals, heels or Crocs). Riders must have at least a 26-inch inseam in order to reach the pedals. Riders over 250 pounds will not be permitted to ride. For rider safety, this ride does not accommodate guests who are pregnant, have heart or back conditions or those with motor-skill disabilities. *To accommodate all guests fairly, the line may close early. Please note: hours of availability are subject to change.

Nano

Nanotechnology is everywhere! This interactive hallway exhibit will explain what nano technology is, where to find it, and what it is used for. It will also help you explore how it affects your daily life as you see nano particles in action. This exhibit is located on the first floor of COSI, near our American Museum of Natural History exhibits.

Rube Goldberg

Located in the Level 1 hallway near Gallery 1, this exhibit showcases whimsical cartoons of Rube Goldberg machines: intricate contraptions designed to complete simple tasks in the most over-the-top way possible. It also highlights a national competition where student teams build their own elaborate and hilarious machines, bringing Goldberg’s playful ingenuity to life.

Memory Machine

Located between Gallery 1 and Ocean on level 1 at COSI, you will find our Memory Machine interactive art exhibit from local artist Daric Gill. We often focus on what iconic places around the world look like, but not too much about what they SOUND like. In this exhibition, you'll hear some sounds from the hustle and bustle near the Eiffel Tower in Paris, a thunderstorm in the Swiss Alps, what behind Niagara Falls sounds like and much, much more! This is a way to encourage curiosity and catalog memories for others to experience. It is made with mostly recycled materials and uses motion sensing. For more information around the artist, please visit https://daricgill.com/author/dgillart/

Michelle Stitzlein's "Moth Series"

Michelle Stitzlein has been creating sculpture with recycled materials as a full-time artist since 2000 in her Baltimore, OH, studio. Her work has been shown in art and craft museums nationally. The “Moth Series,” was inspired by moths in her backyard and the premise that recycled materials have the capacity to metamorphose into larger objects of great beauty.

Scioto Greenways

The large wall mural on Level 2 communicates the Scioto Greenways project happening on the river including removal of the Main Street Dam, improvement of the ecological systems and river habitat, and creation of a stunning 33-acre greenway through Downtown. Additionally, an interactive exhibit on Level 1 – Dirty Water Fountain – helps to educate the public about river ecology.

Meet the Innovators

Cracker Jack

For 120 years, this American made snack food has been a favorite for many. Visit the Cracker Jack history exhibit in the south hallway on the mezzanine level. View hundreds of historic Cracker Jack prizes and memorabilia.

Optical Illusions

Found throughout the mezzanine and level 2 public spaces, you will experience how optical illusions function as you see them for yourself!

Gigantic

Gigantic is the name of the wire Skelton you will see suspended over the walk way on level 2. This 100 foot tall wire Skelton sculpture is constructed of metal fencing material by artist Tim Rietenbach.

Recycling

SWACO (solid waste authority of central Ohio), in partnership with COSI, helped to develope this unique recycling exhibit on level 1 near big science park entrance. There you will find giant kiosks that illustrate how common recyclable materials are broken down. The display includes life cycles of recycled commodities and show consumer products that are made by recycling them. Computer monitors invite guests to quiz their recycling knowledge and learn how Recycling right can make a difference!

Central High

Did you know that a large portion of the COSI building was actually a high school? Opening in 1924, Central High School served as the main high school for the downtown Columbus area until 1982. COSI opened at this location in 1999. Learn about the history of this building from students and teachers who were here during the time this was used as a school in this exhibit. Located behind the atrium on level 1.

Local History and COSI Models

On display in the hallway near the Progress gallery, you will find two architectural scale models of our current COSI building. Learn how the building was constructed with an interactive model. On the wall above the COSI models you will find historical photos and information regarding the local Columbus area. Historic Broad Street and early Columbus businesses are specifically featured and how they were instrumental in developing the area into what you see today!

Hot Air Balloon

Have you ever wanted to control a hot air balloon without being inside it? Now is your chance with this interactive Hot air balloon exhibit, located on the Mezzanine level near the space exhibit.

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