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COSI


COSI, officially the Center of Science and Industry, is a science museum and educational institution in Columbus, Ohio, focused on fostering interest in science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics through hands-on, experiential learning. Founded in 1964 following an idea conceived in 1957 by Sanford N. Hallock II inspired by Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry, it opened to the public on March 29, 1964, in renovated Memorial Hall, drawing over 5,000 visitors on its first day. Relocated in 1999 to a purpose-built 320,000-square-foot facility designed by architect Arata Isozaki, COSI now offers more than 300 interactive exhibits across nine galleries, a planetarium, and specialized areas for young children, engaging over 1 million visitors annually and reaching 300,000 students through outreach programs. Since its inception, it has welcomed more than 40 million guests and created over 36 million educational engagements, earning recognition as a recipient of the 2023 National Medal for Museum and Library Service for its exceptional community contributions. As a founding member of the Science Museum Exhibit Collaborative, COSI emphasizes accessible STEM education while adapting to modern needs, such as inclusive programming for diverse ages and abilities.

History

Founding and Early Development (1955–1964)

The Center of Science and Industry (COSI) originated from an idea conceived by Sanford N. "Sandy" Hallock II in 1957 during a business trip to , where he was inspired by the city's Museum of Science and Industry. Hallock, an account executive for the Byer , drafted an initial proposal in 1958 advocating for a similar interactive and industry center in , to promote public education through hands-on exhibits. Planning advanced under the auspices of the Franklin County Historical Society, with Herschel Stephan, its president, leading efforts to formalize the initiative. In November 1961, the society's board presented a detailed plan to the Franklin County Commissioners, securing preliminary support for establishing the center in the historic Memorial Hall at 280 East Broad Street, a structure built in 1906 that faced potential demolition. Key backers included Walter English, who later served as COSI's president and chairman, and publisher Preston Wolfe, who advocated for preserving and repurposing the hall. County commissioners approved funding for renovations in October 1962, enabling structural modifications such as the addition of a second floor. Hallock was appointed as the inaugural on January 1, 1963, overseeing the remodeling of Memorial Hall into a functional space. The Franklin County Historical Society formally launched COSI on March 29, 1964—Easter Sunday—at the renovated site, attracting over 5,000 visitors on opening day with admission fees of 50 cents for adults and 25 cents for youth. Initial exhibits emphasized interactive demonstrations in science, industry, health, and , including the Battelle and a "Transparent Talking Woman" display, setting the foundation for COSI's educational mission.

Initial Operations and Growth (1964–1990s)

The Center of Science and Industry (COSI) commenced operations on March 29, 1964, in the renovated Memorial Hall at 280 East Broad Street in , drawing over 5,000 visitors on its opening day with adult admission at 50 cents and youth at 25 cents. Under founding Executive Director Sanford N. Hallock II, the institution focused on interactive exhibits demonstrating principles of , , , and , including the Battelle Planetarium, a Foucault pendulum, the Transparent Talking Woman, Durell's Street of Yesteryear, and the Time Tunnel adapted from the 1964 New York World's Fair. Memorial Hall, originally constructed in 1906, had been adapted with a second floor, new lighting, and a cyclorama wall featuring a quote from astronaut John Glenn to suit the museum's needs. Initial attendance surged, reflecting strong public and educational interest; by April and May 1965, COSI recorded 48,000 school group reservations, and cumulative visitors exceeded 300,000 by August 1966. The milestone of the 1 millionth visitor was reached in August 1970, prompting the launch of the annual Centerisma gala fundraiser. Educational programming expanded early, including the debut of the "Man from COSI" television series in the late , which earned a local Emmy Award, and the first Camp-In program in 1972 hosting 3,000 Girl Scouts. Facility expansions in the addressed rising demand, with a front and third floor added in 1973 alongside the Jeffery #1 exhibit and an electric static generator. Further enhancements included the Presidents Exhibit and Think Metric in 1975, a and expanded area in 1976, children's health activities in 1977, and the Model Railroad plus Mall in 1978. The 1980s saw continued innovation, such as the introduction of robots ISOC and RODOG in 1980, the reopening of in 1983, and the launch of COSI On Wheels outreach and KIDSPACE children's area in 1984. Temporary exhibits drove peaks, with "The Dinosaurs!" attracting 106,000 visitors in January 1987 and setting a single-day record of 11,000, while "" in 1989 drew 311,654 attendees. By November 1988, COSI welcomed its 7 millionth visitor, and growth persisted into the early 1990s with the February 1991 opening of LIMITEDSPACE, an outdoor Science Park, and expanded total floor space to 180,000 square feet. The 10 millionth cumulative visitor was recorded by 1993, alongside 1 million experiences through COSI On Wheels programs. These developments solidified COSI's role as a regional hub for hands-on amid steady operational maturation.

Financial Challenges and Relocation (1990s–2000)

In the late , COSI confronted spatial constraints at its original Memorial Hall location on East Street, which spanned only 116,000 square feet and hindered further exhibit and visitor growth after decades of operation. Planning for relocation began years earlier, driven by the need for a modern, expansive facility to sustain educational programming and accommodate increasing attendance, with discussions dating back to the but accelerating in the . The selected site was the former Central High School building on West Street along the , renovated and expanded under the design of architect into a 320,000-square-foot complex. The project, costing $125 million, relied on joint funding from the city of , the state of , and private donors, though securing these commitments posed challenges amid the scale of investment required for construction and infrastructure upgrades. COSI closed its Memorial Hall operations on September 6, 1999, and reopened at the new location on November 6, 1999, with enhanced features including advanced theaters and interactive spaces aimed at boosting long-term viability. Post-relocation, financial pressures intensified due to elevated and expenses in the larger, energy-intensive building—often reaching six figures monthly—coupled with attendance that fell short of projections needed to offset operational costs. This contributed to a $1.2 million operating by 2001, necessitating staff reductions and program curtailments to address the shortfall. Further deficits, including a $500,000 gap in 2003, underscored the transition risks of scaling up without proportional revenue growth, though the move ultimately positioned COSI for future stabilization through adaptations like targeted cost controls.

Expansion and Institutional Maturation (2000–Present)

Following the relocation to its current 320,000-square-foot facility at 333 West Broad Street—designed by architect and incorporating elements of the historic Central High School—COSI expanded its exhibit capacity in 2000 to include themed "Learning Worlds" such as , I/O, , Gadgets, , and , accommodating over 300 interactive experiences focused on , , and human endeavor. This infrastructure supported broader programming, including specialized theaters and hands-on demonstrations, marking a shift from the constraints of the original East Broad Street site. Early in the decade, however, attendance growth lagged behind projections, with the institution facing operational adjustments amid economic pressures. Leadership under David Chesebrough, appointed president in April 2006, emphasized financial stabilization and audience engagement, resulting in increased memberships and the 2010 reopening of the Adventure exhibit—a multi-level simulating exploratory challenges inspired by . Cosmetic renovations and exhibit relocations, such as repositioning the light spectrum display to the entrance, enhanced visitor flow during this period. The appointment of Frederic Bertley as president and CEO in 2017 accelerated institutional maturation, with COSI earning recognition as one of the nation's top centers for and educational impact. The establishment of the Center for Research and Evaluation (CRE), an interdisciplinary unit of social scientists, advanced COSI's role in generating empirical data on outcomes, informing exhibit design and partnerships. By 2025, accolades included a nomination for USA Today's "Best " and wins for Emmy and Awards, underscoring sustained growth in research integration and public outreach.

Recent Milestones and Adaptations (2010s–2025)

In 2010, COSI received the Association of Science-Technology Centers (ASTC) Leading Edge Award for Business Practice, recognizing its community partnership initiatives under the "Partnering with Others @COSI" program, which fostered collaborations to expand science outreach. During the , COSI closed to the public from March 2020 until June 2021, the longest closure in its history, prompting adaptations including the launch of COSI Connects at-home kits for hands-on learning, such as snow and zoo-themed activity boxes distributed to families and educators. Upon partial reopening in November 2020 (delayed from earlier plans due to rising cases), the museum implemented safety protocols like mandatory masks, timed ticketing to limit capacity, and enhanced cleaning, while temporarily laying off over 80% of its workforce to manage financial impacts. In 2023, COSI was awarded the National Medal for Museum and Library Service by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the nation's highest honor for museums, selected from 30 finalists for its impactful programs serving underserved communities and promoting . The museum marked its 60th anniversary in 2024, highlighting six decades of operation since opening on March 29, 1964, with events emphasizing ongoing evolution in interactive . COSI expanded its exhibition content in 2024 by developing a new component for the Sun, Earth, Universe exhibit in partnership with the National Informal STEM Education Network, focusing on astronomical themes to enhance visitor engagement with space science. By 2025, it secured the top ranking as the #1 science museum in the United States for the fifth consecutive year in USA TODAY's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards, based on public voting and evaluations of its hands-on exhibits, planetarium, and STEAM initiatives; the same year, COSI earned four additional Emmy Awards for science communication videos, bringing its total to 13. These recognitions reflect adaptations toward digital media and audience-voted excellence amid post-pandemic recovery and competition among science centers.

Facilities and Infrastructure

Current Location and Architecture

COSI is located at 333 West Broad Street in , along the in the Franklinton neighborhood. The site occupies the former grounds of Central High School on the Scioto Peninsula, providing a riverfront setting that enhances its accessibility and visual appeal. This relocation from its original site in Memorial Hall occurred on November 6, 1999, positioning the museum near key landmarks such as the and integrating it into the city's urban fabric. The current facility spans approximately 320,000 square feet (30,000 m²) and features a modern architectural design by Japanese architect , who served as the lead designer. The structure incorporates the historic facade and elements of the Central High School building, blending neoclassical remnants with a contemporary "space-age" addition characterized by sleek, curved forms. Columbus and Moody Nolan acted as architects of record, overseeing local implementation. Key architectural elements include uniquely curved panels that define the exterior, contributing to the building's dynamic profile and structural efficiency. The $125 million project emphasizes functionality for interactive exhibits, with open spaces and sightlines optimized for public flow. features, such as riverfront pathways and proximity to public transit, further integrate the site into Columbus's infrastructure.

Planetarium and Specialized Theaters

The COSI , the largest in , features a 60-foot-diameter dome with 200 seats and employs a Digistar 7 projection system to deliver immersive digital simulations of celestial phenomena, including voyages to distant galaxies and explorations of dynamics. Reopened on November 22, 2014, following renovations, it incorporates enhanced effects such as rumble seats and atmospheric simulations to heighten viewer engagement with astronomical content. Shows typically run every 30 minutes during operating hours, focusing on educational topics like and cosmic events, accessible with general admission or bundled tickets. Complementing the Planetarium, COSI's National Geographic Giant Screen Theater, a three-story venue also known as the Extreme Screen Theater, projects large-format films on , nature, history, and , utilizing state-of-the-art for immersive experiences. With a capacity of 375 seats, it has screened documentaries such as : First Steps Edition and Dream Big: Our World, emphasizing real-world applications of principles through high-resolution visuals. These theaters collectively support COSI's mission by providing specialized venues for public education beyond static exhibits, with programming updated seasonally to align with current scientific themes.

Unique Structural Features and Accessibility

The current COSI facility, spanning 320,000 square feet, integrates historic elements from the former Central High School with designed by Japanese architect , who renovated the structure and added new construction upon its relocation to 333 West Broad Street in downtown on November 6, 1999. The building features a preserved historic with ionic columns and sunken courtyards facing downtown, contrasted by a contemporary elliptical west elevation that serves as the main entrance, emphasizing a blend of classical and futuristic . A distinctive is the innovatively curved panels forming the exterior, which were engineered to create dynamic, flowing forms that enhance the building's visual impact and functionality as a science center, completed as part of the $125 million project. This design, overseen by Isozaki in collaboration with firms like and Moody Nolan, received acclaim, with Isozaki earning the 2019 partly for innovative works like COSI. COSI provides extensive accessibility features for visitors with disabilities, including and electric rentals at the Guest Services Desk, sensory bags with noise-canceling and fidget tools, tactile exhibits, signage, dedicated sensory rooms, and universal changing stations in restrooms. Automatic doors at entrances, lowered counters, and visual alarms support mobility and sensory needs, while a 2024 partnership with EnChroma offers free loaner glasses for red-green colorblindness to enhance exhibit experiences. Transportation accessibility is facilitated by proximity to Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) bus routes, with stops like W Broad St & Marconi Blvd approximately an 8-minute walk away, and ample parking including an underground LAZ garage adjacent to the site under Dorrian Green Park. Bike racks and paths along the Scioto River trail further promote sustainable access.

Exhibits and Attractions

Permanent Exhibit Areas

COSI's permanent exhibit areas feature interactive zones spanning over 320,000 square feet, emphasizing hands-on exploration of scientific concepts across themes like , , , human physiology, and . These areas, many classified under COSI Classics and included with general admission, integrate physical simulations, real-time demonstrations, and scaled models to engage visitors of all ages in empirical discovery. The Ocean exhibit immerses visitors in marine environments, where participants command remote-operated vehicles (ROVs) to explore underwater simulations and climb into a mini-submarine for submersible experiences, highlighting principles of oceanography and engineering. Complementing this, the AMNH Dinosaur Gallery, a collaboration with the American Museum of Natural History featuring full-scale casts like Tyrannosaurus rex and Triceratops, opened in a renovated space on November 10, 2017, and examines paleontological evidence for dinosaur persistence through interactive displays and dioramas. In the area, visitors pilot a simulator and test astronaut maneuvers in a replica, fostering understanding of and extraterrestrial navigation. The Energy Explorers zone dissects production and , with interactives demonstrating renewable sources, metrics, and individual usage impacts through quantifiable simulations. Similarly, delves into human anatomy and , offering real-time views and physiological experiments to illustrate cellular processes and functions. Technological progression is chronicled in , tracing innovations from 1898 to 1962 via time-period artifacts and interactive timelines that quantify historical advancements in and . Gadgets focuses on , using brain-teasing devices to explore neural pathways and problem-solving heuristics. Big Science Park scales up physics principles with feats like lifting a via systems, emphasizing vectors and . For younger audiences, Little Kidspace provides age-appropriate play in simulated farms, tree structures, and emergency vehicles, promoting early sensory-motor learning. Hallway exhibitions incorporate permanent science and industry-themed installations, such as sculptures and , accessible en route between major areas to reinforce thematic continuity without additional cost. These exhibits collectively prioritize verifiable over narrative framing, with design rooted in causal mechanisms observable through direct manipulation.

Rotating and Special Exhibits

COSI allocates dedicated galleries for rotating and special exhibits, enabling the periodic introduction of traveling installations that supplement its core offerings with timely, interactive content drawn from national circuits. The Special Exhibition Gallery, established in November 2017 adjacent to the permanent Dinosaur Gallery, primarily hosts these premier rotating shows curated by the AMNH, spanning approximately 22,000 square feet across the main . Such exhibits typically emphasize hands-on engagement, covering scientific, historical, or cultural themes to sustain visitor interest amid evolving educational priorities. Contemporary examples include "Unofficial Galaxies," a limited-time Star Wars-themed installation from May 10 to September 1, 2025, which integrated adventure narratives with elements of artistry and scientific imagination through immersive displays. Following this, "® Ocean Adventure: The Exhibit" and "® Creature Power: The Exhibit" ran from September 24, 2025, to January 4, 2026, utilizing interactive formats to explore ocean ecosystems and animal . These touring exhibits, often licensed from media or institutional partners, circulate among museums, with COSI's selection reflecting audience demand for accessible topics blended with entertainment. Historically, COSI's special exhibits have diversified programming since its early decades, incorporating traveling shows on nuclear science, such as the 1981 "Prospecting for Uranium" display, where participants employed Geiger counters to demonstrate detection and principles. Later instances encompassed ": His Tomb and His Treasures," replicating ancient Egyptian contexts with artifact replicas, and explorations of extreme in "Nature's Superheroes: Life at the Limits." Additional rotating content has addressed processes, societal dynamics, and simulations like those from the "Liquid Vision" traveling series, which featured electronics-driven and virtual sports interactions. Hallway venues host ancillary special displays, such as the collection exhibiting over hundreds of vintage prizes and ephemera, refreshed periodically and accessible via standard admission. This approach to rotation ensures adaptability to logistical constraints of touring while prioritizing empirical demonstrations over static presentation, though exhibit selection has occasionally drawn from commercial tie-ins amid debates on balancing revenue with scientific rigor.

Interactive Demonstrations and Signature Experiences

COSI features a variety of live science demonstrations that emphasize audience participation and real-time experimentation, included with general admission or membership. These programs, such as the Show—which demonstrates principles of through high-voltage discharges—and Rat Basketball, where trained rats perform trick shots to illustrate and conditioning, occur on dedicated stages like the Gadgets Stage throughout the day. Schedules are posted at the box office and guest services, with shows designed to engage visitors of all ages in foundational physics, chemistry, and biology concepts. A hallmark signature experience is the High Wire in the COSI area, allowing participants to pedal a standard unicycle across a taut 1.5-inch cable suspended 17 feet above the floor, applying gyroscopic and dynamics in a controlled . Introduced as a unique attraction post-relocation, it remains the only publicly accessible high-wire unicycle exhibit in the United States, with safety harnesses and staff guidance ensuring for riders meeting height and age restrictions (typically 48 inches tall and accompanied by an adult). Additional interactive demonstrations occur in open areas like Big Science Park, where oversized apparatus enable experiments in and , such as launching projectiles or manipulating levers to model . These elements, integrated across the 320,000-square-foot facility, prioritize empirical over passive viewing, fostering direct causal understanding of scientific principles.

Educational Programs and Research

K-12 and Public Outreach Initiatives

COSI offers field trips tailored for certified PreK-12 teachers, including public, private, college, university, and homeschool educators (excluding Type A and B homes), providing hands-on access to exhibits and supporting classroom integration of concepts. The "COSI Comes to You!" outreach program delivers interactive demonstrations directly to schools and special events, aligning activities with Ohio Academic Content Standards to extend museum experiences beyond its physical location. Key K-12 initiatives include the Platform program, launched in 2021, which targets high-achieving middle and high school students from underserved socioeconomic backgrounds to foster diversity and career readiness. Participants engage in weekly team-based projects, field trips to STEM companies and universities, multi-week camps, seminars, , and college preparation workshops, with enrollment reaching 105 students across grades 6 through high school by fall 2024. Additionally, the Ohio Distance Learning Initiative features COSI Learning Lunchboxes, free STEAM kits for grades K-8 containing materials for hands-on experiments on topics such as dinosaurs, , and water cycles, accompanied by multilingual instructional videos and educator guides; over 400,000 kits had been distributed across the U.S. and internationally by January 2025. COSI supports K-12 educators through resources like hands-on boxes, virtual field trips offering 360-degree tours of exhibitions, and the COSI Curbside program providing free hotspots and mini-science kits for remote or in-person learning. Partnerships enhance these efforts, such as collaborations with Battelle, which invested $1.2 million in 2025 across 18 Central programs—including those at COSI—reaching over 22,000 students and 450 teachers since 2013. For public outreach, COSI hosts adult-oriented events like COSI , held every second Thursday for those 21 and older, featuring themed activities, entertainment, , and food to engage community members in . The annual COSI Festival, supported by partners like Battelle, draws families and adults for multi-day demonstrations and exhibits promoting public understanding of . Community initiatives include COSI Connects, a digital platform bridging the with online and offline content for all ages, and events such as the Citywide and Celebration involving over 65 -focused organizations. Corporate and civic partnerships, like those with and the in 2025 for youth and community workshops on data centers and digital systems, extend outreach to broader audiences. The volunteer program, open to individuals aged 14 and up, recruits community members for exhibit support and educational activities without requiring prior expertise, providing training to amplify public involvement.

STEM Workforce Development and Partnerships

COSI supports workforce development through immersive pipeline programs and collaborations with and entities, emphasizing preparation for high-demand careers among underrepresented . These initiatives address skill gaps by integrating hands-on learning, , and exposure, targeting fields with entry-level wages often exceeding $44,000 and industry averages around $105,000. A core program, The Platform, launched in 2021, serves as a multi-year for high-achieving students from grades 6 to 12, prioritizing those from diverse and socioeconomically challenged backgrounds to foster greater representation in the . Participants engage in weekly activities such as team-based projects, field trips to STEM companies and universities, multi-week camps, professional seminars, and college preparation workshops, building career readiness and technical skills. By fall 2024, the program achieved full enrollment of 105 students, with initial cohorts starting at 15 ninth graders, demonstrating scalable impact on pipeline progression toward STEM professions. Strategic partnerships amplify these efforts. In April 2022, Battelle provided a $1 million grant to fund The Platform alongside initiatives like the Color of Science series, which profiles diverse scientists to inspire career pathways, and the annual Science Festival, engaging over 1 million people yearly in accessible STEM experiences tailored to future job markets; a second $1 million grant followed in May 2023. In biosciences, a 2025 collaboration with Life Sciences introduced statewide programs across all 88 counties, including hands-on Learning Lunchbox kits and "Career Connects to You" roadshows for middle schoolers, featuring to explore roles like lab technicians and biomedical engineers while combating "leaky" pipelines. Additional pilots, such as those announced in May 2025 with the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio and regional industries, extend workforce training to underserved areas, incorporating STEAM-focused and partnerships to align with local job needs. These endeavors collectively prioritize empirical skill-building over broad outreach, leveraging verifiable metrics like enrollment growth and wage data to drive sustainable workforce entry.

Center for Research and Evaluation (COSI CRE)

The Center for Research and Evaluation (COSI CRE) comprises an interdisciplinary team of social scientists at COSI tasked with producing and disseminating empirical insights into informal and , particularly within centers and related settings. Its core mission emphasizes advancing equitable access to that cultivates and to support sustainable societal outcomes. CRE prioritizes studies conducted on-site at COSI to leverage real-time visitor data, extending findings to broader applications in engagement and cultural responsiveness. CRE's activities encompass rigorous program evaluations, , facilitation of learning workshops, capacity-building for educators, and assistance with proposals for partner organizations. Housed within CRE, the COSI Learning Institute delivers targeted training to corporations, schools, and nonprofits, focusing on innovative pedagogical methods to enhance teaching efficacy. Knowledge dissemination occurs through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, and advisory roles to inform institutional practices and policy. Leadership includes Joe E. Heimlich, who has served as Senior Director of Research since 2018 and holds an emeritus professorship at , with expertise in museum visitor behavior and dynamics. Supporting researchers feature Dolly Hayde as a senior researcher involved in NSF-funded projects, Deborah Wasserman as a senior researcher specializing in evaluation methodologies, Gary Timko as a senior researcher, Justin Reeves Meyer as a researcher, Laura Weiss as a researcher, and Jessica Takacs as evaluation manager. Rita Deedrick founded and directed CRE from its inception in 2011 until transitioning to independent consulting, during which she established COSI's initial formal evaluation framework and managed federal grants. Major projects include (NSF) grants such as WaterMarks (AISL #2115637), which investigates water-themed interventions; Building Supports (AISL #2215274), targeting institutional scaffolds for learning; and Sound Travels (AISL #2215101), exploring auditory experiences in education. The Roads Taken study (NSF #1906396), launched in October 2019 as a four-year longitudinal effort, tracks long-term outcomes for in programs, adapting methods post-COVID disruptions by fall 2022. An of and Services (IMLS) project (MG-251610-OMS-22) examines visitor preferences to refine exhibit designs. CRE maintains partnerships with academic institutions like for initiatives such as Labs in Life, which embeds research into public demonstrations, and collaborates with informal learning networks via organizations like the Association of Science-Technology Centers. Outputs extend to practical tools, including white papers on metrics for learning in informal settings, derived from empirical data to guide evidence-based improvements in educational delivery.

Impact and Reception

Visitor Engagement and Metrics

COSI annually draws approximately 660,000 visitors to its Scioto facility, with driven by hands-on exhibits, live demonstrations, and targeted programming that encourage prolonged interaction and repeat visits. Attendance has demonstrated resilience post-economic challenges, reaching 658,000 in the 2012-2013 fiscal year, up from 627,800 the prior year, amid recovery efforts including exhibit expansions. Special events and traveling exhibitions have historically boosted metrics, such as the 2005 : The Artifact Exhibition, which generated record crowds through immersive artifact displays and narrative . The institution tracks engagement via integrated systems like , monitoring indicators including membership renewal rates, sales volumes, daily attendance patterns, and demographic trends to refine visitor experiences and . COSI's for Research and applies methodologies to assess visitor behavior, such as time spent in exhibit zones, participation in interactive elements, and knowledge retention, informing data-driven adjustments to content delivery. Public recognition underscores effective engagement strategies; in February 2025, COSI topped USA TODAY's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards for science museums, based on voter input reflecting satisfaction with interactive and educational offerings. Programs like Museums for All further enhance , offering reduced admission to qualifying low-income visitors and correlating with elevated during promotional periods. These metrics collectively indicate sustained visitor interest, with pre-2020 projections anticipating continued records absent disruptions like the .

Educational Outcomes and Long-Term Studies

COSI's Center for Research and Evaluation (CRE) conducts research on educational outcomes from informal and experiences, focusing on how individuals engage with (STEM) content in museum and program settings across the lifespan. This includes studies on visitor interactions with exhibits and the effects of outreach initiatives, which annually reach over 300,000 students through school and community programs. A primary effort to assess long-term educational impacts is the NSF-funded Roads Taken project, initiated in 2019 and extended to five years, which examines the 15- to 25-year effects of intensive (80+ hours per year), multi-year youth programs on aged 25 to 45. Employing an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design, the project identifies program influences on outcomes such as academic degrees attained, career paths, involvement, personal engagement, and broader life choices, while tracing causal pathways from specific program strategies to these results. As of 2025, Roads Taken remains ongoing, with dissemination of findings intended for program providers to refine practices, though peer-reviewed results on specific outcome metrics have not yet been published. CRE also contributes to broader frameworks, such as the Informal Education Strategic Outcomes Framework developed in collaboration with institutions like the , which guides measurement of learning gains in nonformal environments but prioritizes process over definitive long-term causal attributions due to methodological challenges in informal settings. Evaluation approaches in COSI's distance and outreach programs emphasize mixed methods to gauge content learning, attitudes, and , adapting tools from in-person contexts to capture usability and learner experiences, though these typically yield short- to medium-term indicators rather than longitudinal data. Such studies underscore CRE's role in advancing equitable access, but the scarcity of completed, large-scale longitudinal analyses highlights persistent gaps in demonstrating sustained causal impacts from COSI's interventions compared to formal education.

Awards, Rankings, and Public Recognition

COSI has been recognized multiple times as a leading through reader-voted and institutional awards. In the 2025 USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards, it was named the #1 Best in the United States, reclaiming the top position after finishing second in 2024; prior wins include #1 rankings in 2021 and 2022. Its placed #3 in the 2025 category. In 2023, COSI received the National Medal for Museum and Library Service from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the nation's highest honor for museums demonstrating excellence in community service and public engagement. The award cited COSI's impact on science literacy through hands-on exhibits and educational programs. COSI has also garnered nine from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences for its videos and television productions, which emphasize accessible content. In 2024, it earned an Award of Achievement from the Museums Association for outstanding professional work. These accolades reflect COSI's sustained public appeal and institutional validation for advancing informal .

Criticisms of Exhibit Design and Content Delivery

Visitors have reported persistent issues with at COSI, including multiple displays being broken, partially functional, or marked as "out of order," which detracts from the interactive experience central to the museum's . Annual closures for have been noted, yet complaints indicate that permanent exhibits often remain unrepaired for extended periods, leading to frustration among repeat visitors. Design elements have drawn criticism for inadequate and , particularly on weekends and during peak seasons, resulting in long queues, limited access to hands-on components, and a sense of disarray in exhibit flow. Some reviewers describe certain areas as feeling empty or underutilized despite the expansive 320,000-square-foot facility, contrasting with for pre-1999 layouts that included more immersive features like the "Time Tunnel" and old town recreations. Content delivery has been faulted for relying heavily on textual explanations and dense instructional panels, which can overwhelm visitors with short attention spans or those seeking primarily tactile engagement, rendering some exhibits confusing or insufficiently intuitive. Older permanent exhibits have been characterized as outdated or boring for older children and adults, with signs of wear such as cobwebs and non-operational elements exacerbating perceptions of neglect in content freshness and accessibility. Additional concerns include high noise levels and from concurrent crowds and exhibit stimuli, with inadequate staffing to manage interactions or enforce quieter zones, making the environment less suitable for neurodiverse visitors or those preferring contemplative exploration. These issues persist despite COSI's interactive ethos, as evidenced by user-generated reviews across platforms, though formal institutional evaluations on design efficacy remain limited.

Controversies and Challenges

Historical Financial Instability and Management Issues

In the late 1990s, COSI relocated from its original site to a larger 320,000-square-foot facility in the former Central High School building at 333 West Broad Street, opening on November 6, 1999, with expectations of significantly increased attendance to support the expanded operations. However, visitor numbers fell short of projections, hovering at about half the anticipated levels in the subsequent decade, which strained finances heavily reliant on gate receipts for roughly 75% of revenue. This shortfall contributed to ongoing budget reductions and operational adjustments, as the institution grappled with the costs of the ambitious expansion amid slower-than-expected public uptake. The early 2000s exacerbated these issues, particularly following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and the ensuing recession, which reduced school field trips and family outings. Membership and attendance continued to decline, prompting COSI to lay off 35 full- and part-time employees on January 22, , as a cost-cutting measure to address the revenue drop. Administrators anticipated further attendance declines for the fiscal year, highlighting the vulnerability of a model dependent on . These challenges reflected broader management difficulties in diversifying revenue streams beyond admissions during economic downturns, with earned income previously comprising only 58% of the budget in struggling periods. By the mid-2000s, persistent financial pressures led to exhibit relocations and temporary closures of areas such as parts of the , , and CityView galleries, underscoring operational instability tied to inadequate for and upgrades. Recovery efforts gained traction around 2005, with attendance and revenue rebounding by 2008 through new exhibits and strategic shifts, ending a period of what officials described as "doom and gloom." Management under subsequent leadership focused on enhancing earned revenue to 75% of a $17 million by 2012-13, including school contracts and partnerships, though historical over-reliance on admissions without robust buffers had exposed underlying vulnerabilities in planning for economic cycles.

Content Disputes in Scientific Presentations

In 2007, COSI hosted a public forum titled "Intersection of Faith & : A Civil ," broadcast on local television, featuring discussions on reconciling evolutionary theory with religious perspectives. During the event, COSI's then-president and CEO, David Chesebrough, opened by underscoring 's foundational role in advancing and , aligning with the that underpins fields like and . This presentation of evolution as essential scientific knowledge provoked criticism from creationist advocates, including the organization , which contended that such forums implicitly prioritize empirical data over literal interpretations of religious texts, potentially eroding scriptural authority without presenting alternative explanations like young-earth as scientifically viable. A decade later, the 2017 debut of the American Museum of Natural History's Dinosaur Gallery at COSI, featuring fossils and interactive displays illustrating dinosaur-to-bird evolutionary transitions and broader phylogenetic relationships, anticipated similar pushback. The exhibit explicitly emphasized evolutionary mechanisms, such as and transitional forms, supported by paleontological evidence from sites like northeastern . COSI proactively trained staff to address visitor skepticism—often rooted in religious objections—by focusing responses on observable evidence (e.g., "The evidence shows...") rather than theological debates, while de-escalating hostile exchanges and redirecting to exhibit highlights. No major public incidents were reported, but the preparation reflected awareness of ongoing cultural tensions, where scientific presentations of clash with viewpoints questioning scales or . These episodes highlight COSI's commitment to conveying peer-reviewed amid disputes from non-empirical frameworks, without altering content to accommodate dissenting interpretations lacking falsifiable predictions or empirical support. Critics from creationist circles, such as , have framed such exhibits as ideologically biased toward , though mainstream scientific bodies, including the , affirm evolution's evidentiary basis through genetic, fossil, and comparative anatomical data. COSI's approach prioritizes evidence-based narration, consistent with its mission as a public science institution, while navigating visitor diversity without endorsing unsubstantiated alternatives.

Political and Ideological Entanglements

COSI's leadership has intersected with national political figures, occasionally drawing the institution into partisan scrutiny. In September 2021, , who served as COSI's president and CEO from 1996 to 2006, was appointed by President Joe Biden to the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST), a body advising on federal , reflecting her prior role in elevating COSI's profile in STEM and her background as a . This appointment underscored connections between science museum executives and Democratic administrations but predated her tenure at COSI by over a decade, limiting direct institutional implications. More recently, in March 2025, COSI President and CEO Frederic Bertley posed for a photograph with , a entrepreneur and former presidential candidate known for critiquing aspects of mainstream scientific narratives on topics like and policies. The timing coincided with Ohio Governor signing Senate Bill 1, prompting backlash in local online forums from critics who accused COSI of aligning with figures perceived as undermining scientific authority, though Ramaswamy had visited COSI earlier for events like exhibit previews without formal endorsement. Such interactions highlight tensions between science institutions and political , with detractors—often from communities—questioning COSI's neutrality, while supporters viewed them as routine community engagement. Ideologically, COSI's commitment to empirical science has sparked friction with religious viewpoints emphasizing . The 2017 opening of the American Museum of Natural History's Dinosaur Gallery at COSI, which prominently featured evolutionary processes, required staff training to address visitor rooted in literal biblical interpretations. Earlier, in 2007, COSI's then-CEO David Chesebrough defended the centrality of to medical and technological advancements during public programming, eliciting criticism from organizations like , which argued for balanced presentation of alternative origins theories. These episodes illustrate COSI's adherence to peer-reviewed consensus over ideological accommodations, avoiding dilution of evidence-based exhibits despite potential alienation of faith-based audiences, consistent with broader U.S. debates where empirical data prioritizes mechanisms. No formal policy shifts resulted, but they underscore causal pressures from ideological pluralism on public science venues.

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