Know Before You Go

We welcome you to explore our visitor information to ensure a safe, enjoyable experience while helping protect our collections for future generations.

General Information

What are the hours of The Columbus Museum?

The hours of the Museum are:

  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: 10 AM - 5 PM
  • Wednesday: 10 AM - 5 PM
  • Thursday:  10 AM - 8 PM
  • Friday: 10 AM - 5 PM
  • Saturday: 10 AM - 5 PM
  • Sunday: 1 - 5 PM

The Columbus Museum is closed on holidays.

How much is admission?

Admission to The Columbus Museum is FREE with a suggested donation to support the Museum’s non-profit commitment to the education, enrichment, and enjoyment of our community.

Checking Your Bags

For safety reasons, the following items are not allowed throughout the Museum. Complimentary lockers can be accessed from our Visitor Services Representatives at the main desk in the lobby:

  • large bags (measuring larger than 11” x 15” x 6”)
  • packages
  • back baby carriers
  • large umbrellas
  • tripods

Gallery Rules and Policies

The following gallery rules and policies will help ensure your enjoyable experience as well as the safety of our collections:

  • Please follow the instructions of Museum staff and gallery attendants when asked.
  • Food, drink, and gum are not allowed in the galleries for the safety of the collection. Food and drink can be purchased and enjoyed in the Garden Café, in the Children’s Garden, in the Courtyard, and on the Garden Terrace.
  • Please do not use ink to take notes; only pencils are allowed.
  • All tobacco products, including chewing tobacco, cigarettes, cigars, and vaping, are not permitted in the Museum.
  • Please do not touch art or objects on display, sit or stand on platforms, or lean on displays. Even clean hands can damage an object due to the oils present on skin.
  • For the safety of visitors and the collection, shoes must be worn throughout the building.
  • Weapons of any kind are strictly prohibited within the Museum, as enforced by GA Code 16-11-127.1.

Visiting With Families

The following visitor policies will help ensure you and your family's experience is a positive one:

  • Families with children of all ages are welcome at the Museum.
  • Strollers are welcome in the Museum, although their use may be restricted during busy times.
  • Soft baby carriers may be carried on the front, but not on the back. Hard baby carriers are not permitted.
  • Family/unisex restrooms and baby changing stations are located on each floor of the Museum.
  • A Wellness Room is available for families just inside the Children’s Gallery.

Accessibility

The Columbus Museum prides itself on being accessible to all visitors. To that end, we strive to provide for all visitors' needs.

  • The access point for those with mobility impairments is the east entrance of the Museum. Guests can drive under the Porte-cochére (the covered area on the east side of the building) and use it as a drop-off and pick-up point.
  • There is an elevator for ease of access to upper and lower levels available for visitors' use. The elevator is located to the right beyond the Orientation Gallery.
  • Accessible bathrooms are located on all three floors of the Museum.

Service Animals

ADA-approved service animals are welcome at the Museum. Please note that pets and emotional support animals are not permitted.

Photography

The Columbus Museum is a popular location in the area for photographers and personal event photography. While personal photography is encouraged at the Museum, the following policies have been created to ensure the safety of the art and minimal disruption to other Museum visitors and operations.

Visitors may:

  • Take casual photos for personal use only.
  • Use handheld cameras, cell phones, and tablets.
  • Post images from their visits on personal social media sites as long as they are not used for profit.

Visitors may NOT:

  • Use tripods, lights, selfie sticks, or other external equipment unless previously authorized by the Director of Marketing and Public Relations.
  • Sell or publish the images.
  • Use the images to promote any outside product or service.

Visitors must:

  • Remain behind stanchions and maintain a safe, non-touching distance from all artwork, cases, platforms, and pedestals.
  • Respect other visitors enjoying the galleries.

General Guidelines:

  • Flash photography and lighting may not be used within the Museum unless previously authorized.
  • Photoshoots for special events such as prom, weddings, etc. should be scheduled in advance.
  • Special event photography shoots are acceptable at any time outside, on the Museum grounds, and within the Museum’s 1st Floor Galleria, given no conflicting Museum events.
  • Special event photography shoots elsewhere within the Museum should be scheduled in advance.
  • Members of the media or photography and film shoots for commercial purposes must be approved and arranged in advance.

The Columbus Museum reserves the right to refuse access and/or photo, video, or audio recording rights to any visitor or group, at any time, anywhere on Museum property. Museum staff have the authority to approach and verify the intent of photography and to enforce the Photography Policies.

To acquire special photo/video approvals and to schedule an appointment, contact Marketing here.

To obtain photographs of objects or art owned by the Museum for any purpose other than private and non-commercial use, contact Curatorial here.

Appraisals/Conservation

The Museum cannot appraise any works of art or historical objects. Please contact the following institutions if you need an appraiser or conservator:

The following organization can refer people to conservators of art and historical artifacts:

Please note: The Columbus Museum reserves the right to adapt or amend any policy at any time.