A trip to the museum is about to get a lot more affordable for young Columbus residents.
Beginning July 1, the Columbus Museum of Art will offer free daily admission to all visitors 25 and under, as well as one adult caregiver accompanying children 16 and under. The change is part of a new initiative called Access 150, a five-year effort aimed at making the museum more accessible to young people and families across Central Ohio.
The program is backed by a $4 million gift from the Walter Foundation, the largest investment in access and education in the museum’s history.
“Free admission has consistently shown us that when we remove cost as a barrier, we reach new audiences: families, young adults, and first-time visitors who might not otherwise walk through our doors,” said CMA Executive Director and CEO Brooke A. Minto. “Access 150 helps us build something lasting for the next generation.”
The initiative builds on programs the museum has already seen success with, including its popular Free Sundays and free Thursday evening admission. According to CMA, those programs have helped increase attendance among families, first-time visitors, and more diverse audiences over the last several years.
Now, the museum is taking that concept a step further by making free admission for young people available every day it’s open.
More Than Just Free Tickets
While free admission is the headline, Access 150 goes well beyond waiving ticket costs.
The funding will support expanded youth and teen programming, new partnerships with schools and community organizations, leadership opportunities for young people, and additional staff focused specifically on serving students and young adults.
One of the most notable additions will be a new Teen Arts Council, which will allow teens to help shape museum programming while receiving stipends and resources for their participation.
The museum also plans to reimagine its Wonder Room, the hands-on family gallery designed for creative exploration. Planning for the updated space begins this year, with the new version expected to open in 2028.
Peggy Walter, who has been involved with CMA for decades as a docent, volunteer, and honorary trustee, said the foundation’s support is rooted in a belief that arts access should be available to everyone.
“CMA has long believed art should be for everyone,” Walter said. “We are proud to support an institution that is not only opening its doors more widely but investing thoughtfully in artistic educational opportunities for young people.”
She added that the foundation hopes the investment will help inspire the next generation of artists, creators, and cultural leaders in Columbus.
What You’ll Pay Starting July 1
If you’re 25 or younger, admission to the museum’s main campus on East Broad Street will be completely free beginning July 1.
The updated admission structure includes:
- Children and youth (0-17): Free
- Young adults (18-25): Free
- One adult caregiver accompanying children: Free
- Members: Free
- Adults: $22
- Seniors (60+): $18
- College students and teachers over 25: $16
Free Sundays and free Thursday evening admission will continue as well.
The change places Columbus among a growing number of museums nationwide experimenting with reduced-cost and free-admission models designed to attract younger audiences and create lifelong museum-goers.
For families looking for a low-cost activity this summer, it means one of Columbus’ premier cultural institutions just became significantly more accessible. To start planning your visit, head over to columbusmuseum.org.
