Tucked away in the Grandview Heights area, the Ohio Craft Museum might just be Columbus’ best-kept secret for art lovers and craft enthusiasts alike.
Unlike a traditional historical museum, this space celebrates contemporary craft and the incredible work of Ohio artisans, offering a hands-on, inspiring experience for anyone curious about creativity.
Founded in 1963 as Ohio Designer Craftsmen, the organization has been supporting and promoting professional craft artists for decades. The museum itself opened in 1992, serving as a public platform to showcase the high-quality, contemporary crafts of Ohio designers.
Since then, it has become a hub for inspiration, learning, and connection with local creators.
Inside the museum, visitors can explore five major exhibitions each year, along with numerous focus exhibits and a rotating display from the museum’s permanent collection. From hand-blown glass to ceramics, hand-carved wood, textiles, jewelry, and paper art, the museum highlights the extraordinary talent of Ohio’s craft community.
If you’re looking to try your hand at crafting, the Ohio Craft Museum offers a variety of classes, workshops, and events suitable for all ages and skill levels. And if you’re just browsing for something special, the gift shop features a rotating selection of unique, handcrafted items by local artists—perfect for gifts or treating yourself.
Admission to the Ohio Craft Museum is always free.
Plus, there’s plenty of parking on the east side of the building, making it easy to pop in for a few hours of inspiration. The museum is usually open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., though it will be closed for renovations from July 7 through August 31. Don’t worry though—the offices remain open, and all scheduled summer camps will continue as planned.
During this temporary closure, the museum is getting a big upgrade, including all-new lighting in the gallery space. When it reopens on September 1, visitors can expect a brighter, more inviting environment to enjoy the art on display.
Whether you’re hunting for a unique museum experience, searching for inspiration for your next project, or looking for a one-of-a-kind handcrafted gift, the Ohio Craft Museum is a must-visit Columbus spot. It’s a place to discover the creativity flowing through Ohio and maybe even spark a little creativity of your own.
For more information about current and upcoming exhibitions, classes, and events, visit the Ohio Craft Museum website. Remember, the museum is closed through August 31, so start planning your visit now.
