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.

COMU Hours:

  • 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

COMU is closed on holidays.

Admission to COMU is FREE.

Consider a suggested donation to support the Museum’s non-profit commitment to the education, enrichment, and enjoyment of our community.

Our Gallery Attendants

Our Gallery Attendants are here to help make your visit enjoyable and memorable. You'll find them throughout the galleries, ready to answer questions, provide assistance, and help protect the Museum's collections so everyone can enjoy them. Please don't hesitate to say hello or ask if you need anything during your visit.

Checking Your Bags

For the safety of our visitors, staff, and collection, large bags and other oversized items must be stored in the Museum's complimentary lockers.

Please see a Visitor Services Representative at the main desk if you need a locker.

The following items must be stored in a locker:

  • Large bags, including large purses, backpacks, totes, and shoulder bags measuring more than 11" x 15" x 6"
  • Packages or large parcels
  • Back-carried baby carriers
  • Large umbrellas
  • Tripods and similar equipment

Small bags and purses that fall within the size limit may be carried throughout the Museum.

For the safety of the collection, bags permitted in the galleries should be carried or worn at your side or in front of you. Bags should not be placed on the floor, leaned against walls, or allowed to come into contact with artwork or display cases.

Gallery Rules and Policies

The following rules help ensure an enjoyable experience for everyone and protect the Museum's collections:

  • Please follow the instructions of Museum staff and Gallery Attendants.
  • Food and drink are not permitted in the galleries. Food and drink may be enjoyed in the Garden Café, Children's Garden, Courtyard, and Garden Terrace.
  • Please use pencils, rather than ink, when taking notes in the galleries.
  • Tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, and vaping products, are not permitted in the Museum.
  • Please do not touch artwork or objects on display, or sit or stand on platforms. Please do not lean on displays.
  • Visitors who are walking throughout the Museum must wear shoes.
  • Weapons of any kind are strictly prohibited within the Museum, as enforced by GA Code 16-11-127.1.

Visiting With Families

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 worn on the front. Back-carried baby carriers must be stored in a locker.
  • 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 strives to provide an accessible and welcoming experience for all visitors.

  • The access point for visitors with mobility impairments is the east entrance of the Museum. Guests may drive under the Porte-cochère, the covered area on the east side of the building, for drop-off and pick-up.
  • An elevator is available for access to the upper and lower levels of the Museum. It 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. Pets and emotional support animals are not permitted.

Photography

Personal photography is encouraged at The Columbus Museum. To protect the collection and minimize disruption to other visitors and Museum operations, the following guidelines apply.

Visitors may:

  • Take casual photographs for personal use.
  • Use handheld cameras, cell phones, and tablets.
  • Share images from their visits on personal social media accounts, provided the images are not used for commercial purposes.

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 commercially publish photographs taken at the Museum.
  • Use photographs to promote an outside product or service.

Visitors must:

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

General Guidelines:

  • Flash photography and additional lighting are not permitted unless previously authorized.
  • Photography for special events such as proms and weddings should be scheduled in advance.
  • Special event photography is permitted outdoors, on Museum grounds, and in the Museum's 1st Floor Galleria when there are no conflicting Museum events.
  • Photography in other Museum spaces for special events should be scheduled in advance.
  • Media photography and commercial photography or film shoots 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 visitors to verify the intent of photography and to enforce the Photography Policy.

To request special photo or video approval or schedule an appointment, please contact Marketing through our Contact page.

To obtain photographs of objects or artwork owned by the Museum for purposes other than private, non-commercial use, please contact Curatorial through our Contact page.

Appraisals and Conservation

The Museum cannot appraise works of art or historical objects. For assistance finding an appraiser, please contact:

  • International Society of Appraisers — 312.981.6778
  • American Society of Appraisers — 800.272.8258
  • Appraisers Association of America — 212.889.5404

The American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works can provide referrals to conservators of art and historical artifacts — 202.452.9545.

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