Guide to Columbus Museum of Art Free Sundays, $5 Thursdays, and More

If you’re looking for a fun and creative day out in Columbus, the Columbus Museum of Art (CMA) is a top choice for all ages!

With Free Sundays, $5 Thursday evenings, and a big lineup exhibitions and events, it a gem for locals and visitors alike.

CMA Admission and Hours

Columbus Museum of Art is open Tuesday–Sunday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Thursdays open until 9 p.m.

Regular Admission:
Adults: $20
Seniors/Students/Children (4–17): $10
Children under 3: FREE
Thursdays 5–9 p.m.: $5
Sundays: FREE
Members and military families: FREE
Parking: $5 flat fee (free with café/store visit or CMA membership)

Discounts and Free Admission Days

There are several ways to get free or discounted admission to Columbus Museum of Art.

Free Sundays at CMA

Take a day to appreciate art at Columbus Museum of Art during Free Sundays at CMA, open 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. The free admission also includes most exhibitions, as well as Center for Creativity, Big Idea Gallery, and much more during free Sundays at CMA. Featured exhibition that require a separate ticket are not included.

Free Sundays are made possible by the Free for the Future initiative to provide free access on Sundays.

$5 CMA After Hours on Thursdays nights

Thursday is a perfect night to head to CMA with friends or a date! Admission is just $5 from 5 – 9 pm. Each week features a unique theme. Themes include: Art History Happy Hour, Rest & Relaxation, Art Film Night, and Creating in the Galleries.

Museums for All Columbus

Through Museums for All, Columbus Museum of Art offers free admission for visitors that receive food assistance (also known as SNAP benefit), WIC and Medicaid. This includes both general & special exhibition admission and is valid for all persons within the household.

Request a Museums for All ticket at our admissions desk, and provide proof of assistance.

Free pass from the Library

Columbus Museum of Art has a partnership with Columbus Metropolitan Library to offer free visits through their Culture Pass program. Library members can borrow a one-time pass (which must be checked out in person) to visit the Museum. These passes can be found at all 23 Columbus Metropolitan Library locations.

More details and information about the Culture Pass program can be found by clicking here.

Culture Pass: Free admission to the Zoo, FPC, CMA, and more from the library

Columbus Member Advantage Program

If you’re a member of select Central Ohio attractions, you can save $3 on general admission to CMA through the Columbus Member Advantage program.

No coupon is necessary. Simply show your valid participating membership card when you visit! Limited to 4 discounts per membership per day; can’t be combined with other discounts.  

Member Advantage partners include:

• Columbus Museum of Art and Pizzuti Collection (see our article)
• Columbus Zoo and Aquarium (see our article)
• Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens (see our article)
• LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Columbus (see our article)
• National Veterans Memorial and Museum (see our article)
• Ohio History Center & Ohio Village (see our article)
• Wexner Center for the Arts (see our article)
• Dawes Arboretum (see our article)
• COSI
• The Works: Ohio Center for History, Art, and Technology

Reciprocal memberships with the North American Reciprocal Museum (NARM) Association® are accepted. Please call 614.221.6801 to reserve your timed admission tickets using your reciprocal benefits. See list of NARM institutions here.

Other discount programs 

Blue Star Museums Program

CMA is also part of the Blue Star Museums Programs. Active duty, retired military, veterans and their families get free admission. Simply show your active-duty military personnel or military family I.D. at the admission desk for free entry.

Bank of America Museums on Us® Program

BOA cardholders get free admission at the Columbus Museum of Art and more than 225 other cultural institutions across the U.S. on the first full weekend of each month. Learn more here.

Color your own CMA Masterpiece for free admission

Use one of the coloring sheets of the most iconic works of art to create your own masterpiece. Bring in your artwork to get 1 free general admission to the Museum for the day! Program end date unknown; check link above to see if it’s still available. 

Find more details about these, and other discounted admission opportunities.

Columbus Museum of Art is Family-Friendly

Families will enjoy The JPMorgan Chase Center for Creativity on the first floor to encourage imaginative play for everyone.

Creativity Lounge

Build, draw, and rearrange your way through the lounge with introspective creativity stations.

Big Idea Gallery

Be inspired by works of art on view with hands-on activities

Wonder Room

A magical experimental play gallery for kids (and all ages), that encourages them to build, climb, rearrange with unexpected works of art. This is THE place for them to get all of their “touches” out with art!

Other kid-friendly activities

You’ll also enjoy the art and exhibitions featuring world-renowned artists, and there are puzzles and hands-on activities throughout all areas of the museum. Always stay within arms-reach of young children in the main galleries, to help protect these works of art.

See the all current exhibitions and galleries here. 

Events at Columbus Museum of Art

CMA After Hours

Thursdays, October 2024–May 2025, 5:00–9:00 PM. 
CMA is open LATE every Thursday with $5 general admission. From 5:00–9:00 PM, enjoy dinner and drinks in the café, explore the galleries, shop in the store, and more.

Select activities may have additional charge or require registration. Check details on calendar, and see themes below.

1st Thursday: Art History Happy Hour
January 2, February 6, April 3, May 1: 6:00–7:00 PM
Join us in Schokko Café for a cocktail or mocktail. From 6:30-7:00 PM, enjoy a fun and informative 30-minute tour that explores different art styles and periods, all centered around a big idea.
Tickets are $10 for members, $15 for nonmembers. Ticket includes one  omplimentary drink, the tour, and museum admission.

2nd Thursday: Rest & Relaxation
January 9, February 13, March 13, April 10, and May 8 from 6:00–7:00 PM
Unwind with a soothing yoga session led by Replenish Well & The Yoga Carriage. Enhance your experience with a custom CMA intention card, guiding you through a mindful exploration of our galleries.
Tickets are $10 for members, $15 for nonmembers. Ticket includes the yoga session and museum admission. 

3rd Thursday: Art Film Night
January 16, March 20, April 17, May 15: 7:00–8:30 PM
Immerse yourself in the world of art through film. Join us for a brief 10 Minutes on the Dot discussion before diving into curated screenings from the Exhibition on Screen series and other specially selected films. Screenings begin at 7:00 PM.
Tickets are $12 for members, $15 for nonmembers. Ticket includes the film screening and museum admission. 

4th Thursday: Creating in the Galleries
January 23, February 27, March 27, April 24, May 22: 6:00–7:30 PM
Spend an evening sketching in the galleries with creative prompts and guidance from artist AJ Vanderelli. All skill levels welcome—no prior experience necessary.
Tickets are $10 for members, $15 for nonmembers. Ticket includes museum admission and supplies (graphite pencils only). Participants may bring their own sketchbooks.

BAM UnderCurrent (Bar, Art, Music) with CMA

Thursday, May 15, 2025 from 5 pm – 9 pm

Columbus Museum of Art’s signature BAM series kicks off Undercurrent at Gay & High! Enjoy a live DJ, dance party, creative experiences, interactive photobooth, live painting, food trucks, yard games, a cash bar and more.

In the event of inclement weather, BAM UnderCurrent will take place the day after on Friday, May 16.

More details here. 

BAM Thursdays: Bar, Art, Music.

Thursdays, May 29–September 25 from 5 pm – 10 pm
BAM Thursdays (Bar, Art, and Music) are back! Every Thursday will bring tasty drinks, great art, and music at the Museum. Gather with friends in the Patricia M. Jurgensen Sculpture Garden, with limited seating also available inside Schokko Café.

Explore the galleries inside at Columbus Museum of Art during this weekly summer after-hours event.

CMA Members save 25% on food and non-alcoholic beverages at BAM Thursdays.

See what’s on view and who is performing here.

Ongoing Events 

Happy Hour

Schokko Café will offer happy hour specials every Tuesday–Friday from 3:00–5:00 PM!

The happy hour menu features $3, $5, and $10 light bites, drinks, and more! Schokko Café welcomes diners without requiring admission. Plus, enjoy the added benefit of validated parking when you visit.

Open Studio

Every Saturday from 11 am – 2 pm. Engage creative thinking through material exploration. There will be an enhanced session each month with a teaching artist who will lead a program based on prompts and provide creative instruction.

Individuals of all ages are welcome to step into the Studio to explore and experiment with our wide range of materials and supplies. Open Studio experiences are included with admission to CMA. Details. 

Other ongoing events

Spring and Summer Art Breaks: Weekday creative sessions during school breaks
Art of Rest: An intentional, inspired, and communal 2-hour rest curation, typically held once a quarter. $25-$30
Yoga at CMA: Typically held once a month on Thursday evenings; $10-$15
Early Learning Tours: Programming for kids 0-2 and 3-5 and their caregivers
Teen Time: Special time for teens to connect with art on their level

Know before you go

Parking at CMA

CMA operates a parking lot off East Gay Street where members can park for free and all other visitors play a flat fee of $5. Visitors are encouraged to pay for parking at the gate. Members still receive validated parking from the Admissions Desk.

Visitors to the Museum Store and Schokko Café enjoy free parking. Just bring your Museum ID or receipt to the admissions desk.

Closed July 4, Thanksgiving Day, December 25, and all Mondays. Closing at 3:00 PM Thanksgiving Eve, December 24, and December 31. Open on Easter and New Year’s Day.

Membership

Individual memberships start at just $75 and members can bring a guest. Family memberships are $100 and include a guest and children under 18. 

Columbus Museum of Art
480 East Broad Street
Columbus, OH 43215
614.221.6801
website

Check out other Free and Discounted Museum Days in Columbus!

Discounted and Free Museum Days in Columbus

Past Events You Might See Again

These popular events may return—keep an eye on CMA’s calendar!

Dia de los Muertos at the Columbus Museum of Art

Columbus Museum of Art hosts multiple Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) events, including a community alter

Community Ofrenda at CMA
October 25 – November 3, 2024
An ofrenda is an altar, built to honor lost loved ones. Visitors may add a memento, photo, or word to remember and celebrate someone special from their lives.

The ofrenda was created by Renee Zamora, a Columbus artist who works with printmaking, mixed media and found objects. Artist Renee Zamora shares her story and one of her favorite parts about Dia de los Muertos, the ofrenda.

Admission is free to visit the Ofrenda. Read more, and build your own.

Community Conversation on Grief at CMA
Saturday October 27, 2022 at 6:00 pm: Join CMA and community partners in an honest and meaningful conversation about grief, loss, healing, and the origins of Día de los Muertos. This event is free and open to the public; registration requested.

Celebrate Dí­a de los Muertos at CMA
November 5, 2022 from 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Celebrate and learn about the rich history of Día de los Muertos with activations by artists including a community ofrenda, art-activities, vendors, tarot, dancing and live music from Al Son del Iya, craft cocktails & tasty bites available from Casa Mezcal Mexican Grill.

Cost of the program is $10 for nonmembers, $5 for members, children 3 and under are free. Details and registration on the Columbus Museum of Art website.  

Holiday Wow and Wonder Weekend

December 2-3, 2023

Start your holiday celebrations at CMA during Holiday Wow & Wonder! Embrace holiday wow moments with shopping deals, membership discounts, tastes of the season in Schokko Café, and a favorite holiday tradition Think Outside the Brick: The Creative Art of LEGO®.

Saturday, December 2, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
Enjoy $5 general admission all day, plus enjoy creative time in Open Studio from 10:30 AM–3:30 PM with guest artist Lynne Wise, and a screening of The Lego Movie at 2:00 PM.

Registration to The LEGO Movie is $5 for everyone including members. Registration for nonmembers includes Museum general admission.

Downtown Holiday Trolley Hop

Saturday, December 7, 2024, 1:00 PM–6:00 PM

Free trolley rides to various merchants and cultural institutions in Downtown Columbus will be available to the public! Trolley riders receive FREE general admission to the Museum. Details here.

The Tony Hagood Trio Plays Jazz Holiday Standards

December 15, 2024 from 2:00–4:00 PM
This holiday jazz concert features arrangements from artists like Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, Sarah Vaughn, Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, and much more! 

Tickets are $25 for non-members and $20 for members in advance; $30 for everyone at the door.

Winter Art Breaks

Every Thursday and Friday, December 19–January 3, 10:00 AM–1:00 PM
Sensory hour is from 10:00–11:00 AM
Stop by the Studio for creative activities for young families and teens while school is out for holiday break. Winter Art Breaks is a drop-in program that is included with admission or membership.

Wonderball 2025

Saturday, January 25, 2025 from 8:00 PM – Midnight
Experiences planned for 2025 will showcase a selection of creative experiences through the years ranging from dance, performance art, participatory experiences, and fashion to local music standouts.

Wear your favorite black & white attire and join us for a fashionable evening of local food, music, performances, and interactive, unexpected experiences. Wonderball celebrates creativity at Columbus Museum of Art and throughout the Central Ohio community.

This fundraiser is a splurge event, with tickets $150. Details and purchase here.

CMA Community Day

January 19, 2025 from 10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Enjoy a day filled with activities in celebration of special exhibitions, Ming Smith: Transcendence and Fragments of Epic Memory.

The day features activities for all, including family morning, storytime, art-making, in-depth conversations, movement workshop, poetry, and a community celebration. See full schedule. 

Admission to CMA Community Days is completely free, including general access and entry to the exhibitions. 

CMA Community Days are made possible through generous support provided by Art Bridges Foundation’s Access for All program. All are welcome, registration is encouraged and may be required for select activities.

Celebrate Lunar New Year at CMA: Year of the Snake

January 29, 2025 from 10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Celebrate the first day of Lunar New Year with a special tradition—a lucky red envelope from our CMA family to yours, symbolizing good wishes for wisdom, grace, and prosperity in the Year of the Snake. The Lunar New Year celebration is included with CMA admission. Details. 

Valentine’s Day Celebrations with CMA

Columbus Museum of Art shines for Valentines Day. See all of the themed programming here, and plan some dates!

#HeartsforArt
February 11–16
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with #HeartsforArt.  This initiative was launched by Columbus Museum of Art and Oakland Museum of California in 2014, Hearts for Art is a fun way for visitors to express their love for art.

When you visit CMA, pick up a red paper heart at the admission desk and place it in front of a work of art that you love.
Share your art crush by posting a picture of your favorite work of art across your favorite social media platforms (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook) using hashtag #HeartsForArt and tag @columbusmuseum. We’ll share some of our favorites art crushes!

Classic Hollywood Romantic Jazz with the Tony Hagood Quartet
Sunday, February 9, 2025, 2:00–4:00 PM
Tickets are $25 for members and $30 for nonmembers. Advance registration is recommended to secure your seat.

Art of Cuisine: Valentine’s Day
February 14, 2025 at 6:00 PM & 8:00 PM
Splurge event! Celebrate love and art this Valentine’s Day with an unforgettable Italian-themed dinner at the Columbus Museum of Art. Details here. 

Think Outside the Brick LEGO® Exhibition

November 16, 2024 – March 13, 2025

Columbus Museum of Art’s annual holiday celebration of the creative potential of LEGO® bricks returns. Bring your friends and family and celebrate the season by connecting with LEGO® and each other. 

Think Outside the Brick features an enormous collaboratively-built model of Columbus.

Don’t forget – everyone can enjoy FREE ADMISSION at CMA every Sunday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., and $5 admission on Thursdays from 5-9 p.m. 

Activities in and near the exhibition include: Museum-wide scavenger hunt, a LEGO® bricks building area, and design-your-own Minifigure drawing station.

2025 Wedding Show

March 8, 2025 from 6:30–10:00 PM, 21+ only

This elegant event brings together a curated selection of top-tier wedding vendors in a stunning, artistic setting. Explore breathtaking wedding inspiration through exquisite floral arrangements, couture bridal fashion, photography displays, and more.

Stroll through the museum’s beautiful galleries, enjoy live entertainment, and get personalized tips from industry professionals. 

Admission is $30 per person, VIP options available. It’ll be a great date night! Details here. 

Spring Art Breaks

Every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, March 18–April 4 & April 22–April 25 from 10:00 AM–1:00 PM
Sensory hour is from 10:00–11:00 AM

Bring the whole family to My CMA Studio this spring break for imaginative fun! Dive into exciting materials and explore endless creative possibilities. Open to all ages and included with admission.

Summer Art Workshops for Students

Workshops are Mondays–Fridays from 9:00 AM–4:00 PM (SOLD OUT FOR 2025)

Each workshop is 5 days of in-person instruction at the Columbus Museum of Art for students entering 1st-8th Grade. Classes will be offered each week with the same theme split by grades/age.

Students can explore the galleries through private tours, have downtime outside on the gardens and have access to a variety of creative materials.

See themes, registration and more on website.