5 Museums You've GOT to See in Columbus, GA

At The Columbusite, we believe engaging in the arts is an essential aspect of healthy living. Visiting museums is one of the easiest ways to add some culture to your routine – and to our good fortune, Columbus, Georgia is home to some of the most excellent (and popular) museums in the Southeast.

This guide is intended to encourage you to visit each location, explore their fascinating collections, and discover even more about what makes Columbus, Georgia a true cultural treasure. So, whether you're a local resident or planning a visit, we hope you'll let us be your guide to the top 5 must-see museums in the area. We've also provided some insider tips for enriching your experience in each place.

Get ready to be inspired, educated, and entertained as you dive into the vibrant world of Columbus, Georgia's top museums.

The Columbus Museum

Images of The Columbus Museum by Morgan Duke.

The Columbus Museum has just reopened to the public after a multi-million dollar renovation that both completely reimagined their galleries, and increased accessibility throughout for visitors of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. One of the biggest things to know? Admission to the Columbus Museum is always free. The benefactor's family that gave the original property in 1947 made 'free admission for all' a requirement forever. So trust us when we tell you this museum offers an incredible opportunity to see the work of world-renown artists year-round at no cost.

The Museum's collection focuses on American art and regional history presented through an educational approach that engages visitors, stimulates creativity, inspires critical thinking, sparks conversations, and brings art and history to life. It also has the unique additional asset of the Bradley Olmsted Garden which was designed by the Olmsted Firm in the 1920s for the original owners of the property. The Bradley Olmsted Garden is part of the Wynn’s Hill-Overlook Historic District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

*Insider tip: Upon arrival, check in at the information desk and ask about their self-guided tour cards. This fun and interactive way to explore the collection will take you on a scavenger hunt of a lifetime. Can you find works by famous Columbus artists Alma Thomas, Amy Sherald and Bo Bartlett?

The National Infantry Museum

Images via National Infantry Museum.

The National Infantry Museum has won USA Today's award for the Best Free Museum in the United States more times than we can count. This state-of-the-art museum showcases the history and power of the United States Army. Their immersive exhibits take visitors through the last 240 years of U.S. military history. The "NIM" (as it's known locally) houses more than 70,000 artifacts that tell the story of what it means to be a U.S. soldier. Admission is free and tours are self-guided.

*Insider Tip: Don't miss the NIM's virtual reality simulators. These experiences ($7-$25) put you in the boots of a Soldier as you experience a simulated Non-Combative Evacuation Operation (NEO). They truly are one of a kind, worth the money and a hit for kids of all ages!

Columbus Collective Museum

Images via Columbus Collective Museum.

The Columbus Collective Museums have been featured in Smithsonian Magazine for being the home of the world's largest Lunchbox Museum. In addition to their collection of thousands of lunchboxes, the property also houses a total of 7 themed museums ranging from vintage soda artifacts to the new Folkart Junction which features folk art from around the Chattahoochee Valley.

*Insider Tip: Don't miss the chance to get a photo with CCM's trademark dinosaur on the top of the building. It's been there for decades, and a fun extra item that makes a quirky backdrop for capturing a memory of the day.

The National Civil War Naval Museum

Images via National Civil War Naval Museum.

The National Civil War Naval Museum houses the largest surviving Confederate warship, the CSS Jackson, and boasts the largest collection of Civil War Naval-related flags on display in the U.S. When you visit, ask the front desk about the Timeline Exhibit. This specially-designed experience takes visitors month-by-month through the war showing important naval events and their significance. It also includes most of the museum's rarest artifacts all in one section.

*Insider Tip: The National Civil War Naval Museum presents educational programming throughout the year that focuses particularly on museum theatre and historic character interpretation. Check the Columbus Event Calendar for any events during your visit, and try to catch a show if you can. Our favorite? Their reenactment days, which often feature live cannon firings across the Chattahoochee River!

The Gertrude "MA" Rainey House & Blues Museum

Images via The Gertrude MA Rainey House & Blues Museum. Top right photo credited to the University of Texas at Arlington Libraries, Special Collections.

If you aren't familiar with jazz legend MA Rainey, it's time to spend a morning at this museum in her former home. After decades of vacancy, the house was restored into the beautiful MA Rainey House & Blues Museum which exists to preserve the singer's legacy. Expect to hear live recordings of her music, and see a plethora of artifacts collected throughout Rainey's life both on stage and off.

*Insider Tip: You'll need to plan ahead to visit this museum because their hours and tour sizes are limited. At the time of publication, their hours were Tuesday.-Fri. 9AM- 3AM and Saturdays 10 AM – 3PM. It's helpful to know tours are limited to four visitors at a time. Calling ahead is encouraged.