Architectural Highlights Tour

ABOUT THE TOUR

Discover how a small midwestern city became a modern architecture destination. This guided tour explores dozens of locations and includes a close-up look at two sites. Whether you’re an architecture expert or are just curious about design, this tour is a perfect introduction to Columbus.

Tour price: $30, student price $25
Duration: 2 hours

Shuttle tour, minimal walking
Begins and ends at The Columbus Visitors Center

Children younger than 6 years old, including toddlers and infants, are not permitted on this tour. All guests must purchase a ticket, regardless of age.

See tour times and buy tickets.

Tours often sell out well in advance, so book tour early.

FInd out about group tours.

FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS

Do I need a reservation?
Booking at least two weeks in advance of your visit is highly recommended to ensure you will be able to get seats on a tour, which often sell out, especially in the summer and fall months.
Are there any age limits? Can we bring our children?

This guided tour is appropriate for children 6 and older. Children younger than 6 years old, including toddlers and infants, are not permitted on this tour. All guests must purchase a ticket, regardless of age.

May I bring a pet?
Pets are not allowed on the tour; however, service dogs are welcome.
What is the time zone?
Indiana is in the Eastern time zone.
Is there wheelchair accessibility?
Yes, please call 812-378-2622 or 800-468-6564 to book a reservation with a wheelchair accommodation. Calling at least two weeks in advance of tour date is necessary to ensure accommodation.

Find answers to more questions on the FAQs page

Reviews of the Architecture Tour

This is a must see - Cleveland visitor

The ease of getting around Columbus Indiana to see the major architectural sights is quite amazing. This is the greatest collection of world known post modern architects . . . Plus you have the charm of the city itself. This is a must see for anyone interested in modern architecture. There are two great tours available….We stayed at the Inn of the Irwin Gardens on Fifth street. It is in the heart of the city. Don’t miss this one even if you don’t stay there….great gardens and the house itself is magnificent. (Tripadvisor review, Sep 2022 )

Columbus is an amazing small city - New Jersey visitor

“Excellent tour — very interesting, well managed and some beautiful architecture to be seen. Columbus is an amazing small city. The pride people have for their town is evident in every corner. It is amazing to see what the effort to encourage churches, schools, industries and businesses of every size to engage world class architects can do for the entire community all. The tour is just right: a knowledgeable guide, a comfortable bus, and wide variety of architecture make for a very rewarding experience.” (Tripadvisor review by JerseyKid, posted July 2019)

Great architectural tour run by wonderful people - San Francisco visitor

“The tour office contacted me the week before my visit to check on my plans. That’s when I discovered that I booked the wrong day. They promptly moved my reservation to the next Sunday. Such a nice thing to do. We thoroughly enjoyed the architectural bus tour and our guide was very knowledgeable. The exclusive visit into Eero Saarinen’s church was the highlight, but the rest of the architecture we saw were equally delightful. I wish I had another day to explore the other buildings in this remarkable city!” (Tripadvisor review, posted Aug 2019)

Great tours of a progressive place - Louisville visitor

“We did the architectural landmarks tour and Miller House tour. They were both terrific! The staff at the Visitors Center couldn’t have been nicer and are so obviously proud of their community. It’s a fascinating story that involves a public-minded scion of industry – a story that is still taking place today. Tour guides quite knowledgeable. Would like to come back to do the walking tour. I expect these are the kinds of tours where you can learn something new every time.” – posted by Ann from Louisville on Tripadvisor, April 2019

History in the making - Mexico visitor

“Amazing experience at Columbus…Only had 1 day to see the main highlights of the city (as my trip was related to business), but the Architecture Tours’ team made it easy! I specially loved the “Inn at Irwin Gardens” visit. A magnificent property that takes you to the past, and allows you to understand a bit of the history behind this beautiful town…cannot miss it!”
– posted by VeroBBD1S of San Luis Potosi, Mexico, on Tripadvisor, April 2019

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE…

First Baptist Church - Harry Weese

AWARD WINNERS – see all the architects in Columbus who have won Pritzker and AIA awards

Charles Osgood of CBS News Sunday Morning on Washington Street

FEATURED ON CBS – the week Charles Osgood and CBS featured Columbus

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