COLUMBUS TOUR OPTIONS
Tours regularly fill to capacity – RESERVATIONS ARE NECESSARY
ARCHITECTURE BUS TOUR
Discover how a small Midwestern city became a modern architecture “mecca,” boasting structures by big names like Eero Saarinen, Harry Weese, Kevin Roche, and I.M. Pei. This tour drives by more than forty significant structures and works of art and provides the opportunity to see the interiors of two buildings (depending on availability).
Price : Adults $25, Students $15, fees included
Duration : 2 hours
Bus tour, minimal walking
Begins and ends at Visitors Center
Tue – Fri at 10 am / Sat at 10 am and 2 pm / Sun at 2 pm
Learn more about the architecture tour
MILLER HOUSE AND GARDEN TOUR
Tour one of the most important examples of mid-century modern residential architecture in the country. This hallmark of modern design showcases the talents of architect Eero Saarinen, designer Alexander Girard, and landscape architect Dan Kiley.
Price : $25, includes all fees
Duration : 90 minutes
Interior and exterior home tour
Tours begin and end at The Columbus Area Visitors Center, 506 Fifth Street
(no public access at the house)
12:45 and 2:45 pm Tue – Sat / 12:45 Sun
The guided tour is oriented to adults and children over 10 – please note only children over 10 are allowed on the tour and all guests must purchase a ticket
Learn more about The Miller House and Garden Tour
EXHIBIT COLUMBUS WALKING TOUR
Experience a guided walking tour of the Exhibit Columbus inaugural exhibition. The tour includes an overview of many of the 18 installations around downtown and the iconic Columbus landmarks and sites they’ve been created in relationship to. The tour will highlight the five Miller Prize installations, but will also explore installations by international designers, as well as students and professors from Midwestern universities. The complete tour experience takes 90 minutes. This tour is headphones-enhanced, bring your own pair of earbuds or headphones, if you choose.
This tour is offered August 29 – November 25
Tue – Sat at 10:30 am
Fri / Sat / Sun at 2:30 pm
Price : $12
Duration : 90 minutes
Guided walking tour
Begins and ends at Visitors Center
THE INN AT IRWIN GARDENS TOUR
Get an insider’s look at the Irwin House, the Irwin family home, and childhood home of J. Irwin Miller, virtually unchanged since 1910. This 60-minute tour of the first floor and the gardens gives a unique glimpse into the history and lifestyle of the Edwardian-era family that sparked Columbus’ modern architecture development. Discover the early origins of Cummins Engine Company, when Clessie Cummins worked for the Irwin family as chauffeur and mechanic.
This tour is seasonal and offered May – October.
Price : $15
Duration : 60 minutes
Guided interior and gardens tour
Begins and ends at The Inn at Irwin Gardens
SELF-GUIDED SMARTPHONE TOUR
Price : free
Duration : your own pace
Access supplemental information about and Google maps to the stops on the art and architecture guide with your smartphone.
Price : free
Duration : your own pace
NOTE
This tour is a supplement to the “Guide to Art and Architecture” map, available for $3 at the Visitors Center, Hotel Indigo, and Viewpoint Bookstore.
Go to the mobile tour for smartphone >
SELF-GUIDED BIKE TOURS
Duration : your own pace
The Columbus Area Visitors Center and the Parks and Recreation Foundation teamed up to create self-guided bike tours of Columbus, for a variety of biking levels. Start at the Visitors Center or the Parks and Recreation office to pick up the free maps, rent a bikeshare bike (or use your own), and explore Columbus at your own speed.
Find out more about these tours and the bikeshare program
INTERESTED IN TOURS FOR YOUR GROUP?
Group tours are always available for groups of ten or more – call 800-468-6564 for booking details.
RELATED LINKS
More information to help you plan your trip