COLUMBUS TOUR OPTIONS

The architecture 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). Discover how a small Midwestern city became a modern architecture “mecca,” boasting structures by names like Eero Saarinen, Harry Weese, Kevin Roche, and I.M. Pei.

Price : $25 Adults, $15 Students, fees included
Duration : 2 hours
Architecture bus tour, minimal walking
Begins and ends at The Columbus Visitors Center

April – November: Tue – Thu at 10 am / Fri – Sat at 10 and 2 pm / Sun at 2:30 pm
December – March: Sat at 10 am

Learn more about the architecture tour

Learn about private, group, and special interest tour options

See tour FAQs

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, fees included
Duration : 90 minutes
Interior and exterior home tour
Begins and ends at The Columbus Visitors Center (there is no public access at the house)
The guided tour is oriented to adults and children 10 and older and all guests must purchase a ticket

April – November: Tue – Sat at 12:45 and 2:45 pm / Sun at 12:45 pm
December – March: Fri – Sat at 12:45 and 2:45 pm

Learn more about the Miller House Tour

Learn about private, group, and special interest tour options

See tour FAQs

This walking tour of downtown offers a thoughtful overview of some of Columbus’ most lasting architecture. Along the way, you’ll encounter a variety of architectural styles from historic Victorian and iconic modernism to contemporary designed by some of the most enduring names in architecture. The tour features two interiors, which when available are, Eliel Saarinen’s First Christian Church and Alexander Girard’s 301 Washington Street office of J. Irwin Miller, community benefactor and champion of the arts.

Price : $12 Adults, fees included
Duration : 90 minutes
Guided walking tour
Begins and ends at The Columbus Visitors Center

April – October
Wed and Sat at 10:30 am

This winter, get an insider’s look at the Irwin House, the Irwin family home, and childhood home of J. Irwin Miller, virtually unchanged since 1910. The 60-minute tour features an extensive look at the first floor and when available will include one of the upstairs private suites. The tour 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.

Price : $15
Durations : 60 minutes
Guided interior tour
Begins and ends at Inn at Irwin

November – March: Sun and Tue at 1 pm, check-in at 12:45
December: Sun, Tue and Sat at 1 pm, check-in at 12:45

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

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 >

You may also download PDF maps of some suggested itineraries, or pick up FREE COPIES at the Visitors Center

Group tours are always available for groups of ten or more – call 800-468-6564 for booking details.

• Group Architecture Tours
• Private and Group Miller House Tours
• General Group Tour Options

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