Last Updated on December 8, 2022 by Snezana Grcak
Opened in 1878, the Columbus Museum of Art was the first of its kind in Ohio, and it’s still a popular place with beautiful artwork on display. Visitors driving to the building can park in the official Columbus Museum of Art parking lot, nearby downtown lots, or on the street. Our guide will help you compare all the options and find what works for you and your budget. You’ll also learn about public transportation, an affordable and convenient alternative to driving. Use all the info and map of the area to plan your visit to a tee.
Hours & Admission
The CMA is closed on Mondays. Normal business hours are from 10 AM to 5 PM, except on Thursdays, when it’s open until 9 PM.
The general admission ticket is $18 for adults, while seniors, students, and children older than three pay $9. If you’re planning a Thursday visit after 5 PM, admission will be $5, and you don’t have to reserve or purchase tickets in advance.
How Much Is Parking at the Columbus Museum of Art?
The cost in the official Columbus Museum of Art parking lot is $7 per vehicle, and visitors can pay at the gate or admission desk. The entrance to the lot is on East Gay Street.
Free parking is available for CMA members and Museum Store or Schokko Café visitors. Show your ID or receipt to the admission desk staff to take advantage of the offer.
Top Nearby Options
Aside from the main lot, the museum’s website recommends several car parking structures and on-street spots in the vicinity. Check out the map of the best nearby lots and streets for parking, and learn more about each option below.
- Pink lots are open after 5:30 PM Monday through Friday and all day on weekends.
- Purple lots (including the CMA lot) are available during regular museum hours.
- The lot marked in green is open Thursday through Sunday until 9:30 PM.
- Orange areas show street parking locations; see the following section for more info.
If you want to pre-book your spot, use SpotHero or ParkWhiz to look for nearby parking structures.
Street Spots
Parking meters are available on North Washington Avenue, as well as Boone, East Broad, North 9th, and East Long Streets. The number of spots is limited, and they are obtainable on a first-come, first-served basis.
Depending on the location, hourly rates vary from $0.50 to $1.50. Click here to see the parking meter map, and read the posted signs to avoid pricey tickets.
Public Transportation
Thanks to COTA, you can avoid driving and hop on the #10 bus to the museum entrance. Alternatively, the E. Long St. & N. Washington Ave. bus stop is a 3-minute walk away, and you take the following lines to get there: 7, 9, 11, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, and 46. The single-ride fare is only $2.
Find a Spot for Any Event or Trip
Aside from the Columbus Museum of Art parking information, our in-depth guides cover popular venues and the city airport:
Click on any link to learn more, or use our airport parking page to reserve a cheap spot.
