Membership - COSI

COSI ANNUAL MEMBERS

COSI memberships are better than ever! Our membership options are designed to fit the needs for families of all types. Each membership grants unlimited general admission to classic COSI exhibitions, the Planetarium, and all live shows throughout COSI.

EXCLUSIVE MEMBER
DISCOUNTS & EVENTS

MEMBERSHIP FAQ

UPDATE MEMBERSHIP

RENEW MEMBERSHIP

MEMBER CATEGORIES, PRICING AND BENEFITS:

Includes unlimited general admission for 2 named adults and kids/grandchildren under 18, plus:

2 additional unnamed guests per visit to COSI

2 free parking vouchers

4 tickets to Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition

2 tickets to COSI After Dark

1 COSI Connects kit

Free or discounted admission to over 360 science centers

50% discounted admission to over 200 children's museums¹

10% off Molecules, The Atomic Cafe, and the Museum Store

Free admission to the Motion Simulator

Invitations to exclusive member events

Includes unlimited general admission for 2 named adults and kids/grandchildren under 18, plus:

Free or discounted admission to over 360 science centers

50% discounted admission to over 200 children's museums¹

10% off Molecules, The Atomic Cafe, and the Museum Store

Invitations to exclusive member events

Includes unlimited general admission for 1 named adults and kids/grandchildren under 18, plus:

Free or discounted admission to over 360 science centers

50% discounted admission to over 200 children's museums¹

10% off Molecules, The Atomic Cafe, and the Museum Store

Invitations to exclusive member events

Includes unlimited general admission for 2 named adults and kids/grandchildren under 18, plus:

10% off Molecules, The Atomic Cafe, and the Museum Store

Invitations to exclusive member events

^omust show proof of Medicaid, Ohio Directions, WIC, SNAP, EBT or P-EBT

*Columbus Arts and Culture Fee not included

¹some restrictions apply with ACM reciprocal admission

Teacher/military discount available (excluding Family Access Membership)

Purchasing more Add-On Guest to membership available during purchase process

EXCLUSIVE MEMBERSHIP EVENTS & DISCOUNTS:

Columbus Member Advantage
Offer Ends: December 31, 2023
Show Your COSI Digital Membership Card and Save!

As a COSI Member, you can save $3 on general admission to select Columbus area museums and attractions through Columbus Member Advantage. No coupon is necessary. Simply show your valid COSI digital Membership card each time you visit!

Columbus Member Advantage partners for 2023:
Columbus Metropolitan Club
Columbus Museum of Art and Pizzuti Collection
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Dawes Arboretum
Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Columbus
National Veterans Memorial and Museum
Ohio History Center & Ohio Village
The Works: Ohio Center for History, Art and Technology (also qualifies for ASTC reciprocal admission)

Important Terms & Restrictions: Discount good for $3 off per person on general admission only. Limit four (4) discounts per visit. Tickets must be purchased from the admissions area of the facility you are visiting. Cannot be combined with other discounts or offers. Not valid on prior purchases. No rain checks or refunds. Some restrictions may apply. Offer expires December 31, 2023 unless otherwise noted.

MEMBERSHIP FAQ:

NEW MEMBERSHIP LEVELS

+ - I see your membership levels have changed – why did you make this change?

To align with industry best practices and to make the consumer purchase process easier we have consolidated our levels and enhanced some benefits.

+ - I currently have an Ultimate Family membership – what does that mean for me?

You now have access to all the new benefits!
Newly included are 2 parking vouchers, 2 COSI After Dark tickets, 1 COSI Connects Kit and 4 tickets to an upcharge exhibit in addition to the current Ultimate benefits.

+ - I want to renew my Premium Family membership but I don’t see a level that matches?

You can purchase the Family membership level plus one add on guest which will equal your current membership benefits.

+ - I want to renew my Grandparent membership but I don’t see that level?

The Family level membership is the same as your current grandparent membership and covers all grandchildren under the age of 18.

+ - I want to purchase a Teacher membership but don’t see that level?

You can now purchase an Ultimate Family, Family or Single Adult Family membership and there is a teacher discount code upon check out.

+ - How does auto renewal work?

PURCHASING A MEMBERSHIP

+ - How do I purchase a membership?

COSI memberships may be purchased in person at the admissions desk, online or by phone (614-228-COSI ext. 0).

+ - How soon after my purchase can I begin using my membership?

When you purchase a membership it becomes effective immediately. All membership cards are digital and can be accessed through the COSI app.
How to access your Digital COSI Membership Card via the COSI Mobile App:

Download the COSI App – search “COSI Science” in the Apple App Store or Google Play App Store.
Select the "profile” icon
Log into your COSI Member Account (using primary email address and password associated with your account)
Select “Digital Card” on the Profile page

Show your digital membership card while visiting COSI to take advantage of your member benefits. You will still be required to show a photo ID along with your digital card at check-in.

+ - Can I upgrade my membership?

Yes. If you decide that you would like to upgrade your current membership level, you may do so at anytime. Please note, we do not pro-rate our memberships. You will need to pay the difference between the full cost of the membership level you currently have and the level to which you are upgrading.

If you choose to upgrade your membership within 3 months of your expiration date, COSI will allow you to renew your membership at the higher level for the following year, and will upgrade the remaining months of your membership for no additional charge.

+ - Why was my discount/promo code not applied to my purchase?

Valid discounts and promotional codes must be entered and applied in the "Promo Code" field on the billing information page during checkout. Please check that the purchase confirmation page reflects the correct price before the order is submitted.

If the purchase confirmation page does not reflect the discounted price, it is possible that the promo code has expired or that the membership you are purchasing does not qualify for the promotion. COSI will only apply current discount/promotional codes towards membership purchases

If you have questions regarding your online order, call 614.228.COSI (2674) ext. 0 or email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

DISCOUNTED MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS AND MEMBERSHIP ADDITIONS

+ - Do teachers receive a membership discount?

Yes! Teachers are eligible for a $30 discount on Ultimate, Family or Single Adult Family membership.  Credentials must be submitted to verify that you are faculty of a certified public/private PreK-12th grade school, a teacher at a licensed/registered child care and preschool facility, college/university faculty, and home educator. Simply click the link on the page for teachers and the discount will be automatically applied at check out. The teacher discount may not be combined with the auto renewal discount.

+ - What type of credentials are accepted to qualify for the teacher membership discount?

Acceptable forms of verification include: (1) Faculty ID, (2) OEA card, (3) Teaching license/certificate, (4) pay stub, or (5) letter from your school district indicating intent to home school. (6) NEA or 7. (STRS) Please note that you must submit verification of your eligibility with each new purchase or renewal.

You may show your credentials at COSI’s admissions desk during your visit by showing your photo ID and one of the above teacher certifications. When purchasing online, one of the above forms needs to be emailed to COSI.

+ - What is a Family Access membership?

A Family Access membership is a discounted rate membership to qualifying families. To join as an Access Family member, families must show a photo ID and current participation in WIC, Ohio Directions, SNAP, EBT, P-EBT or Medicaid (from Ohio).
This can be shown in person at the admissions desk or when purchasing online or over the phone, one of the above forms needs to be emailed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

+ - Are homeschool families eligible for the teacher membership discount?

Yes! To qualify, families must provide a copy of the home school letter provided by the superintendent of your local school district. Contact your local school district for this documentation.

+ - Can I add an additional person or childcare worker to my membership?

Yes, up to two (2) Add-on Guests may be purchased and added to any membership. The Add-on Guest is unnamed, so Add-on Guests are not members but receive free admission when visiting with a named member (adult or child) whose membership features this option. An Add-on Guest can be a different person each visit, adult or a child.

A licensed medical aide does not need to be paid for as an add-on guest; they receive free general admission with valid proof upon check-in.

Two (2) Add-on Guests are included with the Ultimate Membership.

+ - Is there a discount on memberships for military families?

Yes, a $10 discount is available for active, reserve, and retired military. This can be applied to the Ultimate, Family or Single Adult Family levels. Military ID required. Discount available at COSI Box Office only. Military discount not available online or by phone. Discount may not be combined with other discount offers.

RENEWING A MEMBERSHIP

+ - How early can I renew my membership?

Members who would like to renew at their current membership level may do so at any time, provided the category and number of Add-on Guests stays the same.

If changing categories or the number of Add-on Guests, members may renew their membership up to three months prior to their current expiration date.

+ - How will I know when my membership is about to expire?

The expiration date of your membership is on your digital membership card. COSI will send you a renewal reminder via email and mail 60 days prior to your expiration.

If you are signed-up to receive COSI’s eNews, you will also receive e-mail reminders.

+ - If I renew early will I lose the months left on my membership?

No, your membership is good until the end of the month of the next calendar year from the date of purchase. If you renew early, the new membership will begin when your old membership expires.

PURCHASING GIFT MEMBERSHIPS

+ - How do I purchase a membership as a gift?

COSI memberships can be purchased at COSI, online, or over the phone by calling 614.228.COSI (2674) ext 0.

+ - How soon after I purchase the gift membership will my recipients membership begin?

When you purchase a gift membership online, you’ll receive a Gift Membership code by email. You also have the option to email the Gift Membership code directly to recipient. The recipient will use the code to activate a membership at the time of their choosing, with the membership expiring one year from the point of activation. Recipients can activate their gift memberships in person, by phone at 614.228.COSI ext, 0, or online.

In some cases, you may be able to renew a current member's membership as a gift. In this situation, their digital membership cards will expire a year from the date of activation, or 12 months after their current membership’s expiration date.

Please be prepared to share gift recipient’s full name, mailing address, contact information, and number of dependent children ages under 18.

MEMBERSHIP CARDS

+ - How will I receive my COSI membership cards?

All membership cards are digital and can be accessed on multiple devices.

How to access your Digital COSI Membership Card via the COSI Mobile App:

Download the COSI App – search “COSI Science” in the Apple App Store or Google Play App Store.
Select the "profile” icon
Log into your COSI Member Account (using primary email address and password associated with your account)
Select “Digital Card” on the Profile page

Show your digital membership card while visiting COSI to take advantage of your member benefits. You will still be required to show a photo ID along with your digital card at check-in.

+ - How will my reciprocal benefits work when visiting other museums?

Simply show your digital membership card (and a photo ID) at participating ASTC or ACM institutions to receive free or reduced admission!

+ - What if my digital membership card has errors or needs to be updated?

To update your membership information, contact us online, call 614.228.COSI, ext 0 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

+ - Will my digital card update when I renew my membership?

Yes! Digital membership cards will automatically update when your membership information changes. For example, your expiration date and membership level will automatically update the next time you renew or upgrade your membership.

VISITING COSI

+ - I forgot my phone – can I visit COSI without my digital membership cards/ticket confirmation?

Yes, a Box Office associate can verify your COSI membership information in a computer database provided you present a valid photo ID at the time of check-in. Children must provide the adult names and address listed on their membership in order to check in using the computer database verification.

Please note, COSI cannot verify memberships from reciprocal museums. Reciprocal visitors must present current membership cards when checking in.

+ - Can member children visit COSI when a parent is not present?

Yes, children should present their parents’ membership card at the Box Office. Children of driving age must provide a photo ID at check-in. Children 12 and under must be with an adult chaperone.

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS AND DISCOUNTS

+ - Are memberships tax deductible?

Family Access, Single Adult Family, Family and Ultimate Family membership levels are not considered tax-deductible for federal income tax purposes. Memberships at the donor levels (Patron Society, Scholars Society, Explorers Society, Leadership Society, and Visionary Society) are considered partially tax-deductible. The amount of membership dues that is deductible is the amount paid minus the fair market value of benefits. Click here for additional information about donor level memberships or contact the Philanthropy Team at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Please note that prices and fair market values are subject to change. COSI recommends you consult a tax advisor with further tax-related questions.

+ - Do COSI members receive parking benefits?

A discounted $10 per car if you bring your ticket into COSI for a discounted validation stamp. Valid at only the Dorrian Green Park garage or the Starling Street garage.

Click here for more parking information.

ULTIMATE FAMILY MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS
If you have the Ultimate membership level you will receive two FREE parking vouchers valid at either the City of Columbus owned garages under Dorrian Green Park or the garage on Starling St.
To redeem show your membership card and parking ticket to the box office to receive a full validation sticker. Please note COSI will not re-issue redemption vouchers if lost.

+ - How do I redeem my COSI Connects kit benefit?

COSI Connects kits must be redeemed on site at the Museum Store during regular business hours.  The box office will issue a voucher that you can present to the Museum Store for a kit of your choice. The voucher is non-refundable and there will be no returns or exchanges once redeemed. Voucher may not be redeemed for cash.  COSI is not responsible for lost or stolen vouchers. Photocopies not accepted.  Cannot be applied to any other purchases.  

+ - How do I redeem my COSI After Dark tickets?

COSI After Dark tickets are for adults 21+ only.  Tickets may be redeemed online or at the box office.  Tickets are non-refundable and may not be redeemed for cash.  Your ticket redemption code will expire upon expiration of the membership. 

+ - How do I redeem my add-on exhibition tickets?

Tickets may be redeemed online or at the box office.  Tickets are non-refundable and may not be redeemed for cash.  Your ticket redemption code will expire upon expiration of the membership. If you need to reschedule your time slot please contact COSI at 614-228-COSI, ext 0. 

+ - What other discounts to COSI members receive?

COSI Members and guests receive discounts on parking while visiting COSI, purchases at the Museum Store, Atomic Café and more!

RECIPROCAL MUSEUMS (ASTC and ACM)

+ - What is COSI’s reciprocal admission policy?

COSI policy offers free admission for 2 adults and up to 4 children listed on a qualifying Association of Science-Technology Centers (ASTC) reciprocal membership. Participating members of the Association of Children’s Museums (ACM) Reciprocal Network receive 50% off exhibits admission for up to six people.

COSI checks IDs for reciprocal admission and strictly enforces the ASTC “90-Mile” reciprocal policy. ASTC reciprocal admission benefits do not apply to reciprocal members whose place of residence is less than 90 miles from COSI. Per ASTC policy, this distance is measured “as the crow flies”, meaning that it is based on the linear radius between your place of residency and COSI, not driving distance.

COSI cannot verify memberships from reciprocal museums. Reciprocal visitors must present current membership cards and photo ID when checking in at COSI’s Box Office (General Admission line). Reciprocal admission includes all of COSI's classic exhibits and live shows. This does not include any upcharge traveling exhibitions. These and other additional experiences are available for purchase upon checking in.

View Reciprocal Policy

+ - Are there any restrictions to the ASTC Travel Passport Program?

Yes. The ASTC Travel Passport Program only entitles visitors to free general admission at participating science centers/museums. It does not include free admission to special exhibits, nor does it include discounts in museum stores, on parking or other benefits.*

To receive Travel Passport Program benefits, you must live more than 90-miles away from the center/museum you wish to visit. The admission staff has the right to request proof of residence to apply the benefits. 90-miles is measured "as the crow flies", not by driving distance.

Additionally, Science Centers/Museums located within 90 -miles of each other are excluded from the Travel Passport Program unless exclusion is lifted by a mutual agreement. 90-miles is measured "as the crow flies" rather than by driving distance.

*This includes all of COSI's classic exhibits and live shows. This does not include any upcharge traveling exhibitions. These and other additional experiences are available for purchase upon checking in.

View Reciprocal Policy

+ - Is my COSI membership valid at other museums?

Yes. The ASTC Travel Passport Program entitles COSI Members to free or discounted admission at 360+ ASTC (Association of Science-Technology Centers) museums.* COSI Ultimate Family, Family, Single Adult Family Memberships also receive a 50% discount on admission for up to six people at over 200 children’s museums participating in the Association of Children’s Museums (ACM) Reciprocal Network. COSI Members must present their COSI Membership card and photo ID at the Box Office of participating museums to receive reciprocal admission. View the current list of participating museums online, or request a printed list by calling 614.228.COSI (2674). Ext 0 COSI Members are highly encouraged to call participating museums ahead of time to verify admission policies. Other museums may limit the number of COSI Member guests eligible for free admission.

Please note the following exclusions to the ASTC Travel Passport Program:*

Participating science centers and museums located within a 90-mile radius of COSI are excluded from the program. COSI Members visiting the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery (Dayton, Ohio), the Works (Newark, Ohio), and the SPI-Spot (Mt. Vernon, Ohio), will receive 50% off general admission due to separate reciprocal agreements.

COSI Members are ineligible for Passport Program benefits at science centers and museums within a 90-mile radius of their primary residence. Per ASTC policy, this distance is measured “as the crow flies,” meaning that it is based on the linear radius between your place of residency and participating science center/museum you plan to visit, not driving distance.

View Reciprocal Policy

COSI COMMUNICATIONS

+ - Does COSI offer an electronic newsletter?

Yes. To register to receive our Member eNews, contact us online, call 614.228.COSI (2674), ext 0 or email us.

COSI will not share your e-mail address with outside parties and you can unsubscribe at any time.

TROUBLESHOOTING

+ - I’m having issues with the COSI mobile app – what should I do?

Try reinstalling the app or restarting your mobile device, which may resolve your issue. If you’re still having trouble, please contact us at 614.228.COSI  ext. 0 or email us.

+ - I forgot my username/password to my COSI account.

Your username is the primary email used when setting up your account. If you forgot your password simply go to the member login page and click forgot password to reset. If you are still having issues logging in contact us at 614.228.COSI  ext. 0 or email us.

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

MEMBER ENEWS SIGNUP

COSI ANNUAL MEMBERS

Our membership options are designed to fit the needs for families of all types. Each membership grants unlimited general admission to classic COSI exhibitions, the Planetarium, and all live shows throughout COSI.

EXCLUSIVE MEMBER DISCOUNTS & EVENTS	MEMBERSHIP FAQ	UPDATE MEMBERSHIP	RENEW MEMBERSHIP

MEMBER CATEGORIES, PRICING AND BENEFITS:

*Columbus Arts and Culture Fee not included ¹some restrictions apply with CMA reciprocal admission.	Teacher/military discount available (excluding Access Family Membership) Purchasing more Add-On Guest to membership available during purchase process.

EXCLUSIVE MEMBERSHIP EVENTS & DISCOUNTS:

MEMBERSHIP FAQ:

NEW MEMBERSHIP LEVELS

+ - I see your membership levels have changed – why did you make this change?

To align with industry best practices and to make the consumer purchase process easier we have consolidated our levels and enhanced some benefits.

+ - I currently have an Ultimate Family membership – what does that mean for me?

+ - I want to renew my Premium Family membership but I don’t see a level that matches?

You can purchase the Family membership level plus one add on guest which will equal your current membership benefits.

+ - I want to renew my Grandparent membership but I don’t see that level?

The Family level membership is the same as your current grandparent membership and covers all grandchildren under the age of 18.

+ - I want to purchase a Teacher membership but don’t see that level?

You can now purchase an Ultimate Family, Family or Single Adult Family membership and there is a teacher discount code upon check out.

+ - How does auto renewal work?

DISCOUNTED MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS AND MEMBERSHIP ADDITIONS

+ - Do teachers receive a membership discount?

+ - What type of credentials are accepted to qualify for the teacher membership discount?

+ - What is a Family Access membership?

+ - Are homeschool families eligible for the teacher membership discount?

Yes! To qualify, families must provide a copy of the home school letter provided by the superintendent of your local school district. Contact your local school district for this documentation.

+ - Can I add an additional person or childcare worker to my membership?

+ - Is there a discount on memberships for military families?

PURCHASING A MEMBERSHIP

+ - How do I purchase a membership?

COSI memberships may be purchased in person at the admissions desk, online or by phone (614-228-COSI ext. 0).

+ - How soon after my purchase can I begin using my membership?

Download the COSI App – search “COSI Science” in the Apple App Store or Google Play App Store.
Select the "profile” icon
Log into your COSI Member Account (using primary email address and password associated with your account)
Select “Digital Card” on the Profile page

Show your digital membership card while visiting COSI to take advantage of your member benefits. You will still be required to show a photo ID along with your digital card at check-in.

+ - Can I upgrade my membership?

+ - Why was my discount/promo code not applied to my purchase?

MEMBERSHIP CARDS

+ - How will I receive my COSI membership cards?

All membership cards are digital and can be accessed on multiple devices.

How to access your Digital COSI Membership Card via the COSI Mobile App:

Download the COSI App – search “COSI Science” in the Apple App Store or Google Play App Store.
Select the "profile” icon
Log into your COSI Member Account (using primary email address and password associated with your account)
Select “Digital Card” on the Profile page

Show your digital membership card while visiting COSI to take advantage of your member benefits. You will still be required to show a photo ID along with your digital card at check-in.

+ - How will my reciprocal benefits work when visiting other museums?

Simply show your digital membership card (and a photo ID) at participating ASTC or ACM institutions to receive free or reduced admission!

+ - What if my digital membership card has errors or needs to be updated?

To update your membership information, contact us online, call 614.228.COSI, ext 0 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

+ - Will my digital card update when I renew my membership?

PURCHASING GIFT MEMBERSHIPS

+ - How do I purchase a membership as a gift?

COSI memberships can be purchased at COSI, online, or over the phone by calling 614.228.COSI (2674) ext 0.

+ - How soon after I purchase the gift membership will my recipients membership begin?

RENEWING A MEMBERSHIP

+ - How early can I renew my membership?

+ - How will I know when my membership is about to expire?

+ - If I renew early will I lose the months left on my membership?

No, your membership is good until the end of the month of the next calendar year from the date of purchase. If you renew early, the new membership will begin when your old membership expires.

VISITING COSI

+ - I forgot my phone – can I visit COSI without my digital membership cards/ticket confirmation?

+ - Can member children visit COSI when a parent is not present?

Yes, children should present their parents’ membership card at the Box Office. Children of driving age must provide a photo ID at check-in. Children 12 and under must be with an adult chaperone.

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS AND DISCOUNTS

+ - Are memberships tax deductible?

+ - Do COSI members receive parking benefits?

+ - How do I redeem my COSI Connects kit benefit?

+ - How do I redeem my COSI After Dark tickets?

+ - How do I redeem my add-on exhibition tickets?

+ - What other discounts to COSI members receive?

COSI Members and guests receive discounts on parking while visiting COSI, purchases at the Museum Store, Atomic Café and more!

RECIPROCAL MUSEUMS (ASTC and ACM)

+ - What is COSI’s reciprocal admission policy?

+ - Are there any restrictions to the ASTC Travel Passport Program?

+ - Is my COSI membership valid at other museums?

TROUBLESHOOTING

+ - I’m having issues with the COSI mobile app – what should I do?

Try reinstalling the app or restarting your mobile device, which may resolve your issue. If you’re still having trouble, please contact us at 614.228.COSI  ext. 0 or email us.

+ - I forgot my username/password to my COSI account.

COSI COMMUNICATIONS

+ - Does COSI offer an electronic newsletter?

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.	MEMBER ENEWS SIGNUP