Museum Open House
The Annual Museum of Biological Diversity Open House is Back!
March 28, 2026
10 am - 3 pm
For the most recent updates, follow our Facebook page and Instagram. Also, enjoy our photo albums from previous Open House events.
This event is free and registration is not required, but you can help us know how many guests to expect and receive event updates by filling out our registration form.
About the Museum and Open House
The Museum of Biological Diversity Open House is one of the biggest outreach events in the College of Arts and Sciences of The Ohio State University. Every year we open our doors to the general public for a day of biodiversity exploration and discovery. During the event you can get a behind-the-scenes view of our world-class collections (insects, mites, spiders, plants, fishes, molluscs, birds, reptiles, mammals), plus meet the faculty, staff, and students who study the flora and fauna of Ohio and the world. You can also engage in a number of hands-on activities.
On this site you will find a bit of the history of the Museum Open House, since its inception in 2005. We are actively working on this historic archive, so please check back here for more updates.
This event would not be possible without our numerous volunteers.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and Where is the Open House?
The Open House will take place on Saturday, March 28, 2026 from 10 am to 3 pm at the Museum of Biological Diversity (1315 Kinnear Road, Columbus, Ohio 43212). You can also find us on Google Maps by looking for the Triplehorn Insect Collection.
Where do I park?
Parking for the general public will be available in nearby Scitech lots and the Plumbers and Pipefitters Union lot. We ask that those with OSU parking passes park in CampusParc lots. Handicap parking will be available onsite. Volunteers will be at each parking location to help direct you.
Do I need to register or pay to attend?
The Open House is free! Registration is not required, but you can register at the link to receive reminders and updates leading up to the event, as well as help us get an idea of how many guests to expect. Click here to let us know you're coming!
Who can attend the Open House?
Everyone is welcome to attend! We will have activities and displays to engage people of all ages. Children under 18 years of age must always be accompanied by an adult guardian. We will have engaging activities for all ages.
Can I volunteer at the Open House?
Volunteer sign ups for the 2026 Open House have closed. You can learn more about volunteering for the Open House next year on our volunteer page.
Is the museum accessible?
We strive to make the Open House a positive and accessible experience for everyone! The museum is wheelchair accessible. Due to crowds, if possible, we ask that strollers be parked in a designated location at the entrance of the museum. There will be locations throughout the museum for those needing to take a seated break. We will also have room available for nursing parents or anyone needing a private space to relax. There may be areas of the museum that are loud, crowded, or have strong smells. We will do our best to place signage ahead of these areas, letting you know what to expect.
If you have any questions or are in need of additional accommodations, such as interpretation, please reach out to kridel.2@osu.edu prior to the event.
Will my photo be taken at the Open House?
Photos are being taken at this event and may appear in The Ohio State University print or digital communications or marketing materials. By attending this event, you hereby authorize the university to use your photograph in any and all use related to the educational mission of the university without compensation. This policy does not apply to minors, children will not be photographed at this event without signed permission from their guardian. Photo release forms will be available at the entrance to the event.
More questions? Please contact us at kridel.2@osu.edu