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Museum Open House

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 the premier outreach event 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 here to receive reminders and updates leading up to the event, as well as help us get an idea of how many guests to expect. 

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 will need to be accompanied by an adult.

Can I volunteer at the Open House?

Yes! We would love your help to make this the best Open House yet. You can learn more and sign up 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. 

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. 

More questions? Please contact us at kridel.2@osu.edu