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On Exhibit in Ohio

Science and Industry Museum

Columbus

In the heart of Ohio, Columbus serves as the state capital, as well as a thriving urban city with plenty of cultural institutions. One of the best is the Center of Science and Industry (COSI).

COSI has a variety of interactive and engaging experiences for groups. The museum’s new planetarium is the largest in Ohio and features a 60-foot dome and a digital projection system. Groups can schedule shows that make use of this technology to display eye-popping imagery from throughout the Milky Way galaxy, as well as question-and-answer sessions with resident astronomers.

Another impressive element of the museum is “Progress,” an immersive exhibit that demonstrates how the main street in a small town in America would have changed in 64 years. Visitors start in 1898 and see the technology of that period before turning a corner into 1962, when the electronic age revolutionized daily life.

While you’re there: Construction is underway on Columbus’ next cultural institution: the National Veterans Memorial and Museum, with a mix of historical artifacts and interactive programs. This museum’s collection and exhibits will help visitors appreciate the experiences and sacrifices of American veterans. The museum is expected to open next summer.

www.experiencecolumbus.com

Rock ‘n’ Roll Museum

Cleveland

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame makes news every year when it inducts a new class of musicians, songwriters, producers and other industry insiders. But this Cleveland institution isn’t just about remembering past stars; in addition to the hall of fame, this museum gives visitors an expansive overview of the breadth and influence of rock music, with interesting artifacts and plenty of music along the way.

Travelers will like the stage costumes, instruments and other memorabilia that rotate on display through the museum. And they’re just as likely to see an item from a modern performer such as the Black Keys or Katy Perry as they are an artifact from one of the Beatles.

In addition to the permanent exhibits that cover the roots of rock — including jazz, blues, folk and R&B — the museum puts on a lineup of high-profile temporary exhibitions that explore interesting areas of music and its intersection with greater culture.

While you’re there: Groups can choose from a variety of live theater experiences at Cleveland’s Playhouse Square. This neighborhood is the second-largest theater district in the United States — after Broadway in New York — and is home to 10 different performing arts venues that offer Broadway-style shows, comedies, concerts and more.

www.thisiscleveland.com

Glass Museum

Toledo

On the eastern side of Ohio’s Lake Erie, the Toledo Museum of Art features an encyclopedic collection of artwork in all kinds of media, but the museum is perhaps best known for its glass collection. In 2006, the museum opened its Glass Pavilion across the street from the main museum facility in a sleek 74,000-square-foot building whose exterior walls are made entirely of glass.

The Glass Pavilion features more than 5,000 pieces of glass, ranging from ancient glass artifacts to contemporary art glass sculpture. Many are related to Toledo’s role in the growth of the Studio Glass movement.

Groups have a variety of ways to get their hands on glass at the Glass Pavilion. Private art glass workshops give participants a chance to create small glass art pieces using hot glass, warm glass, flamework and a variety of other techniques. The museum also offers a range of glassblowing demonstrations in one of several hot shops at the Glass Pavilion.

While you’re there: The Toledo Zoo is recognized as one of the leading zoos in the nation. More than 100 years old, this zoological park sits on 62 acres, houses 4,700 species of animals and includes several buildings constructed in Works Progress Administration-era architectural styles.

www.dotoledo.org

Brian Jewell

Brian Jewell is the executive editor of The Group Travel Leader. In more than a decade of travel journalism he has visited 48 states and 25 foreign countries.