COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — For five years in a row, COSI has been voted the nation’s top science museum.
COSI, the Center of Science and Industry in Franklinton, revealed the honor in a news release, pointing to its hands-on exhibits, along with programming in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) as the basis for its superior ranking.
“It’s an honor to be recognized as the #1 ‘Best Science Museum’ in the country by USA TODAY for the fifth time,” said COSI President and CEO Dr. Frederic Bertley. “This achievement underscores the profound impact of these initiatives in making science accessible, engaging, and inspiring for all.”
The organization highlighted its award-winning COSI Science Festival, a four-day celebration of STEAM in Ohio, as a standout event in its announcement.
“COSI offers much more than a traditional museum experience — we enhance STEAM literacy and ignite curiosity in young minds across the globe,” Bertley noted.
Beyond the museum, COSI has a national and international reach including strategic partnerships with NASA, the White House, State Departments, and U.S. Embassies, connecting with students in India, Egypt, the Arctic, the Caribbean and beyond.
Its lauded initiatives, such as the COSI Learning Lunchbox program, have provided nearly 400,000 STEAM education kits to underserved students in more than 40 states and seven countries.
COSI’s dedication to science literacy also earned it nine Emmy Awards for media projects. An animated series that teaches science concepts in under five minutes, called “Dr. B in 3” and a public television show featuring engaging conversations with scientists and innovators, titled “QED with Dr. B.,” engage audiences with science in entertaining and accessible ways.
“Our goal as the nation’s top science museum is to cultivate a society that values STEAM literacy, beginning with inspiring young minds everywhere, regardless of their race, religion, gender, or socioeconomic status,” said Bertley.