“With the staggeringly increasing cases in Ohio and Franklin County approaching an Alert Level 4 according to the Ohio Public Health Advisory Alert System, COSI has undertaken this action out of the paramount concern for the health and safety of its Guests, Members and Team.”
No new reopening date has been set.
COSI Memberships will be automatically extended for any additional time lost due to COSI’s continued closure. Refunds for any purchased tickets will be made automatically.
More information about the COSI reopening postponement can be found here.
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED OCTOBER 29, 2020 COSI, closed since March due to the pandemic, has announced a reopening date for members and the general public.
The Columbus hands-on science center will be open Nov. 20 to Dec. 20 three days a week on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with hours from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. After that date, open hours will be re-evaluated and announced.
“We are pleased to be reopening the nation’s #1 science center,” said Dr. Frederic Bertley, COSI President and CEO, in a news release.
“We have implemented a number of safeguards, including the addition of a new, scientific and technologically advanced UV-C photohydroionization air sterilization system to our building. This new technology installation is in partnership with Columbus-based Air Force One, to ensure our guests feel confident in visiting COSI.”
The following safety protocols will be in effect:
· All COSI Team Members and all guests ages 6+ will be required to wear face coverings while visiting COSI.
· All guests, including COSI Members, must reserve a timed admission ticket online in advance of their visit to ensure adequate space inside COSI for social distancing.
· All guests will be required to visit a hand sanitizer station as they enter COSI.
· Hand sanitizer stations have been placed throughout COSI at high-touch surfaces and near hands-on exhibits.
· Enhanced cleaning and disinfection protocols have been put in place to ensure the COSI building and interactive exhibitions remain as clean as possible.
· Due to restricted spaces, some COSI experiences will remain closed for the foreseeable future, including but not limited to, the National Geographic Giant Screen Theater, the Gadgets Stage, the Motion Simulator, the High-Wire Unicycle, the Submarine and the Alvinsphere in the Ocean exhibition, and the Mercury Capsule in the Space exhibition.
· Any guests exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms, or those who have come into close contact (within 6 feet for 15 minutes for more) with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 14 days are asked not to visit COSI until they are well.
· The full COSI reopening playbook, “Reopening COSI Responsibly: A Plan Rooted in Science,” that outlines the reopening policies and procedures can be found here.
COSI has extended the run of the ¡Cuba! exhibition in the American Museum of Natural History Special Exhibition Gallery through Jan. 3, 2021. Admission to ¡Cuba! will be included with COSI Membership or general admission. Doc McStuffins: The Exhibit, also included with COSI Membership or general admission, will be open through Jan. 3, 2021.
“As we navigate through this global pandemic, the need for science literacy and engagement is more important than ever and only science will put the pandemic behind us,” Bertley said. “We look forward to welcoming everyone, including the scientists and leaders of tomorrow who will save us from the next global crisis.”
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