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Columbus Museum wins prestigious national award from USA Today for ‘best museum’

The Columbus Museum held its public, grand reopening celebration on May 4-5, 2024.
The Columbus Museum held its public, grand reopening celebration on May 4-5, 2024. mhaskey@ledger-enquirer.com

The Columbus Museum has been named the Best New Museum for 2025 by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, marking a significant milestone for the recently reimagined cultural institution.

This prestigious recognition comes after an extensive renovation that transformed the museum into a more dynamic and visitor-oriented space.

“Oscar” is an American alligator that’s 15 feet in length and weights about 800 pounds. “Oscar” came to the Columbus Museum after being illegally killed in the Chattahoochee River south of Columbus in 1986.
“Oscar” is an American alligator that’s 15 feet in length and weights about 800 pounds. “Oscar” came to the Columbus Museum after being illegally killed in the Chattahoochee River south of Columbus in 1986. Mike Haskey mhaskey@ledger-enquirer.com

The museum’s win was secured through a public voting process, demonstrating the strong local support from this community and its visitors. Since its reopening, The Columbus Museum, recently nicknamed COMU, has welcomed over 60,000 guests, showcasing its renewed appeal and relevance.

The Columbus Museum has scheduled a public, grand reopening celebration for May 4-5, 2024.
The Columbus Museum has scheduled a public, grand reopening celebration for May 4-5, 2024. Mike Haskey mhaskey@ledger-enquirer.com

Museum Director Marianne Richter expressed her gratitude, stating, “Receiving the USA Today 10Best award is a reflection of our community’s enthusiasm and commitment. It showcases the remarkable efforts taking place here in Columbus, and we are privileged to celebrate this achievement with everyone who supports our mission.”

The Columbus Museum, founded in 1953, stands as one of the largest museums in the Southeast. Its recent transformation has reinforced its commitment to celebrating American art and regional history while providing a space for community engagement and cultural exploration.

The Columbus Museum has scheduled a public, grand reopening celebration for May 4-5, 2024.
The Columbus Museum has scheduled a public, grand reopening celebration for May 4-5, 2024. Mike Haskey mhaskey@ledger-enquirer.com

This national recognition not only puts Columbus in the spotlight but also serves as a testament to the museum’s successful efforts in creating a more vibrant and inclusive cultural space.

As the museum continues to offer engaging exhibitions and programs, this award is likely to attract even more visitors eager to experience what Columbus residents already understand about its importance to the culture.

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This story was originally published January 3, 2025 at 2:21 PM.

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