The Columbus Visitors Center is the perfect starting point for exploring one of America's most architecturally significant communities. Visitors can pick up official city guides, free maps and brochures, and insider recommendations to help plan their stay. Knowledgeable staff are available to answer questions about local attractions, tours, dining, shopping, and events, making it easy to discover the best of Columbus.
More than an information hub, the Visitors Center is an attraction in its own right. Located in the heart of downtown Columbus, the center serves as the gateway to the city's renowned architecture and design experiences.
506 Fifth Street, Columbus, IN • 812-378-2622
Hours: Monday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. (view holiday hours)
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The Columbus Visitors Center is more than a place to gather information, it's an introduction to the design excellence that has made Columbus internationally recognized for architecture.
As the starting point for guided architecture tours, the Visitors Center helps guests discover the stories behind the city's landmark buildings, public spaces, and innovative design legacy. Visitors can pick up official city guides, free maps and brochures, and recommendations for local attractions while learning about the architects, artists, and visionaries who shaped Columbus into a world-renowned design destination.
The facility is home to two permanent installations by renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly, whose work is featured in museums and collections around the globe.
The vibrant Yellow Neon Chandelier serves as a dramatic focal point within the Visitors Center, while Persians, a collection of Chihuly's signature hand-blown glass forms, fills the two-story staircase bay with color, texture, and light. The installations reflect Columbus' long-standing commitment to art, design, and innovation, offering visitors an inspiring first glimpse into the creativity that defines the community.
The shop features a carefully curated selection of architecture-themed gifts, books, local artwork, souvenirs, apparel, and unique items inspired by Columbus' design heritage.
Visitors can browse products celebrating the city's iconic architecture, discover gifts created by local artists and makers, and find memorable keepsakes that reflect the community's creative spirit. The gift shop is a convenient stop before or after a tour and offers something for architecture enthusiasts, art lovers, and first-time visitors alike.
Monday – Saturday10:00 am to 5:00 pm (EST)
The Visitors Center will be closed on the following days:
New Year’s Day | Martin Luther King, Jr. Day | Memorial Day | Fourth of July | Labor Day | Thanksgiving Day | Day after Thanksgiving | Christmas Eve | Christmas Day | New Year’s Eve
Membership dollars are used by our organization to advance the incredible architectural heritage of Columbus, Indiana, and to educate people of all ages about the value of good design.
Member benefits include:
To join, visit the membership page >
Located within the historic Storey House portion of the Columbus Visitors Center, Gallery 506 showcases the work of local and regional artists through rotating exhibitions throughout the year.
The gallery provides an opportunity to experience the vibrant arts community that complements Columbus' architectural legacy. Exhibitions often feature a variety of media and perspectives, offering visitors a deeper connection to the people, creativity, and culture that shape the community today.
Columbus' Visitor's Center is the place to go to get maps of the area (street maps are great for this very walkable downtown), sign up for tours, shop as well as seeing some beautiful Chihuly artwork, etc. Everyone is so helpful and friendly!
- Terry, June 2026 / TripAdvisor Review
What a relaxing, informative and interesting tour! While I know just some basics about the architects involved, the tour did not assume I came in as an expert, yet offered tidbits of info I had never heard. Our guide Kerry and his ever-courteous and smiling driver provided an entertaining and comfortable trip around the city to see a wide variety of locations that were all connected by Columbus’ desire to maintain and develop beautifully designed buildings and sites. The history behind the whole commitment to this thoughtfully planned city was really interesting. I want to go again and take some friends!
- GoodIn The W, June 2026 / TripAdvisor Review
If you are a fan of modern architecture, put Columbus on your must do list. Highly recommend!
The visitor center has a lovely gift shop and the staff was very kind.
My husband, grown daughter and I very much enjoyed the architectural tour. Our tour guide was very lovely and was happy to answer additional questions about the buildings and community.
We didn't have time to get to the Miller House, but will definitely be be back to see it at some point in the future.
- Tam, May 2026 / TripAdvisor Review
We took the architecture guided tour and the Miller House tour. Both were excellent. Our guides were knowledgeable and congenial. The transport was comfortable and provided great window views. The examples of mid century and post modern architecture were outstanding. The opportunity to enter two churches was moving. Columbus is a wonderful small town to visit.
- Mark, December 2025 / TripAdvisor Review
We had a wonderful morning on the tour of the Architecture in Columbus. Our guide was knowledgeable and articulate. I love the story of this wee city and the guided tour was good value. When we go back, we will probably do it again!
- Bronwyn, Oct 2025 / TripAdvisor Review
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