| The New COSI | |
Columbus Dispatch columnist Barbara Carmen recently wrote an article about the new Center of Science and Industry (COSI) that said "the architecture is gorgeous. I've just covered most of the praise I've heard locals heap upon the new COSI." Carmen reported that complaints include a higher admission price (although she does point out the building costs $50,000 a day to run), that there is a video arcade described as a "cash grab", and that some exhibits aren't complete yet or are different than they were in the old building. This largely negative review surprised me, so I decided to visit.
Yes, the architecture is gorgeous. The 300,000 square foot building is beautiful; the new architecture blends with the old Central High School building as much as possible, and the parking lot is a nice replacement for dilapidated old bleachers that were there. Parking was four bucks, but there was plenty of it, and on busy days there is a free shuttle to several nearby parking lots. I remember having trouble finding a place to park at the old COSI.
A ticket was 12 bucks, with additional charges for the Extreme Screen Theater, the Dome Theater, and the Simulator 3-D Theater. Fortunately I arrived before most of the crowds, so I was able to take a leisurely look around.
At the old COSI I felt cramped for space; here the large entrance, atrium, hallways, and ticket purchase area provided plenty of space. In the middle of the 75-foot tall atrium is the "High Wire Unicycle". Children can climb aboard on the second floor and pedal their way across the lobby. When I asked a staff member what happens if a child can't make it across, or back to where they started, she pointed out a big, long hook they can use to pull the child back to safety.
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