The Columbus Museum Inc

Founded in 1953, the Columbus Museum is one of the largest museums in the Southeast and is unique for its dual concentration on American art and regional history, displayed in its permanent collection, temporary exhibitions, and educational programs.

When noted Columbus industrialist W.C. Bradley died in 1947, his family donated his 13-acre estate to the city of Columbus to be used as a center of culture and education. 

In April 1989, a major expansion of the Museum resulted in the creation of an architecturally stunning, world-class facility. Still incorporating the original Bradley home, the Museum is now 89,000 square feet, including an interactive children’s gallery, a 300-seat auditorium, and a large atrium for special events. Galleries showcase both permanent and temporary exhibitions on regional history and American art, while a multimedia theater offers a film exploring the history and culture of the Chattahoochee Valley. Visitors can also enjoy the Bradley Olmsted Garden, designed in the 1920s by the Olmsted Brothers firm, founded by famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted.

Today, the Columbus Museum’s dedicated board and staff, led by Director Marianne Richter, continue its legacy as a cultural center. In partnership with the Muscogee County School District, the Museum seeks to educate and inspire with a variety of exhibitions and programs.