COLUMBUS, Ohio — Sixty years ago, COSI opened its doors at Columbus’ Memorial Hall, introducing interactive science exhibits to thousands of Ohioans.
To honor its anniversary on Friday, the center held science demonstrations, a balloon drop, a giant cloud ceremony and handed out posters commemorating 40 years of Rat Basketball.
Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther honored the center with a proclamation, recognizing the center's work and the milestone.
COSI has been through many changes within the past six decades, but a few of its famous exhibits remain virtually untouched.
When walking into COSI for the first time on March 29, 1964, visitors were greeted with the swinging pendulum that counts down the hours and demonstrates that the Earth rotates on an axis. Today, the iconic Foucalt Pendulum remains at the front of the building and is one of the first science exhibits guests encounter.
The original COSI pendulum can be found in the history of COSI exhibit in the center’s progress galley.
Video from the 10TV archives shows visitors gathering around the pendulum and exploring exhibits like SpaceAge and Progress.
According to its website, COSI was born during a business trip to Chicago in 1957 by Sanford N. Hallock II. The account executive for the Byer and Bowman advertising agency visited the Museum of Science and Industry there, which he visited as a boy with his father, and was struck with the realization that Columbus needs a science museum.
When it received the necessary funding, approvals and additional help, it opened and was an instant hit.
Opening day, which fell on an Easter Sunday, saw more than 5,000 guests who paid between 25 and 50 cents for admission.
After 35 years, the center relocated to its current location on West Broad Street in downtown Columbus.
Since its opening day, COSI has welcomed more than 40 million guests from all 50 states and numerous foreign countries.