The best arts & culture spots in Columbus

12 arts & culture spots we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

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Arts & Culture · 12 places · showing the latest additions first

Smith-McCullers House (Carson McCullers Center) is Columbus State University’s hub for Southern storytelling, with archives, films, a…

1519 Stark Ave

Smith-McCullers House (Carson McCullers Center) is Columbus State University’s hub for Southern storytelling, with archives, films, a podcast, and live happenings from the David Diamond Reading & Recital Series to the Georgia Poetry Circuit. If you need a quiet spark for your own words, start here.

From the Columbus newsletter, September 21, 2026

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The Do Good Fund

Arts & Culture

The Do Good Fund quietly punches above its weight, curating sharp photography exhibitions like The Royals by Adair Freeman Rutledge, plus…

111 W 12th St #103

The Do Good Fund quietly punches above its weight, curating sharp photography exhibitions like The Royals by Adair Freeman Rutledge, plus the Do Good Salon, Small Talks, a browsable library, and fellowships that keep new voices coming. A quick, thoughtful break from Riverwalk routines...

From the Columbus newsletter, September 12, 2026

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Housed in a former textile warehouse, The Bo Bartlett Center pairs a notable collection from Bartlett with rotating exhibitions and…

921 Front Ave

Housed in a former textile warehouse, The Bo Bartlett Center pairs a notable collection from Bartlett with rotating exhibitions and occasional masterclasses, making it a go-to for locals who crave thoughtful art, conversation, and a quick creative reset between grocery runs and Chattahoochee strolls.

From the Phenix City newsletter, September 19, 2026

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Schwob Music Prep

Arts & Culture

Been meaning to finally pick up that instrument or help your kid find their rhythm? Schwob Music Prep offers pro instructors and both…

900 Broadway

Been meaning to finally pick up that instrument or help your kid find their rhythm? Schwob Music Prep offers pro instructors and both private and group lessons for all ages across piano, voice, strings, brass, woodwinds, and percussion. Registration is accepted year round, so jump in this week.

From the Columbus newsletter, August 6, 2026

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National Civil War Naval Museum lets you step through walk-through replicas like USS Hartford and CSS Albemarle, see the recovered remains…

1002 Victory Dr

National Civil War Naval Museum lets you step through walk-through replicas like USS Hartford and CSS Albemarle, see the recovered remains of CSS Jackson, and the nation's largest collection of Civil War naval flags. Add in lectures, live demos, and tours and you've got a nerdy-good afternoon on the Chattahoochee.

From the Columbus newsletter, August 27, 2026

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From the Revolutionary War to today, The National Infantry Museum packs in era-spanning galleries, the World War II Company Street, the…

1775 Legacy Way

From the Revolutionary War to today, The National Infantry Museum packs in era-spanning galleries, the World War II Company Street, the Armor & Cavalry Gallery, plus a Giant Screen Theater and virtual reality combat simulators. Perfect for a midweek brain refresh or bringing the kids who ask great questions.

From the Columbus newsletter, August 19, 2026

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Springer Opera House

Arts & Culture

Georgia’s historic state theatre and National Historic Landmark, Springer Opera House rolls into its 154th season with a stacked lineup…

103 E 10th St

Georgia’s historic state theatre and National Historic Landmark, Springer Opera House rolls into its 154th season with a stacked lineup from Dreamgirls to Disney’s Frozen The Musical. Peek the calendar and snag seats now, then brag to your group chat that you actually made plans this week.

From the Columbus newsletter, August 11, 2026

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Need a local escape hatch from Earth gravity this week? Coca-Cola Space Science Center has hands-on simulators, big-screen space films, and…

701 Front Ave

Need a local escape hatch from Earth gravity this week? Coca-Cola Space Science Center has hands-on simulators, big-screen space films, and telescope observation nights for all ages that make the cosmos feel like your backyard.

From the Columbus newsletter, August 25, 2026

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Eight quirky micro-museums under one roof, from the Lunch Box Museum and the Hatcher Family Cola Museums to the Tom Huston Peanut Museum,…

3218 Hamilton Rd

Eight quirky micro-museums under one roof, from the Lunch Box Museum and the Hatcher Family Cola Museums to the Tom Huston Peanut Museum, vintage cars, and the Georgia Radio Museum & Hall of Fame, tucked inside a restored 1946 warehouse.

From the Columbus newsletter, August 28, 2026

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RiverCenter for the Performing Arts is in full 25th Anniversary mode, with Broadway back and a calendar that swings from symphony to…

900 Broadway

RiverCenter for the Performing Arts is in full 25th Anniversary mode, with Broadway back and a calendar that swings from symphony to stand-up. This week, cue up INVINCIBLE: A Glorious Tribute to Michael Jackson on August 22, then keep the momentum going with Sheryl Underwood on August 28.

From the Columbus newsletter, August 22, 2026

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