Starting July 1, the Columbus Museum of Art in Ohio will offer free admission to visitors aged 25 and under, as well as to adults accompanying children 16 or younger. The initiative, called Access 150, is funded by a $4 million lead gift from the Walter Foundation, run by Cardinal Health founder Bob Walter and his wife Peggy. The museum will use the funds to hire two new staff positions and reconceptualize its Wonder Room family gallery.
The move represents the largest investment in access and education in the museum's history, aiming to remove cost barriers and cultivate a new generation of art enthusiasts. Research cited by the museum shows that eliminating admission fees can boost attendance by 30 to 150 percent and diversify audiences. The initiative builds on a pre-existing Free Sundays program and signals a growing trend among US museums to prioritize accessibility and youth engagement.