Get Inspired at These 10 Museums That Make Great Meeting Spots
Elevate your off-site meetings at these museums across the state that showcase beautiful artwork, historic artifacts, legendary musicians and more.
American Sign Museum
Swap out the conference-room lighting for the colorful glow of neon by hosting a meeting at the American Sign Museum in Cincinnati. Those who book a meeting room here also get the chance to tour the museum gallery, which includes a walk-through of the history of American signage. For those who want to learn more, self-guided audio tours are available by scanning a QR code. Groups of almost any size can gather at this newly expanded museum that has four event spaces, including the new Barn Room, which contains two barn walls (one sporting a vintage Mail Pouch Tobacco advertisement) and has a dining capacity of 150 people. The space also boasts two projectors and screens, as well as a bar for post-meeting cocktails. 1330 Monmouth Ave., Cincinnati 45225, 513/541-6366, americansignmuseum.org
Armstrong Air & Space Museum
Home to artifacts from the life of Neil Armstrong, this museum in Wapakoneta is not only a unique choice for hosting a meeting but also an inspiring one. Perfect for small-to-medium-size groups, the Armstrong Air & Space Museum’s STEM Inspiration Center can hold 24 to 48 people, and speakers have access to touch boards for presenting or video conferencing, as well as full audio and visual capabilities. The museum also offers catering options from a preferred list of vendors. After the meeting is over, everyone can check out the artifacts on display in the museum, such as a moon rock from the Apollo 11 mission and some of Armstrong’s space suits. 500 Apollo Dr., Wapakoneta 45895, 419/738-1972, armstrongmuseum.org 
Cincinnati Museum Center
Housed within the city’s historic Union Terminal train station, Cincinnati Museum Center has all the history and grandeur to make your meeting special. Several rooms are scattered throughout the museum, and there are plenty of add-ons to give attendees a unique experience. Groups of up to 298 can rent the Reakirt Auditorium for more traditional presentations, while smaller groups can use the 108-seat Little Newsroom Theater. For a meal, check out the Historic Dining Room, a space that was once the fine dining area in the train station’s heyday. When the meeting has wrapped, add on a food-science demonstration for up to 150 people in the Create Culinary Studio, or arrange for a docent tour of this historic building that started serving train traffic in 1933. 1301 Western Ave., Cincinnati 45203, 513/287-7000, cincymuseum.org
Cleveland Museum of Natural History
Coming off the completion of a $150 million transformation, the Cleveland Museum of Natural History is using its reimagined galleries and natural lighting to make meeting attendees feel connected to the world around them. Five spaces are available to rent during daytime hours, including a 440-seat auditorium and two classroom areas that are perfect for breakout sessions of around 30 people. The Rare Book Room on the upper level provides a unique setting for 30 individuals, and each space comes with full AV access, including microphones and screens. Consider add-ons for your meeting as well, such as catering (provided exclusively by Levy Hospitality Group), private planetarium shows and live animal demonstrations with the critters that reside in the on-site Perkins Wildlife and Woods Garden. 1 Wade Oval Dr., Cleveland 44106, 216/231-4600, cmnh.org
Columbus Museum of Art
The Columbus Museum of Art has showcased art in our capital city since its founding in 1878, and the thoroughly modern destination promises to bring an atmosphere of creativity to your meeting. The museum offers six modestly sized meeting rooms, with the smallest accommodating 25 people, while the larger gathering spaces can hold up to 350. Drop-down screens, microphones and projectors are standard in most meeting rooms, and catering is available from the on-site Schokko Cafe. An expansion brought the addition of the Columbus Museum of Art at The Pizutti — a secondary gallery located in the Short North Arts District — which can accommodate up to 300 guests across two small meeting rooms, a larger meeting room and a terrace. Main Museum: 480 E. Broad St., Columbus 43215,614/221-6801, columbusmuseum.org 
National Veterans Memorial and Museum
Since opening in 2018, the National Veterans Memorial and Museum in downtown Columbus has become a favorite meeting location for veteran-owned companies and those who have military veterans on their staff. But there is something for everyone at this museum, which has meeting space that includes the 40-seat Franklin County Room, a lower-level exhibition gallery that can hold up to 100 people and the always-popular Great Hall and rooftop locations, which can hold a maximum of 400 and 1,000 people, respectively. The Franklin County Room is great for teleconferencing and traditional meetings, while the Great Hall is suited for presentations and speakers, with its portable screens and built-in overhead speakers. Opt for a lunch or dinner from the list of local caterers. 300 W. Broad St., Columbus 43215, 888-987-6866, nationalvmm.org
Pro Football Hall of Fame
No matter what team you root for during the NFL season, the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton is the perfect spot to bring out the football fan in everyone. The prime meeting spot here is the Nash Family Event and Conference Center, which boasts almost 5,000 square feet of space that can be partitioned off into three separate rooms, perfect for breakout groups. The conference center can accommodate 330 people for a banquet or 450 people in theater seating for presentations. Smaller meeting groups of up to 120 can enjoy the James Allen Family Gold Jacket Lounge for presentations and meals alike. Meeting planners can enhance their gatherings with add-ons like Visit with a Hall of Famer, where a pro football player will come to your meeting as a speaker or for meet-and-greets. 2121 George Halas Dr. NW, Canton 44708, 330/456-8207, profootballhof.com
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Amp up your next meeting at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. Smaller groups can rent interior museum spaces during daytime hours, including Pink Floyd’s The Wall exhibit that holds 50 people, and the Hall of Fame which can accommodate 40. Parties of up to 150 can rent the atrium for a meal, and there are meeting rooms and a 163-seat auditorium on-site for presentations and conferences. Since this 155,000-square-foot museum is all about rock ’n’ roll, attendees can trust the AV hookups in the meeting spaces are in top shape. Planners can also book special activities like a visit to The Garage, an interactive space where jam sessions break out and visitors can try their hand at playing guitar. 1100 E. Ninth St., Cleveland 44114, 216/781-7625, rockhall.com
Toledo Museum of Art
With 11 meeting spots to choose from, the Toledo Museum of Art offers a variety of creative locations for hosting your event. A favorite location is in the Green Building in the Peristyle Theater lobby. This stunning, two-story space has marble columns and a capacity for up to 150 for a reception gathering. Across the street, the Glass Pavilion has three meeting spaces, and organizers can book an add-on at the Hot Shop for a private glassblowing demonstration. All spaces have AV capabilities like microphones and projection screens, and on-site catering ensures a meal that is as aesthetically pleasing as the artwork. 2445 Monroe St., Toledo 43620, 419/255-8000, toledomuseum.org 
Zanesville Museum of Art
Acclaimed art and local inspiration combine under one roof at the Zanesville Museum of Art, which hosts traveling exhibitions and works by regional artists. Whether meetings are hosted in the Linn Auditorium (which doubles as an art gallery and holds 125 people with table seating), the Linn Auditorium Atrium or the 100-seat Gorsuch Gallery, there is always something beautiful to look at. Nonprofit organizations can host their event at the museum free of charge, and each space is outfitted with AV equipment, including a portable 70-inch television, microphones, podiums and speakers. Meeting attendees can enjoy a meal at the museum as well and are welcome to bring in off-site catering for breakfast, lunch, snacks and other meals. 620 Military Rd., Zanesville 43701, 740/452-0741, zanesvilleart.org
