Birthday Parties at CMA
For ages 4–11
A Columbus Museum of Art birthday party offers a hands-on experience with art!
The Center for Creativity is the perfect place for your child’s next birthday party! We offer unique, playful, hands-on parties for children ages 4 to 11. Each party includes free general admission to the Museum, decorations, interactive games, and open studio experiences. Guests leave with a creativity bag and are invited to explore the galleries before they depart for the day.
Birthday party dates are available starting fall 2024 — check back soon! Please contact 614.629.5942 with any questions.
Planning Your Birthday Party
How much do parties’ cost?
Birthday parties at CMA are $300 for members and $375 for non-members. Membership discounts will appear at checkout.
What is included in the cost?
The birthday party package includes:
• A private party room
• 90-minute room rental
• 1 party leader
• Admission of up to 30 total guests, children to be accompanied by at least 2 adult chaperones
• An Open Studio environment with interactive zones for creative play
• A take-home Creativity Kit for each child is provided, kit includes a scavenger hunt designed for all ages
• Photo booth and props
• Electronic invitation
How long is the birthday party?
Parties are hosted for 90 minutes.
What is the appropriate age range?
We host birthday parties for children turning ages 4–11. Party games and experiences are adjusted to make sure experiences are age appropriate.
Additional Birthday Party FAQs
When will I receive my email invitation?
Studio staff will email you an invitation with the date and time of the party for you to use and send out. You are welcome to use the invite provided or create your own e-vite. Invitations will be emailed out 2–3 weeks before the date of the party and after payment in full is received.
What will the kids do during the party?
The party leader will greet guests in the party room. As guests enter there is a giant birthday party card for guests to sign and decorate. Children can explore the open studio stations which includes party hats/crowns, chalk, air-dry clay, sculpture making and games.
Are food and beverages provided?
Food and beverages are not provided or offered as part of our birthday party package. You are not required to purchase food from CMA and may bring in your own cake, cupcakes, snacks and beverages (excluding alcohol, which is not permitted). We suggest individual grab and go serving items: juice boxes, water bottles, cupcakes/brownies/cookies, snack bags, veggie/fruit/cheese trays.
• Utensils, plates and napkins are not provided by CMA.
• You cannot serve a full meal at the party: e.g.: pizza, subs, etc.
• All food and drinks must remain in the party room. No food or drinks are permitted in the galleries.
Can I provide goodie bags or extra decorations?
You can provide your own goodie bags for party guests and table-top decorations, if you choose. The room will be pre-decorated with our art party theme. You may NOT bring in outside decorations that require hanging on the walls. We also DO NOT allow balloons, glitter, or open flames. This is to protect our art and buildings.
How do we blow out the candles if there are no open flames?
We provide an electronic candle with age numbers for birthday child(ren) to pretend and blow out.
Can guests stay at the Museum after the party?
Yes, your party fee includes general admission for your guests. Your access to the party space will not extend past your rental time. Guests will also be invited to explore with our birthday themed scavenger hunt which is designed for use within the Center for Creativity.
Can we visit the Wonder Room?
Visiting the Wonder Room is not part of the birthday party experience. You and your guests are more than welcome to visit all the CMA galleries, including the Wonder Room, before or after your party. The Wonder Room is a small, experimental gallery, so we cannot guarantee that your entire group can visit at the same time. All regular rules for the Wonder Room must be followed.
What if I have more than 30 attending?
We are unable to accommodate for parties bigger than 30 total guests. This number includes children and and at least 2 adult chaperones.
Where will my guests park for the party?
Guests have access to the main parking lot, which is a paid lot. Should the lot be full, guests can access our overflow parking lots and take advantage of metered parking, which is free on Sundays.
Is there a deposit to hold the date?
We do not take deposits for birthday parties. Parties must be paid in full to secure a date and time.
What if I need to cancel or change my date?
We will do our best to accommodate date changes, but party bookings are first come first served and some dates may not be available. Any parties cancelled with more than 2 weeks’ notice will be refunded in full; cancellations made with less than 2 weeks’ notice will not receive a refund.
Email mark.zuzik@cmaohio.org for additional questions.
