FREQUENTLY
ASKED
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  • Prototype is a permanent museum in downtown Columbus designed for curious adults. Think of it as a playground for the senses—where art, media, and technology collide in bold, immersive experiences. It’s experimental, emotional, and never quite the same twice.

  • The museum is fully built and tested. Prototype version 1 opened on 11/1!

  • Protoype is open Wednesday through Sunday, with expanded hours for special events. All admission is through advance tickets. Click Purchase Tickets to see available time slots.

  • Tickets are available for purchase now. Head to our Visit page or click “Purchase Tickets” at the top of the page.

  • Yep, so long as they are 16 years or older. Prototype was specifically designed for adults to share with other adults and makes a great experience for parents to explore together with their adult or high-school age children. No children under 16 will be admitted, including infants, and there are no refunds for those violating this restriction.

  • Prototype was created as an experiment for adults—a place to explore perception, emotion, and play without boundaries. Some experiences include loud sound, flashing light, and sensory effects that might be too intense for younger visitors, while others explore abstract or adult themes. In short: it’s not a kids’ museum, and that’s exactly the point.

  • Absolutely. Our space is designed to be physically accessible, and we’re actively working on sensory considerations and neurodiverse-friendly programming. If you have a specific question or request, reach out, we’re happy to help.

  • Yes, and we hope you do. Tag us @prototype.museum and show us what caught your eye. Just be mindful of others and keep the flash off.

  • Right out front! Prototype has its own lot with free parking for guests.

  • Yes! From after-hours parties to corporate workshops and film shoots, Prototype is available for private rentals. Fill out our event inquiry form and let’s make something unforgettable.

  • Prototype is an independent organization, a social enterprise committed to exploring the future of museums through experimentation. It was founded by the same team behind Roto, a Dublin-based creative studio known for designing award-winning experiences for museums, aquariums, and cultural destinations around the world. With support from a network of investors and collaborators, Prototype exists to push boundaries and reimagine what museums can be.

  • Because that’s exactly what it is—a living prototype. Every experience here is an experiment, created to be tested, refined, and improved over time. The name reflects the museum’s core belief in iteration, innovation, and collective creativity.

  • At Prototype, “experimental” means nothing is ever final. Every experience includes a brief explanation of the concept being tested and the questions being explored. Visitor feedback plays a central role—what you say and how you engage helps fuel updates and new ideas. Admission dollars directly support this creative R&D model.

  • Prototype doesn’t focus on one subject—it explores whatever we’re curious about. You may find experiences tied to art, technology, nature, history, design, or culture. These topics are starting points, not boundaries.

  • Drop us a line here. A real human will get back to you.