Coca-Cola Space Science Center: Explore the Cosmos in Columbus
Explore space and science at Georgia's premier space science center, featuring NASA artifacts, planetarium shows, and interactive exhibits.
The Coca-Cola Space Science Center (CCSSC) in Columbus, Georgia, has been inspiring visitors of all ages to look to the stars since opening its doors in 1996 [4, 13]. As Georgia's only science center and museum dedicated to astronomy and space science, it provides experiences for students and the public [4, 5, 13]. CCSSC serves as an academic enrichment center for Columbus State University and a regional informal education institution [4]. The center's exhibit gallery features over $17 million in NASA artifacts from the Space Shuttle program, including a Space Shuttle Main Engine Nozzle that has flown to space on nine NASA missions [4]. The gallery also includes flight simulators and interactive displays presenting content from state and national science standards [4, 5]. Visitors can experience a virtual trip to the International Space Station and test their skills on flight simulators [9]. A recent addition is the interactive exhibit, “Guzzle Vortex,” designed to spark conversations about aerospace principles [9, 10]. CCSSC is home to the WestRock Observatory, a premier public observatory with over 20 portable telescopes, a portable planetarium system, and a remotely controllable solar observatory [4, 5]. The Omnisphere Theater planetarium features a full-dome digital projection system for documentaries and constellation-mapping events [4, 10]. The Challenger Learning Center offers mission simulations [6]. The center also houses consoles from the Firing Room at NASA's Kennedy Space Center [6].
Local tips
- Check the center's website for the Omnisphere Theater's show schedule and plan your visit around a show that interests you [3].
- Allow ample time to explore the exhibit gallery, especially if you're interested in the NASA Space Shuttle artifacts [4].
- Consider visiting during one of the WestRock Observatory's free public observing nights [4].
- If visiting with children, make sure to check out the interactive exhibits and flight simulators [4].
A brief summary to Coca-Cola Space Science Center
- 701 Front Ave, Columbus, Georgia, 31901, US
- +1706-649-1477
- Visit website
- Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
- Thursday 10 am-4 pm
- Friday 10 am-4 pm
- Saturday 10:30 am-5 pm
Getting There
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Walking
The Coca-Cola Space Science Center is located in downtown Columbus on Front Avenue [3]. If you are in the downtown area, walking is a convenient option. From the Columbus Georgia Convention & Trade Center, head south on Front Avenue [14, 15]. The Space Science Center will be on your left, adjacent to the public parking deck [3].
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Public Transport
The closest public transportation stops are along Front Avenue. Check the local Columbus transit schedule for the most up-to-date routes and times. From the bus stop, it is a short walk to the Space Science Center [3].
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Driving
The Coca-Cola Space Science Center is located at 701 Front Ave, Columbus, GA 31901 [3]. From I-185, take exit 1 for US-27/US-280/Victory Drive toward Downtown. Follow Victory Drive to Front Avenue. The Space Science Center will be on the right. Parking is available in the front lot of the center and along Front Avenue [3, 12]. Additional parking is available in the public deck located between the Trade Center and the CCSSC [3, 12]. Parking is free in the front lot [6, 12].
