'Where edgy meets experimental:' New Columbus museum to open by end of 2025

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A new experimental museum for adults under construction in Columbus is readying to welcome its first visitors by the end of this year.

Located at 540 Maier Place on Whittier Peninsula, Prototype is nearing completion and promises to offer a unique, ever-changing experience for visitors. A 30,000-square-foot museum from Columbus-based design firm Roto, it's expected to open its doors in late 2025.

"Prototype is where edgy meets experimental," said Dana Russell, Roto's vice president of brand and culture, in a statement. "It is designed for adults seeking something bold and provocative, making Prototype a prime destination for date nights, group outings, or anyone craving an unexpected adventure."

The museum is still under construction, but work is well underway, with exhibits and spaces being installed for the first test groups later this fall. Prototype will feature six large staging rooms, a full-service bar, and flexible spaces that can be adapted for different types of experiences.

The museum is designed to be a constantly evolving space where visitors can engage with new ideas and exhibits. Rather than adhering to a single theme or focus, Prototype will function as a "sandbox" for experimentation, allowing artists, designers, and technologists to test ideas and collaborate on new experiences.

Prototype marks Roto's collaboration with several local and international partners, including BalletMet, Champaign Aviation Museum and Meimage Dance from Taiwan. These partnerships will form part of the museum's first set of exhibits, which will continue to evolve based on audience feedback. This approach means that every visit to Prototype will offer something different from the last.

The museum's leadership team, which includes experienced local professionals from Ohio History Connection and the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, aims to provide a space where visitors can play an active role in shaping the museum's offerings.

"We are developing applications with advanced software tools and environments that people haven’t yet seen in museums anywhere," said Nick Braun, Roto's vice president of creative technology.

For more information on Prototype's opening and ticket sales, visit the museum's website, prototype.org.