Best Mueseums in Youngstown, Ohio

If you’re interested in an educational excursion in the Youngstown area, you’ll find plenty of options to explore. We’ve curated a diverse list of local museums that have intriguing exhibits to explore. Check out these destinations on your next outing.

The Butler Institute of American Art

Image via Flickr by Onasill ~ Bill Badzo

The Butler Institute of American Art focuses exclusively on art created by citizens of the United States, thus creating a unique walk through American history. The pieces in this collection cover the last 300 years. You’ll find works by Norman Rockwell, Georgia O’Keeffe, Robert Henri, Robert Vonnoh, George Bellows, Edward Hopper, Winslow Homer, George Benjamin Luks, Albert Bierstadt, Mary Cassatt, and others. 

The Butler also features a few intriguing galleries with specific themes, such as the “Sports Collection” which includes lithographs, sculptures, and other pieces relating to American sports. The “Technology Collection” is a fascinating selection of mixed media pieces with a focus on computers, lighting, and other distinctive elements. 

The Butler is a must-visit for any art aficionado. This is an ideal destination for a sophisticated date night paired with a romantic dinner afterward. Admission is free, but donations are encouraged.

OH WOW! The Roger & Gloria Jones Children’s Center for Science & Technology

OH WOW! is a playful educational museum designed for children up to the age of 14. The museum covers nearly 18,000 square feet and includes 11 galleries with over 60 interactive exhibits for children to explore. You can craft paper airplanes and launch them from an innovative airplane shooter as you explore avionics. Jump in front of a green screen and report on the weather in the Earth & Weather WOW! ZONE. Play with a Lego table, magnet wall, or catenary arch in the Engineering WOW! ZONE, or experiment with the stream table in the River of Knowledge exhibit. 

Whether you’re experimenting with the power of light in the Solar Dome or making original compositions on the Rhythm Machine, you’ll find no shortage of things to do in this family-friendly museum. This is a great pick for repeat visits because you can find something new on every visit. The InspireWorks! WOW! Zone is a massive maker space that continually features new experiences.

Infants and toddlers up to 23 months old are free. Those that are 2 and older are $8. Educators, veterans, and seniors age 65 and over are $7. 

McDonough Museum of Art

The McDonough Museum of Art at Youngstown State University features an ever-changing selection of exhibitions. This includes annual events like “Juried Student Art & Design Exhibition,” “Spring Graduating BFA Exhibition,” and “Spring MFA Thesis Exhibition” each spring. You’ll also find a wide range of other exhibitions throughout the year that highlight emerging artists and innovative new pieces. If you’re interested in learning more about art, you may also enjoy the regular lectures held at the museum.

In addition to art, the museum also hosts live performances and special events such as recital series. The “Muse Series” is a partnership between the McDonough Museum and Dana School of Music that highlights new contemporary music. The Scribe literary collection at the McDonough is part of a program designed to foster partnerships between literary and visual arts. This destination is ideal for anyone who’s intrigued by the modern and ever-changing shape of art, particularly as it pertains to the student works created on the university campus.

Youngstown Historical Center of Industry and Labor

The Youngstown Historical Center of Industry and Labor, also known as the Steel Museum, was developed to preserve and interpret the labor and industrial history unique to the Mahoning Valley and surrounding region. The museum’s exhibits include artifacts such as photographs, tools, and clothing that help visitors visualize labor practices of the past. Some exhibits even feature complete full-scale recreations of significant locations like a blooming mill and mill’s locker room. You can also view a recreated portion of a company-built house.

Admission to the museum is $7 for adults, $6 for seniors and AAA members, $3.50 for students, and $3 for those in the military. Children age 5 and under are free. Though the museum may cater best to older children, many of the full-scale immersive exhibits will intrigue those of any age.

Arms Family Museum

The Arms Family Museum is located in a historic 1905 Arts and Crafts-style home. Previously home to Olive and Wilford Arms, the residence has been carefully preserved to offer a glimpse into what life was once like for residents in the Mahoning Valley. The “Tod Family Treasures” exhibit features artifacts that illuminate life in the 19th century. You’ll find china, silver, and family portraits as well as the massive Tod bedroom suite purchased from A.S. Herenden Co. around the 1870s and 1880s.

The “Enchanted Evening” exhibit features stunning formal wear from the Jeanne D. Tyler Collection that includes examples of evening gowns and other attire worn in the 20th century. Other exhibits illuminate how local landmarks have changed over time, how home decor evolved through the 1940s, ’50s, ’60s, and more. The basement features a kid-friendly hands-on history room with interactive exhibits.

Admission is $7 for adults, $6 for seniors and college students, and $5 for children. Those under the age of 3 are free.

The War Vet Museum

The War Vet Museum has more than 40,000 artifacts from nearly every conflict to occur throughout U.S. history. The oldest home in Canfield houses the museum. Originally constructed in 1809, the home still sits on its original foundation, though it’s been renovated through the years. The museum’s massive collection of artifacts covers three floors. In the basement, you’ll find the impressive “Canfield Model Railroaders” displays. These displays are continuously evolving and expanding, so there’s always something new to appreciate. This free museum runs on generous donations from patrons.

Did we include your favorite local museums on our list? If we missed a must-see spot in the Youngstown area, contact our team at Sweeny Buick-GMC and let us know! We want to make sure we have all the best recommendations for our customers.