Did you know that Ohio is home to the world’s largest collection of cartoon and comic materials? The Billy Ireland Cartoon Library And Museum in Columbus is a hidden gem that features a rare piece of American history. From political cartoons that will make you think to comic strips that will make you laugh out loud, there’s a little something for everyone at this one-of-a-kind museum. Here’s why you’ll want to visit for a few hours the next time you find yourself in central Ohio:
Welcome to The Billy Ireland Cartoon Library and Museum, where you’ll find more than 2.5 million comic strip clippings and newspaper pages.
Joe Hoepfner/Google Maps You’ll find the museum on The Ohio State University campus. It’s administered by Ohio State University Libraries.
An afternoon here is like taking a trip down Memory Lane. The museum houses more than 300,000 original cartoons, so you’re guaranteed to spot your favorite ones.
Geocarp/TripAdvisor Currently, the museum also houses more than 45,00 books, 67,000 serials (including comic books) and 3,000 linear feet of manuscript materials, according to The Billy Ireland Cartoon Library and Museum’s website.
You’ll have the opportunity to sift through seemingly countless original pieces of cartoon art, books, magazines, journals, comic books, archival materials and newspaper comic strip pages and clippings.
CreamCheesen/TripAdvisor Be sure to check out the exhibit on the history of political cartoons as well.
The museum is open to the public on Tuesday - Sunday from 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
UsuallyNotGrumpy/TripAdvisor Note: The museum is closed on Mondays.
The best part? Admission to this one-of-a-kind museum is FREE.
Jinkyjink/TripAdvisor Grab your friends, pile in the car and take a free road trip for the afternoon.
Have you ever been to the Billy Ireland Cartoon Library and Museum before? If so, we want to know what your experience was like!
Joe Hoepfner/Google Maps
You’ll find the museum on The Ohio State University campus. It’s administered by Ohio State University Libraries.
Geocarp/TripAdvisor
Currently, the museum also houses more than 45,00 books, 67,000 serials (including comic books) and 3,000 linear feet of manuscript materials, according to The Billy Ireland Cartoon Library and Museum’s website.
CreamCheesen/TripAdvisor
Be sure to check out the exhibit on the history of political cartoons as well.
UsuallyNotGrumpy/TripAdvisor
Note: The museum is closed on Mondays.
Jinkyjink/TripAdvisor
Grab your friends, pile in the car and take a free road trip for the afternoon.
For more unique museums in Ohio, check out our previous article: There’s A Pencil Sharpener Museum Hiding In Ohio And It’s Unexpectedly Impressive.
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Address: 1858 Neil Ave, Columbus, OH 43210, USA