After 446 days, 642,240 hours and 38,546,400 seconds of closure, the Center of Science and Industry opened its doors Thursday morning to droves of explorers who have long-awaited the return of the facility's offerings.

The calculations come courtesy of CEO and President Frederic Bertley, who, like the guests returning to the center, was thrilled to see the center’s doors reopen.

Westerville resident Liz Smith, who brought her two sons to COSI three days before it closed at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, said they have begged her to go back to the center every day for the past 15 months.

"We've been waiting to come back," said Smith, 40. "I say patiently, but a little more impatiently."

After a series of delayed reopenings during the past year, Smith said access to the Dinosaur Gallery, train tables and other activities has left her son Lucas Smith, 7, unable to contain his enthusiasm.

"We're super-excited," Lucas belted out as he filled his face with a smile.

As hundreds of other visitors filled the ticket registration lines, waiting for their reserved tickets to be checked, guests Mackenzie Casto and Kirsten Natheson said they were captivated by the experience the same way they were as kids roaming through the center's exhibits.

"We came here as kids a lot, so it's amazing to see all of the fun things we have," said Casto, 20, of Pickerington.

Bertley said he and his team have been eager to welcome back loyal exhibit-goers to the center.

For Thursday's reopening, COSI spokeswoman Jenna Maffei said about 2,500 guests reserved tickets online.

Bertley attributes the arrival of crowds to the work he and his team have done despite the facility's closing in March 2020. In working to develop online and virtual programs and educational opportunities, Bertley said it kept people counting the days until the center opened once again.

"We're so excited," he said. "We're a part of this great Columbus community, people love COSI, so we'll keep the door open and the light on for you."

Azuka MuMin, who previously worked at COSI as the senior vice president of outreach and engagement and other roles between 2007-2018, said the number of guests is indicative of the love people have for science and the foundation of the historical center.

During her time at the center, the Near East Side resident said she became a "science person" due to COSI leaders' efforts to enlighten community members on the importance of science and continued exploration.

"It's all extremely popular because it's needed and it's important," MuMin, 64, said. "And with the leadership going on now, it's nothing but a bonus.

"People love COSI ... It is the place to be."

– The Columbus Dispatch

If You Go

• COSI Columbus, 333 W. Broad St., will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays. Guests are required to reserve tickets in advance. Tickets cost $25, or $23 for senior citizens, $20 for children 2 to 12, and free for those 2 and younger. Discounts available for military personnel and their families. COSI's cafes and gift shop are open but due to space restrictions, a number of COSI exhibitions and experiences will remain closed for the foreseeable future. For details and more information, visit cosi.org.