The new Ohio Statehouse Museum has opened to the public at the historic Statehouse building in downtown Columbus, Ohio, US.

The 5,000sq ft (460sq m) museum is housed in a purpose-build space within the Statehouse and includes a number of galleries and exhibits telling the history and stories of the state of Ohio.

Galleries include the Great Ohioans Exhibit, presenting recipients of the Great Ohioan award on a large touch monitor; the Salmon P. Chase Education Center, a hands-on interactive exhibit that enables visitors to explore the workings of government; and the Ohio Constitution Exhibit, which displays replicas of the original 1802 and 1851 version of the Ohio Constitution.

The opening of the new facility completes the second phase of the construction of the museum. Phase three will add an additional 5,000 sq ft that will include additional exhibits and a high-tech multi-media show. The third phase is expected to be completed in early 2010

The museum will be managed by the Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board (CSRAB).

Senator Richard Finan, CSRAB chair, said: "The new Museum will add to our educational programming that has been a part of the Ohio Statehouse since the restoration project that was completed in 1996 and helps position our Statehouse to offer one of the best educational and learning environments in the country.

The interpretive conceptual plan for the museum was drawn up by Hilferty and Associates, while all audiovisual productions were delivered by Ohio-based Mill's James. The exhibitis were supplied by Nashville-based 1220 Exhibits, while Communications Electronic Design provided the project systems.