Housed in Cincinnati’s Union Terminal, the Cincinnati Museum Center is a Queen City attraction that combines history, art, culture and fun. Here’s everything you need to know about the museums, galleries, and experiences packed into an art deco architectural masterpiece.
Cincinnati’s Union Terminal is more than just a building; it symbolizes the city’s rich history and human creativity and innovation. Today, the nearly century-old art deco train station stands as a beacon of education and culture as the home of the Cincinnati Museum Center, which includes a regional history museum, children’s museum, and natural history museum.
Union Terminal’s sleek lines, geometric shapes, and stunning mosaics are a feast for the eyes, but the real magic lies within its walls. At the Cincinnati Museum Center, visitors can explore Cincinnati’s past, marvel at ancient fossils, let their imaginations run wild, and so much more. Whether you’re a history buff, an art lover, or a family looking for a fun-filled day, the Cincinnati Museum Center is a must-visit attraction in Cincinnati.
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Union Terminal: The Iconic Home of the Cincinnati Museum Center
Built in the 1930s, Cincinnati Union Terminal was one of the last great American train stations. The impressive structure that once welcomed soldiers home from World War II is now the magnificent home of the Cincinnati Museum Center. With sleek lines and geometric shapes, Union Terminal is one of the finest examples of art deco architecture in the United States. It is definitely worth a tour before you visit the museums contained within.
One of the highlights of Union Terminal is its awe-inspiring rotunda. With a diameter of 180 feet, it is the largest half-dome in the western hemisphere. The dome is adorned with stunning mosaics created by artist Winold Reiss. They beautifully depict the history and industry of Cincinnati, adding a touch of artistic grandeur to the terminal.
Union Terminal’s combination of history, art, and magnificence makes it the perfect setting for Cincinnati Museum Center. Exploring the museums’ diverse exhibit halls while surrounded by the magnificence of Union Terminal ensures a truly unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.
Cincinnati History Museum
The Cincinnati History Museum at the Cincinnati Museum Center offers visitors a captivating journey through the city’s past. It highlights Cincinnati’s history and heritage through exhibits and immersive displays.
One of the highlights of the Cincinnati History Museum is its impressive reproduction of an early 20th-century Cincinnati, which allows visitors to experience the sights, sounds, and atmosphere of that era. Every detail has been carefully crafted, from the bustling streets to the charming shops, to transport visitors to a bygone era.
Another fascinating feature of the Cincinnati History Museum is its 1850s riverfront street exhibit. This exhibit provides a glimpse into Cincinnati’s vibrant river commerce and showcases the importance of the Ohio River in the city’s growth and development.
The Children’s Museum
Families visiting the Cincinnati Museum Center will appreciate the interactive exhibit spaces and fun activities designed to engage and educate young visitors at The Children’s Museum. From the Energy Zone, where kids can learn about simple machines and different energy sources, to Kids’ Town, a kid-sized community where children can explore a range of professions, there is no shortage of fun and educational experiences.
Museum of Natural History & Science
The last of the trio of museums housed at the Cincinnati Museum Center is the Museum of Natural History & Science. It’s known for the Dinosaur Hall, where visitors can marvel at the incredible skeletons and fossils. Among the displays is the most complete Torvosaurus skeleton ever found, showcasing this ancient predator’s impressive size and power.
With native son Neil Armstrong forever etched in history as the first man to walk on the moon, it may be no surprise that Ohio is home to the Neil Armstrong Space Exploration Gallery, a tribute to the monumental Apollo 11 mission. In addition to a 360-degree immersive Galaxy Theater that takes visitors back to the thrilling summer of 1969, the exhibit boasts four distinctive artifacts from the Apollo 11 mission: Armstrong’s inflight jacket, his communications cap (known as the Snoopy cap), a replica of his Apollo 11 spacesuit, and a moon rock from Tranquility Base.
After exploring space, wander into a fascinating exhibit modeled after caves found in the region. Aptly named “The Cave,” this unique experience takes visitors on a journey to explore an underground stream and dome pits, getting a glimpse into the hidden world of this natural wonder.
Robert D. Lindner Family OMNIMAX Theater
With a capacity of 245, the OMNIMAX Theater is a truly immersive and breathtaking experience offering a one-of-a-kind cinematic adventure that engages all the senses. Whether exploring the deepest depths of the ocean, soaring above majestic mountains, or venturing into outer space, the OMNIMAX Theater brings it all to life right before your eyes. It’s like being right in the middle of the action, with every detail captured in mesmerizing clarity.
Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center
Although it doesn’t feature the word “museum” in its name, the Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center is an integral part of the Cincinnati Museum Center. Through powerful artifacts, photographs, and videos, the museum center sheds light on the unimaginable atrocities of the Holocaust while also focusing on the resilience, strength, and courage of those who survived. Through survivor testimonies that share stories of incredible bravery, unspeakable loss, and greatest hopes for a new life, the center helps educate visitors about this dark period of human history, deepening their understanding and fostering empathy.
To Visit the Cincinnati Museum Center
Located at 1301 Western Avenue in Cincinnati, here’s all of the practical information you need to visit the Cincinnati Museum Center.
Is parking free at the Cincinnati Museum Center?
The current cost to park a vehicle at the Cincinnati Museum Center is $6 per day. If you are a Cincinnati Museum Center member or are using the Museums for All discount, parking is free.
How long does it take to visit the Cincinnati Museum Center?
If you’d like to see all three museums at the Cincinnati Museum Center, plus admire the magnificent Cincinnati Union Terminal, allow three to four hours for your visit.
Can you take pictures at the Cincinnati Museum Center?
Visitors are permitted to take photos for personal, non-commercial use. However, selfie sticks, tripods, and camera bags are prohibited in all galleries.
How much are tickets to the Cincinnati Museum Center?
When you visit the Cincinnati Museum Center, your museum admission gives you access to the Cincinnati History Museum, The Children’s Museum, and the Museum of Natural History & Science. A separate ticket is required to visit the Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center, but a discount is offered to those who have purchased Cincinnati Museum Center admission.
Cincinnati Museum Center members can visit all permanent exhibits at the Cincinnati History Museum, The Children’s Museum, and the Museum of Natural History & Science for free. Discounted tickets are available through the Museums for All program, and other discounts may be available based on the visitor’s age, school enrollment, or military service. You can find current ticket prices and all available discounts here.
Sage Advice: Please note that there is an additional fee to visit special exhibits.
Have You Visited the Cincinnati Museum Center?
What did you like most about the experiences at the Cincinnati Museum Center? Any additional tips and tricks to pass along? Share your experiences in the comments section below.
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I’m so glad I found your post before we visited Cincinnati! We probably wouldn’t have taken the time to visit a museum about another city, but the information and photos you shared about Union Terminal intrigued me and I had to see it in person. My husband and I loved it an were in complete awe of how large the dome was. What a sight!