Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal | Cincinnati

The Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal is a dynamic cultural complex located in Cincinnati, Ohio, housed in the historic Union Terminal. This site serves as both an architectural marvel and a hub for several museums and educational attractions.

Union Terminal: Architecture and History

Built in 1933, Union Terminal is one of the finest examples of Art Deco architecture in the United States. Originally a major railroad station, it was a vital transportation hub during World War II. Today, it stands as a National Historic Landmark. The building features the largest half-dome in the Western Hemisphere and is adorned with striking mosaics by artist Winold Reiss, which depict the city’s workforce and ethnic heritage. A $228 million renovation completed in 2018 restored its interior and modernized the museum spaces.

Main Attractions Inside the Museum Center

1. Museum of Natural History & Science

This museum brings natural wonders to life through interactive and immersive exhibits:

Dinosaur Hall: Displays full-size dinosaur skeletons, including a Torvosaurus.

The Cave: A 500-foot walk-through replica of a limestone cave, complete with stalagmites, stalactites, and an underground stream.

Neil Armstrong Space Exploration Gallery: Highlights Ohio's role in space exploration.

Science Interactives Gallery: Offers hands-on exhibits about physics, engineering, and earth science.

2. Cincinnati History Museum

This museum covers over two centuries of the city's past:

Cincinnati in Motion: A large, detailed scale model of 1940s Cincinnati with working trains and trolleys.

Public Landing: A re-creation of a 19th-century riverfront neighborhood, complete with storefronts and a life-size steamboat replica.

Made in Cincinnati: Focuses on the city’s industrial innovations and homegrown companies.

Shaping Our City: Explores the evolution of Cincinnati’s urban layout and infrastructure.

3. Duke Energy Children's Museum

Designed for children, this museum focuses on experiential learning:

Kids' Town: A child-sized city where kids can pretend to be doctors, shopkeepers, and more.

The Woods: A forest-themed play area with climbing structures and sensory exhibits.

Little Sprout’s Farm: A safe play zone for toddlers themed around farm life.

4. Robert D. Lindner Family OMNIMAX Theater

This theater features a five-story domed screen that wraps viewers in immersive, educational films. Topics range from wildlife and space to geology and global cultures.

Supporting Facilities

Cincinnati History Library and Archives: Offers a vast collection of books, documents, photographs, and maps for researchers and the general public.

Geier Collections and Research Center: Houses artifacts and supports the museum’s exhibitions and academic work.

Special Events and Programs

The museum hosts events throughout the year, including:

Historical reenactments

Cultural festivals

Seasonal programs like Holiday Junction with model trains and winter displays

Workshops, lectures, and temporary exhibits

Visitor Information

Location: 1301 Western Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45203

Hours: Monday to Saturday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm; Sunday from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm

Admission: Varies by museum and ticket type. Combination tickets are available, with discounts for children, seniors, and members.

The Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal offers a unique experience that combines science, history, architecture, and family-friendly fun, making it a major cultural destination in the Midwest.