Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal, Cincinnati (must see)

The Cincinnati Museum Center (CMC) at Union Terminal is a cultural landmark and architectural gem located in the Queensgate neighborhood of Cincinnati. Housed in the historic Cincinnati Union Terminal-a grand Art Deco train station that opened in 1933-this multi-museum complex stands as one of the last great American train stations and a beloved city icon.

Originally built as a passenger railroad hub when Cincinnati was a major interchange between Northeastern and Midwestern railroads, Union Terminal was designed by architects Alfred T. Fellheimer and Steward Wagner, with input from design consultants Paul Philippe Cret and Roland Wank. As railroad travel declined in the mid-20th century, the terminal was repurposed, eventually reopening in 1990 as the Cincinnati Museum Center.

Visitors to Union Terminal are often struck by its architectural splendor, including the largest half-dome in the western hemisphere and striking Art Deco elements like the Winold Reiss mosaics. Don’t miss the magical whispering fountains, or a nostalgic trip to the Rookwood-tiled ice cream parlor-perfect for enjoying a treat by the fountain with a unique downtown view. Tower A, the original control tower, also remains open for those curious about the terminal’s railway past.

Beyond exhibitions, CMC supports a robust educational mission through the Geier Collections and Research Center, which houses over six million artifacts, artworks, and archival materials. It also hosts public lectures, camps, teacher development programs, and community events.

From science and history to architecture and environmental stewardship, the Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal is more than a museum-it’s a dynamic crossroads of past, present, and future.