Housed in the 1933-built Union Terminal Station in Cincinnati, the Cincinnati Museum Center was opened in 1990 and served as a way to save the terminal from certain destruction. The idea for the museum center was proposed in 1986 by Mayor Jerry Springer and was voted into reality by the people of Hamilton County. It has been named as of the top 50 "architecturally significant buildings in America'' by the American Institute of Architects.
Currently, the Cincinnati Museum Center houses several different museums and a large OMNIMAX Theater. The Cincinnati History Museum, which opened in 1990 when the station was first renovated, is one of the largest urban history museums in the United States. Exhibits tell the story of the city and its surrounding regions. Displays include a re-creation of the Cincinnati Public Landing in the 1800s, a World War II "homefront'' exhibit featuring an old streetcar, and an excellent miniature model of the city from 1900-1940. Costumed interpreters bring history to life for the museum's visitors. Also, this museum sponsors a number of history-oriented activities for all ages all year long.
The Duke Energy Children's Museum opened in 1998 and publications often rank it as among the top 10 children's museums in the world. Designed for children approximately 8 and under, this excellent hands-on museum is divided into eight exhibit areas, each outlining unique aspects of the world around us. Two rooms are designed especially for preschool visitors. In addition, the Duke Energy Children's Museum estimates that they present some 1,800 hours of programming for young visitors each year, focusing on a variety of topics including the arts, culture, reading, and science.
The Museum of Natural History and Science is also located inside the Cincinnati Museum Center. Exploring the natural history of Ohio in particular but also of other parts of the world, this museum boasts a re-creation of an Ice Age glacier, a Kentucky limestone cave, and much more. There are also interactive exhibits focusing on the human body and how it works as well as other science-oriented displays. Classes and demonstrations are offered throughout the year.
The Robert D. Lindner Family OMNIMAX Theater offers visitors a five-story, 72-foot-diameter, tilted, domed screen and one of the most sophisticated digital sound systems available today. Featured science-oriented films are shown several times each day and the theater also offers a Friday night showing of classic films of the past.
In Tower A of the Union Terminal building, the Cincinnati Railroad Club maintains their headquarters. This area was the main control tower for the Cincinnati Union Terminal and it remains open to the public for tours several days each week.
The terminal also still functions as a railway station. In 1991, shortly after the Cincinnati Museum Center opened, Amtrak passenger service resumed at the location. The terminal is a joy to explore, especially for architecture buffs, as it is considered one of the best examples of modern architecture of that era. Especially notable are the colorful 12-foot mosaics designed by German-born artist Winold Reiss in 1932. These murals depict a wide variety of topics from the city's early Native American routes to some of its specific industries, such as Baldwin Piano and Procter and Gamble.
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