Cincinnati Museums

(Cincinnati, Ohio - OH, USA)

Cincinnati boasts a fine range of interesting museums, several of which are grouped together, making access convenient. The city's museums document local life in southwest Ohio and Cincinnati, as well as covering issues of national prominence, such as slavery.

Relatively new to the cultural scene in the city is the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, which is at the cutting edge of documentary work regarding slavery and the efforts of the abolitionists. William Howard Taft, the 27th president of the US, was actually born in Cincinnati and his childhood home stands within the Mount Auburn Historic District. This Greek Revival-style house dates back to 1840 and is now a National Historic Site, being well worth looking out for.

Cincinnati Museum Center

Address: 1300 Western Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio OH, USA
Tel: +1 513 287 7000
This spreading complex is home to three museums in all: the Museum of Natural History and Science, which concentrates on the Ohio Valley area; the Cincinnati Historical Society; and the Cinergy Children's Museum, boasting a total of nine interactive exhibits. The vast center also houses the Robert D. Lindner Family Omnimax Theater, which comes with a huge five-story screen and a sophisticated state-of-the-art sound system.
Open hours: Monday to Saturday - 10:00 to 17:00, Sunday - 11:00 to 18:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for children, children under three free

Harriet Beecher Stowe Center

Address: 2950 Gilbert Avenue, Walnut Hills, Cincinnati, Ohio OH, 45206, USA
Tel: +1 513 632 5120
The Harriet Beecher Stowe Center documents the life and work of famous abolitionist writer Harriet Beecher Stowe. Particular highlights include books used to write the influential anti-slavery novel 'Uncle Tom's Cabin', as well as more than 200,000 manuscripts, books and leaflets. Themed guided tours concentrate on everything from African American History and famous American Women, to walks through the landscaped gardens of Stowe House and seasonal celebrations.
Open hours: Tuesday to Thursday - 10:00 to 16:00
Admission: charge

Hauck House

Address: 812 Dayton Street, Cincinnati, Ohio OH, USA
Tel: +1 513 721 3570
Located in downtown Cincinnati, Hauck House is the well-preserved 19th-century mansion of German brewer John Hauck. The Hauck House Museum provides a fascinating insight into upper class urban life, with numerous period furnishings and antique toys, housed in beautifully decorated rooms boasting ornate ceilings, marble mantels and elaborate woodwork. The stunning exterior of Hauck House consists of intricately carved stone.
Open hours: every Friday and the last two Saturdays of each month
Admission: free

National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

Address: 50 East Freedom Way, Cincinnati, Ohio OH, USA
Tel: +1 513 333 7500
The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center is one of the latest additions to Cincinnati's arts scene. Opened in 2004, the center focuses on the history of oppression and people's struggle for freedom. Displays spread across three pavilions at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center highlight the plight of African slaves and the work of abolitionists.
Open hours: Tuesday to Saturday - 10:00 to 17:00, Sunday - 11:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for seniors and children

Skirball Museum

Address: 3101 Clifton Avenue, Hebrew Union College, Cincinnati, Ohio OH, 45220, USA
Tel: +1 513 221 7444
The Skirball Museum documents the history and culture of Jewish people, with extensive displays of art, coins, jewelry and other memorabilia. Also on exhibit are various artifacts from the Nelson Glueck School of Biblical Archaeology, based in Jerusalem.
Open hours: Monday to Thursday - 11:00 to 16:00, Sunday - 14:00 to 17:00
Admission: free