If you’ve been to the Museum Center lately, you (or your construction-obsessed kiddos) have probably noticed renovation notices, closed areas and construction zones. Indeed, there are big changes happening at the Cincinnati Museum Center. The project is currently underway, with construction set to begin slowly over the coming months. We consulted our friends at the Museum Center full of questions, and present to you the Cincinnati Parent’s Guide to the Museum Center Renovations!
The Details
The Museum of Natural History & Science and the Cincinnati History Museum will close on June 30. Projects will include an exterior restoration, renovation of the interior architecture and structure as well as restoration of the historic fountain and grounds. The $212.7 million full structural renovation of Union Terminal will take approximately two years to complete.
What Will Be Closed
Beginning June 30, the following areas/experiences will be closed and/or moved:
- Flatboat Gallery in Cincinnati History Museum (closed)
- Earth Works and the Space Exhibit in Museum of Natural History & Science (closed)
- Early Settlement Gallery and Machine Tools Gallery in Cincinnati History Museum (closed)
- The mastodon in Museum of Natural History & Science (closed)
- Umi the Mummy in Museum of Natural History & Science (closed)
- Ice Age exhibit’s upper gallery (closed)
- The Paleo Lab (closed)
- Portions of Cincinnati in Motion (closed)
- Tower A (closed)
- Victory Celebration and Cincinnati Goes to War (removed)
- Nature’s Trading Post (moved to Duke Energy Children’s Museum)
Also — please note that the Omnimax Theatre will be closing temporarily beginning July 4 — so get to the Museum ASAP to see National Parks Adventure!
What Will Be Open
- The Duke Energy Children’s Museum
- Da Vinci – The Genius
Other Info
Don’t be disappointed by these developments! The Museum Center is currently offering the following programs:
Curate My Community
The Museum Center’s Curate My Community is a series of exhibits at various locations that spotlights the Cincinnati Museum Center’s collections and the region’s incredible natural and manmade history. Together with partner organizations throughout the community, the Museum Center will strive to spark curiosity, educate people about the science and history of the region, and inspire lifelong learners. Collections can currently be found at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG), with more locations to be announced soon.
Offsite Museum Camps
You don’t have to travel to Union Terminal to experience the benefits of a Cincinnati Museum Center Museum Camp! With the Offsite Museum Camp program, your kids can attend Museum Camp to multiple locations throughout Cincinnati, including Mt. Washington, Leaves of Learning, the Academy of World Languages and the Cincinnati Observatory. We’ve got all the details here.
Discounts!
Right now, the Museum Center is offering our Family Membership for just $99 — over $30 off the regular price! This is a great time to renew your membership and save big!
For more details, please see the UT Renovation FAQs and Museum Center’s Official Construction Page.
See you at the Museum Center!
