Union Terminal - Cmc

Cincinnati Union Terminal, in the Queensgate neighborhood of Cincinnati, Ohio, is a historic landmark that today serves as a central hub for long-distance trains and as a comprehensive museum center. The building was constructed between 1928 and 1933 to replace five smaller, flood-prone train stations. Originally designed by the architecture firm Fellheimer & Wagner, the project got its distinctive Art Deco look from design consultant Paul Philippe Cret. The style was chosen not only for its cost efficiency, but also for its vibrant colors and modern aesthetic. A National Historic Landmark, the terminal is considered one of the most significant examples of railroad architecture in the United States and was even named the favorite building in Ohio in a survey by the American Institute of Architects.

Inside, the building impresses with an opulent design that goes far beyond what was usual for train stations of that era. The centerpiece is the rotunda, a semicircular space with one of the largest half-domes in the Western Hemisphere. The walls are clad in red and yellow Verona marble, in which fossils from the Cretaceous period are visible. Especially striking are the huge mosaic murals by the artist Winold Reiss, which depict the history of the United States and the city of Cincinnati. Other artworks, including industrial motifs and a former world map, adorn various areas of the building. Today, visitors can explore the Cincinnati Museum Center, which occupies most of the complex and includes the Cincinnati History Museum, the Museum of Natural History & Science, a children's museum, a library, and an Omnimax theater.

Besides the museum offerings, the terminal continues to serve as an active train station for Amtrak's Cardinal line, which runs three times a week between Chicago and New York City. The historic fabric was preserved through a comprehensive renovation in 2018, which also included restoring the large clock on the façade and the interior spaces. The outdoor area, with its terrace, fountain, and distinctive Indiana limestone façade, invites you to linger. The building thus combines the region's rich railroad history with a diverse cultural program that offers both education and entertainment for a wide audience.