The best museums in Cincinnati in September 2023

These are the top 20 best museums in Cincinnati, United States, ranked by their rating and popularity in 2023. Click a museum for more information about the museum, including visitor information, exhibitions and reviews.

For a complete overview of museums in Cincinnati, their exhibitions and discount cards & passes, see our overview page with all museums in Cincinnati.

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Looking for the best museums in Cincinnati? These are the best ones:

  1. Cincinnati Observatory1

    Cincinnati Observatory

    Cincinnati, OH
    The Cincinnati Observatory, also known as Mt. Lookout Observatory, is a significant landmark located in Cincinnati, Ohio. It is situated on top of Mount Lookout, offering a unique vantage point for astronomical observations. This location is not only significant for its scientific contributions but also for its historical and architectural value.
  2. Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden2

    Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden

    Cincinnati, OH
    The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden is a significant landmark in the United States, being the second oldest zoo in the country. Founded in 1875, it is located in the Avondale neighborhood of Cincinnati, Ohio. This historical establishment offers a unique opportunity for visitors to explore a wide variety of animal and plant species in a setting that has been a part of American history for over a century.
  3. Contemporary Arts Center3

    Contemporary Arts Center

    Cincinnati, OH
    The Contemporary Arts Center (CAC) is a contemporary art museum located in Cincinnati, Ohio. It is recognized as one of the first institutions in the United States dedicated to contemporary art. This makes it a significant landmark in the country's art history and a notable destination for art enthusiasts visiting Cincinnati.
  4. Harriet Beecher Stowe House4

    Harriet Beecher Stowe House

    Cincinnati, OH
    The Harriet Beecher Stowe House, located in Cincinnati, Ohio, is a historic home that once served as the residence of Harriet Beecher Stowe, a prominent antislavery author. Stowe is best known for her 1852 novel, Uncle Tom's Cabin, which played a significant role in shaping public opinion on slavery during the 19th century.
  5. Duke Energy Children’s Museum5

    Duke Energy Children’s Museum

    Cincinnati, OH
    The Duke Energy Children's Museum, previously known as the Cinergy Children's Museum, is situated in Cincinnati, Ohio, in the United States. It is a part of the Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal. The museum was established in 1998 and was relocated from the historic Longworth Hall near downtown Cincinnati following the Ohio River Valley Flood in March 1997.
  6. The Fire Museum of Greater Cincinnati6

    The Fire Museum of Greater Cincinnati

    Cincinnati, OH
    The Fire Museum of Greater Cincinnati, also known as the Cincinnati Fire Museum, is a place where visitors can explore the rich history of firefighting in Greater Cincinnati, Ohio. The museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing firefighting artifacts, as well as honoring the firefighters who have served in the past and those who continue to serve today.
  7. American Classical Music Hall of Fame7

    American Classical Music Hall of Fame

    Cincinnati, OH
    The American Classical Music Hall of Fame and Museum is located in the Hamilton County Memorial Building, which is situated next to the Cincinnati Music Hall in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood of Cincinnati, Ohio. This location is not only historically significant but also conveniently located for visitors.
  8. 8

    Cincinnati Skirball Museum

    Cincinnati, OH
  9. Lloyd Library and Museum9

    Lloyd Library and Museum

    Cincinnati, OH
    The Lloyd Library and Museum is a unique institution located in the heart of downtown Cincinnati, Ohio. As an independent research library, it offers a wealth of knowledge and resources for those interested in a variety of scientific and historical subjects. Its central location makes it easily accessible for tourists visiting the city.
  10. 10

    Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame & Museum

    Cincinnati, OH
    The Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum is a tribute to the rich history of the Cincinnati Reds franchise. It showcases the team's past through a variety of mediums including displays, photographs, and multimedia. This allows visitors to immerse themselves in the team's history and gain a deeper understanding of its legacy.
  11. National Underground Railroad Freedom Center11

    National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

    Cincinnati, OH
    The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center is a museum in downtown Cincinnati, Ohio , based on the history of the Underground Railroad . Opened in 2004, the Center also pays tribute to all efforts to "abolish human enslavement and secure freedom for all people." It is one of a new group of "mu
  12. Cincinnati History Museum12

    Cincinnati History Museum

    Cincinnati, OH
    The Cincinnati History Museum is an urban history museum located in Cincinnati, Ohio, United States. It provides a comprehensive overview of the city's history and its evolution over the years. The museum is a great place for tourists who are interested in learning about the history of Cincinnati and its impact on the broader American history.
  13. Cincinnati Art Museum13

    Cincinnati Art Museum

    Cincinnati, OH
    The Cincinnati Art Museum is a renowned American art museum situated in the city of Cincinnati, Ohio. It is a significant cultural institution in the Midwest, offering visitors a chance to explore a vast collection of art from various periods and styles.
  14. Taft Museum of Art14

    Taft Museum of Art

    Cincinnati, OH
    The Taft Museum of Art, located in Cincinnati, Ohio, is a fine art collection housed in a historic house that is over 200 years old. The house, situated at 316 Pike Street, is the oldest domestic wooden structure in downtown Cincinnati and has been home to several prominent figures in the city's history. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and contributes to the Lytle Park Historic District.
  15. American Sign Museum15

    American Sign Museum

    Cincinnati, OH
    The American Sign Museum, located in Cincinnati, Ohio, is a unique institution dedicated to the preservation, archiving, and display of a vast collection of signs. The museum's collection spans from the late nineteenth century to the 1970s, showcasing the evolution of signage over the years. Visitors can expect to see a variety of signs, from gold leaf lettering on glass to a rotating neon windmill from a Denver donut shop.
  16. 16

    The Greater Cincinnati Police Museum

    Cincinnati, OH
    Here, you can watch the history of men and women who served to state. There are various artefacts - weapons, uniforms, vehicles etc.
  17. 17

    Center For Holocaust and Humanity Education

    Cincinnati, OH
    This center´s aim is to learn from Holocaust and to promote tolerance and social justice. They do it through exhibitions and lessons.
  18. 18

    Cincinnati Aviation Heritage Society Museum

    Cincinnati, OH
  19. 19

    Betts House

    Cincinnati, OH
    The Betts House, constructed in 1804, holds the distinction of being the oldest surviving building in Cincinnati and the oldest brick home in Ohio. This historic structure offers a unique glimpse into the city's past, showcasing the architectural style and construction methods of the early 19th century. It stands as a testament to the city's rich history and the resilience of its early settlers.
  20. 20

    Verdin Bell & Clock Museum

    Cincinnati, OH
    The Verdin Company, based in Cincinnati, Ohio, is a renowned manufacturer of bronze bells, clocks, and towers. Established in 1842, the company has a rich history and has been instrumental in crafting bells for use in bell and clock towers, peals, chimes, and carillons. The company also manufactures electronic carillons, street clocks, glockenspiels, and monuments.

All museums in Cincinnati