The best museums in Cincinnati in September 2025

These are the top 20 best museums in Cincinnati, United States, ranked by their rating and popularity in 2025. 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.

You may need to reserve time slots for some museums in Cincinnati. Check here to see which places and tickets you can already book in advance. 👉
Reserve now

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. Cincinnati Museum Center4

    Cincinnati Museum Center

     Cincinnati, OH
    The Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal is a unique destination that offers a blend of historical and cultural experiences. This former railway station, located in Queensgate on the outskirts of Cincinnati, has been transformed into a hub of museums, theaters, a library, and a venue for permanent exhibitions. It's a place where visitors can immerse themselves in a variety of cultural and educational experiences.
  5. Taft Education Center - William Howard Taft National Historic Site5

    Taft Education Center - William Howard Taft National Historic Site

     Cincinnati, OH
    The William Howard Taft National Historic Site is a protected area located in Cincinnati, Ohio. This site is dedicated to preserving the birthplace of the United States President, William Howard Taft. It offers a unique opportunity for visitors to explore the historical significance of this location and learn more about the life and legacy of President Taft.
  6. Harriet Beecher Stowe House6

    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.
  7. Rowe Arboretum7

    Rowe Arboretum

     Cincinnati, OH
    The Stanley M. Rowe Arboretum is a botanical garden and arboretum located near The Village of Indian Hill, Ohio. It offers a serene environment for visitors to explore and enjoy the beauty of nature. The arboretum is home to a wide variety of trees and shrubs, making it a perfect place for nature lovers.
  8. Duke Energy Children’s Museum8

    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.
  9. The Fire Museum of Greater Cincinnati9

    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.
  10. Peter G. Thomson House10

    Peter G. Thomson House

     Cincinnati, OH
    The Peter G. Thomson House, also known as Laurel Court, is a significant historic building located in Cincinnati, Ohio. It was officially listed in the National Register on November 29, 1979, marking it as a site of considerable historical importance. This recognition not only highlights the architectural significance of the building but also its historical relevance in the region.
  11. American Classical Music Hall of Fame11

    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.
  12. Krohn Conservatory12

    Krohn Conservatory

     Cincinnati, OH
    The Irwin M. Krohn Conservatory is a prominent conservatory situated in Eden Park, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States. It is a significant destination for plant enthusiasts and tourists alike, offering a unique opportunity to explore a diverse range of plant species in a single location.
  13. Mount Airy Arboretum13

    Mount Airy Arboretum

     Cincinnati, OH
    The Mt. Airy Arboretum is a significant part of the larger Mt. Airy Forest, a public park situated at 5083 Colerain Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio. This location is easily accessible and offers a unique opportunity to explore the arboretum within the larger context of the forest park.
  14. 14

    Cincinnati Skirball Museum

     Cincinnati, OH
  15. Lloyd Library and Museum15

    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.
  16. National Underground Railroad Freedom Center16

    National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

     Cincinnati, OH
    The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center is a museum located in downtown Cincinnati, Ohio. The museum is dedicated to the history of the Underground Railroad, a network of secret routes and safe houses established in the United States during the early to mid-19th century, used by enslaved African-Americans to escape into free states and Canada. The museum's location in Cincinnati is significant as the city played a crucial role in the history of the Underground Railroad, with many slaves crossing the Ohio River from the southern slave states to find refuge in the city.
  17. Cincinnati History Museum17

    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.
  18. Cincinnati Art Museum18

    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.
  19. Taft Museum of Art19

    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.
  20. American Sign Museum20

    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.

All museums in Cincinnati