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An Underrated Museum in Cincinnati That You Need to Visit

Cincinnati offers incredible museums throughout the city, but there is one museum in the city that tends to be known more by tourists than locals.

That underrated museum is the American Sign Museum. The American Sign Museum provides education and celebrates the art of sign making.

As a local, I was immediately mad at myself for not visiting the museum sooner!

It truly is a unique gem that is very special to our city.

American Sign Museum

The outside of the building sets the tone of the vintage signs you will see.

American Sign Museum
American Sign Museum
American Sign Museum

The inside of the museum is like walking down memory lane. It’s amazing how the signs connect to the history of each person who visits.

American Sign Museum

Our family walked around the museum for a bit on our own before taking the tour.

American Sign Museum

The American Sign Museum is a labor of love from it’s founder Tod Swormstedt, former editor and publisher of Signs of the Times magazine.

He wanted a place to preserve signs where guests could appreciate the art and untold stories of  these incredible time capsules of history.

American Sign Museum

Take a Guided Tour

I highly recommend taking the 1-hour tour to get the most value out of your admission. (Wednesday – Saturday 11 am and 2 pm -& Sunday 2 pm)

American Sign Museum

You also get a better understanding of what you are observing during your visit. Including more about how neon signs are made and the history behind many of the signs on display.

American Sign Museum

There were so many details that we missed on our own that were really eye-opening during the tour.

American Sign Museum

Pay close attention to find out which sign still has a bullet hole in it that you will learn about on the tour.

American Sign Museum

If you have a larger group, you can contact the museum about setting up a private tour.

American Sign Museum
American Sign Museum
American Sign Museum

The exhibit space is 19,000 sq. ft with ample space to showcase the signs up close.

American Sign Museum
American Sign Museum
American Sign Museum
American Sign Museum
American Sign Museum
American Sign Museum
American Sign Museum

Additional Expansion to the Museum

The American Sign Museum has additional space available to develop.

We got to take a peek at the additional 20,000 sq. ft of undeveloped space that has a lot more incredible signs that have yet to be displayed.

American Sign Museum
American Sign Museum
American Sign Museum
American Sign Museum

Weddings and Special Events at the American Sign Museum

The American Sign Museum is available for special events and creates a one-of-a-kind backdrop for pictures.

American Sign Museum

If you have not visited this museum yet, you MUST add it to your list whether you are a local or a tourist!

American Sign Museum
American Sign Museum

Tour Schedule

Tours at the American Sign Museum take place Wednesday – Saturday

11:00 a.m and 2:00 p.m.
Sunday  2:00 p.m.

American Sign Museum

You can find out more about the American Sign Museum from their website. 

American Sign Museum

Where is the American Sign Museum Located?

The American Sign Museum is located at 1330 Monmouth Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45225.

American Sign Museum

Thanks to the American Sign Museum for hosting our visit.

The American Sign Museum in Cincinnati

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