More Than a Train Terminal

“The dome towers above you and behind you, and the long concourse extends almost as far as you see” (46).

The Book

Cincinnati Union Terminal: The Design and Construction of an Art Deco Masterpiece tells the story of one of the most impressive structures in America. Authors, Linda C. Rose, Patrick Rose, and Gibson Yungblut introduce the reader to the Cincinnati Union Terminal and the process of its construction.

The desire for a unified train terminal in Cincinnati began in the 1890s. Seven railroads traveled through Cincinnati and they each had their own terminal. In 1928 the preliminary work began and at this time, there were on average 17,000-20,000 railroad passengers daily in Cincinnati. The Terminal was designed with function and aesthetics in mind; the design permeated every aspect and detail (including the creation of a unique font). One aspect of the design is particularly interesting: when a traveler arrived from the east, they cannot see any train tracks. Walking up to the main concourse, the traveler is struck by the size and beauty of a building whose main function is hidden.

Cincinnati Union Terminal is easy to read and the perfect format for a coffee table book: the chapters are short and the pages are full of photos. The authors provide a detailed description of the design and functions of the Terminal. The book is a compilation of booklets published in 1933 to commemorate the grand opening of the Terminal. Because of this format, it can feel like a listing of facts. These facts do help the reader visualize the construction, but for the average reader they might want to read in small dosages. No matter the reader’s interest, he or she will walk away with a greater appreciation for the work that went into the design and construction. 

The Place

Today, the Cincinnati Union Terminal’s main function is no longer the accommodation of hundreds of thousands of train passengers. There is an Amtrak station and freight trains still use the tracks. Instead, the Terminal was converted into the Cincinnati Museum Center. The Center houses the Cincinnati History Museum, Museum of Natural History & Science, Duke Energy Children’s Museum, and an Omnimax Theater.

Guests still enter from the east and encounter the same awe as travelers’ years ago. Once inside the largest half-dome in the western hemisphere, you are struck by the design and the two massive murals depicting the history of transportation in the United States and the history of Cincinnati. It might be wise to plan several days for a visit to the Museum Center or you can pick and choose which museums to visit. In addition to the museums, visitors can simply take in the half-dome or explore Tower A, the original control tower. Tickets are required for entry and there is a fee for parking.