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Cincinnati Union Terminal

Cincinnati Union Terminal is a monumental Art Deco train station and National Historic Landmark in Cincinnati, Ohio, that opened on March 31, 1933, as the last major railroad passenger terminal constructed in the United States.^[1] Designed to consolidate services from seven railroad companies operating 13 lines, it was built to handle up to 17,000 passengers and 216 trains daily across a 287-acre complex featuring 94 miles of track.^[2] The terminal's iconic half-dome rotunda, spanning 180 feet wide and rising 106 feet high, is the largest of its kind in the Western Hemisphere, symbolizing the peak of American railroad architecture during the early 20th century.^[1] Conceived in the 1920s to replace five separate stations in downtown Cincinnati, construction began in August 1929 under the direction of New York architects Fellheimer & Wagner, with French-born Philadelphia architect Paul Philippe Cret advising on aesthetics to evolve the design into a striking Art Deco style.^[2] The project, costing $41 million at the time, incorporated 224,534 cubic yards of concrete, 8,250,000 bricks, and 45,421 tons of steel, including the innovative Western Hills Viaduct—a 3,500-foot-long structure that cost $3.5 million and spanned the rail yards to connect the city.^[1] During World War II, the terminal served as a key hub for deploying soldiers, but passenger rail service declined postwar, leading Amtrak to end operations on October 28, 1972, though service resumed on July 29, 1991.^[1] In the late 20th century, the station faced threats of demolition but was preserved through community efforts, reopening in 1990 as the home of the Cincinnati Museum Center, which includes three museums, an OMNIMAX Theater, and the Cincinnati History Library and Archives.^[3] A comprehensive $228 million restoration, funded by a 2014 Hamilton County sales tax increase approved by 62% of voters, state grants, tax credits, and private donations, was completed in 2018, involving over 2,400 craftspeople and 900,000 labor hours to repair water damage, restore murals by artist Winold Reiss depicting local industries, and revive features like the Rookwood-tiled ice cream parlor.^[2] Today, the terminal remains an active Amtrak stop while functioning as a cultural and educational landmark, drawing visitors to its preserved Art Deco interiors and historical significance in American transportation.^[4]

History

Planning and Construction

In the 1920s, Cincinnati served as a vital rail hub, handling passenger traffic from seven railroads operating 13 lines through five separate, outdated stations scattered across the city, which created logistical inefficiencies and frequent delays for travelers.^[2] These stations, many dating to the 19th century, were prone to flooding from the nearby Mill Creek and Ohio River, prompting calls for consolidation to streamline operations and accommodate growing demand.^[5] The city's 1925 master plan recommended a unified West End site east of the Mill Creek for its existing tracks, ample space, and lower acquisition costs compared to downtown alternatives.^[5] To address these challenges, the Cincinnati Union Terminal Company was formed in 1927 by the seven railroads—Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, Chesapeake & Ohio Railway, Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton Railroad, Louisville & Nashville Railroad, New York Central Railroad, Pennsylvania Railroad, and Norfolk & Western Railway—following agreements on freight facilities in 1926 and passenger consolidation in 1927.^[6] Incorporated on November 12, 1927, the company was tasked with financing, constructing, and operating the new terminal, with George Dent Crabbs as its first president after serving in a precursor organization established in 1924.^[5] Initial site preparation, including property acquisition and grading of the flood-prone Mill Creek valley, began in 1928, alongside the sale of bonds to fund the project.^[7] In June 1928, following a limited architectural competition, the New York firm of Fellheimer & Wagner was selected to design the terminal, drawing on their experience with large-scale stations like Buffalo Central Terminal.^[2] Philadelphia architect Paul Philippe Cret was hired as a consultant to refine the initial Beaux-Arts-inspired plans into a more modern Art Deco style, emphasizing streamlined forms and monumental scale suitable for the era's optimism in rail travel.^[5] Construction commenced with groundbreaking in August 1929, involving the demolition of existing structures on the 287-acre site and the excavation of extensive rail yards.^[7] The project faced significant hurdles from the onset of the Great Depression after the 1929 stock market crash, which strained railroad finances and reduced passenger volumes, though work proceeded without major halts due to committed bond financing and joint efforts with the city on infrastructure like the Western Hills Viaduct.^[2] The cornerstone was laid in an elaborate ceremony on November 20, 1931, marking progress on the core terminal building amid economic uncertainty.^[8] Engineering innovations defined the build, including the construction of a vast underground train concourse with 94 miles of track capable of handling 216 daily trains and 17,000 passengers, connected via 18 escalators to the above-ground rotunda.^[7] The iconic half-dome rotunda, spanning 180 feet in diameter and rising 106 feet, was formed using 224,534 cubic yards of reinforced concrete poured in innovative thin-shell techniques to achieve its monumental curve without internal supports, representing a pinnacle of 1930s structural engineering.^[1] Despite delays from financial pressures and the need to elevate tracks against flooding—as demonstrated by the 1937 Ohio River flood—the terminal was completed ahead of schedule on March 31, 1933, at a total cost of $41 million, encompassing the main building, viaducts, power plant, and supporting facilities.^[7] Passenger service officially began on March 31, 1933, replacing the old stations and ushering in a new era of centralized rail operations in Cincinnati.^[1]

Opening and Peak Operation

The Cincinnati Union Terminal officially opened on March 31, 1933, nine months ahead of schedule, following construction that began in 1928.^[9] The grand opening ceremony featured Cincinnati Union Terminal Company president H.A. Worcester presenting a ceremonial gold key to Mayor Russell Wilson, unlocking the doors before a crowd of tens of thousands of attendees, including local dignitaries and railroad executives.^[10] Designed to consolidate services from seven major railroads—including the Pennsylvania Railroad, Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, and New York Central Railroad—the terminal was built to handle up to 216 train arrivals and departures daily, along with 17,000 passengers, though initial usage was limited due to the Great Depression.^[11] Operational innovations at launch included an advanced baggage handling system, where luggage was checked in a dedicated lobby, elevated via mechanical systems, and transported through underground tunnels directly to platforms, separating it from passenger flow to enhance efficiency.^[9] During its peak in the 1930s and 1940s, the terminal became a vital transportation hub in the Midwest, processing millions of passengers annually and solidifying Cincinnati's role as a key rail nexus connecting the East Coast, Midwest, and South.^[7] By the height of World War II, traffic surged to a wartime peak of 34,000 passengers per day in 1944, with the facility accommodating its full capacity of 216 trains daily to support troop movements and civilian travel.^[9] Facilities were expanded for military use, including the nation's first USO Troops in Transit Lounge established in June 1941, which provided integrated amenities like recreation areas, nurseries, and refreshments, ultimately serving nearly 3 million servicemen and women over five years.^[9] A notable architectural feature enhancing the passenger experience was the rotunda's "whispering gallery" acoustics, where the curved dome and decorative flues allowed whispers from one side of the 180-foot arch to be heard clearly on the opposite side, delighting travelers during busy periods.^[12] The terminal's efficient operations and central location contributed significantly to the regional economy, facilitating commerce and connectivity that boosted Cincinnati's industrial and commercial growth through the war years.^[4]

Decline, Closure, and Revival

Following World War II, Cincinnati Union Terminal experienced a sharp decline in passenger rail traffic as automobiles and commercial air travel became dominant modes of transportation. The station, which had seen increased usage during the war years, handled only a fraction of its designed capacity by the late 1960s and early 1970s, with rail services dropping to just two trains per day by 1972 compared to the original plan for up to 216 daily.^[7]^[10] Passenger services at the terminal ended on October 28, 1972, when the final Amtrak train—an overnight service to Washington, D.C.—departed with about 200 passengers. This closure resulted from Amtrak's national consolidation of routes amid dwindling ridership, leaving the once-bustling hub underutilized. Freight operations by the Southern Railway continued briefly in the headhouse after passenger service ceased, but the facility rapidly fell into disrepair during the 1970s and 1980s, marked by decay, vandalism, and unsuccessful reuse proposals such as a short-lived shopping mall called "Land of Oz" that operated from 1974 to 1980.^[13]^[7]^[14] In 1974, the Southern Railway demolished the terminal's 450-by-80-foot train concourse and 14 of its 15 platforms to accommodate taller double-decker freight cars and to create surface parking for the nearby Riverfront Stadium, now the site of Great American Ball Park; this action spared the main rotunda but severed direct track access to the building. The city of Cincinnati purchased the remaining structure for $1 million in 1975, granting it historic landmark status to prevent further demolition. Revival gained momentum in 1986 when Hamilton County voters approved a $33 million bond levy to acquire and convert the terminal into a cultural center, leading to its reopening as the Cincinnati Museum Center on November 10, 1990, initially housing the Cincinnati Museum of Natural History & Science and the Cincinnati History Museum.^[15]^[16]^[10] Subsequent restorations focused on preserving the aging infrastructure, with interior work in the 1990s supporting museum operations. A major $228 million project from 2014 to 2018, funded primarily by a Hamilton County sales tax increase, federal and state historic tax credits, and private donations, repaired the rotunda's semi-dome, restored Winold Reiss's glass mosaic murals and aluminum light fixtures, stabilized the drum wall and exterior brickwork, upgraded the heating system, and added modern waterproofing while maintaining platform access for rail. Post-2018 efforts have included ongoing maintenance and enhancements, such as the "Auschwitz. Not Long Ago. Not Far Away." exhibition, which opened on October 18, 2025, and runs through April 12, 2026. Amtrak's Cardinal route returned to the terminal on July 29, 1991, providing limited service three days per week in each direction between Chicago and New York City, with Step 1 of plans to expand to daily operations submitted to the Federal Railroad Administration on September 27, 2025.^[15]^[17]^[1]^[18]^[19]

Architecture and Design

Exterior Features and Site Layout

Cincinnati Union Terminal is situated at 1301 Western Avenue in the Queensgate neighborhood of Cincinnati, Ohio, approximately one mile west of downtown on an expansive 287-acre complex that includes extensive rail infrastructure.^[20]^[1] The site is elevated above the Queensgate Yard, a major rail facility, allowing the terminal building to integrate seamlessly with the surrounding transportation network while providing a prominent urban landmark.^[20] This positioning facilitates connectivity to the city's core, with the terminal's grounds bridging industrial rail elements to the east with modern developments like The Banks mixed-use area along the Ohio River.^[20] The main facade presents a striking semi-circular Art Deco design centered on the rotunda, the rotunda spanning roughly 180 feet in width and rising 106 feet high, with a control tower rising from the roofline.^[1]^[21] Geometric motifs in low-relief ornamentation adorn the surface, complemented by a prominent 14-foot-wide illuminated clock positioned above the entry canopy, which serves as a focal point for arriving visitors.^[20] The half-dome of the rotunda, the largest of its kind in the Western Hemisphere at 180 feet across, is visibly prominent from the exterior, emphasizing the building's monumental scale and architectural ambition.^[1]^[21] Exterior construction employs a robust steel frame with masonry curtain walls, concrete floors and roof slabs, and cladding of Indiana limestone over brick, providing durability and a refined aesthetic.^[21]^[22] During the 2018 restoration, these materials were meticulously cleaned and repointed to match original specifications, preserving the facade's integrity against weathering.^[22] The surrounding grounds feature restored east-side plazas with a shell-shaped stepped fountain at the main entrance, enhanced post-restoration to create inviting public spaces with landscaping and pathways.^[20]^[23] To the west, the site directly adjoins active rail yards, maintaining its historical rail orientation, while eastern approaches connect via re-planned roadways and green spaces that foster urban accessibility.^[20]^[1] The overall layout adopts a U-shaped configuration, with three curving arms extending from the central rotunda to enclose approach areas, optimizing passenger flow and site efficiency.^[20] The train concourse lies below street level within this arrangement, linked to the elevated main structure by a system of ramps and elevators for seamless vertical circulation.^[20] This design elevates the passenger facilities above the operational rail levels, enhancing safety and operational separation.^[20]

Interior Layout and Structural Elements

The interior of Cincinnati Union Terminal is organized around a grand central rotunda serving as the primary passenger hub, with radiating spaces for ticketing, waiting areas, and access to the train concourse below. The rotunda measures 180 feet in diameter and rises 106 feet to its semi-spherical dome, creating a vast, open space that efficiently directed up to 17,000 daily passengers toward 13 gates and subsidiary lobbies clad in red Verona marble and terrazzo flooring. ^[1] ^[24] From the rotunda, passengers descended via escalators and stairs to the lower-level train concourse, a design that streamlined movement while accommodating the site's sloping terrain over the rail yard. ^[1] The train concourse, originally a 450-foot-long by 80-foot-wide by 36-foot-high structure spanning the rail tracks, featured a semi-circular throat at its entrance from the rotunda to facilitate smooth passenger flow to eight island platforms serving 16 tracks, each platform extending 1,600 feet in length. ^[24] ^[25] This underground layout, accessed primarily through escalators from the rotunda, positioned the tracks partially beneath the concourse for operational efficiency, with wide 28-foot platforms allowing ample space for boarding and baggage handling. ^[26] Structurally, the terminal employs a reinforced concrete frame encasing a steel skeleton, utilizing 224,534 cubic yards of concrete and 45,421 tons of steel across its 22-building complex to support the massive loads of the dome and multi-level layout. ^[1] ^[24] The rotunda's half-dome, a pioneering engineering feat, consists of concrete slabs tied to a steel ring beam at its base, finished with layered plaster over expanded metal lath for acoustic and aesthetic qualities; the curved walls create a whispering gallery effect, where sounds travel along the contours for clear transmission across the 180-foot span. ^[24] ^[12] The foundation rests on wood piles driven into the alluvial soil, with the entire structure elevated on a 200-foot-wide platform to bridge the rail yard. ^[24] Subsidiary interior spaces include expansive baggage rooms adjacent to the concourse for handling freight, a dedicated Tower A control building housing signal relays for the 94 miles of track, and foodservice areas such as the Snack Bar integrated near the rotunda for passenger convenience. ^[24] ^[1] The original 1933 layout underwent significant changes in the 1970s, including the 1974 demolition of the concourse and platforms to accommodate taller freight trains, followed by 1976 renovations converting ramps for commercial use while retaining the rotunda's core structure. ^[24] The 2018 restoration, a $228 million project, repaired structural steel and concrete throughout the interior, preserved original Art Deco elements like marble wainscoting and terrazzo, and introduced accessibility upgrades such as elevators, a new mezzanine lobby for improved circulation, and compliant ramps to ensure modern usability without altering the historic flow. ^[27] ^[28] ^[15]

Artwork and Decorative Murals

The Cincinnati Union Terminal features an extensive collection of artwork integrated into its Art Deco design, with murals and decorative elements created primarily in the early 1930s to celebrate the city's history, industry, and progress. The most prominent are the mosaic murals in the rotunda by German-American artist Winold Reiss, consisting of 23 glass tile panels totaling 11,908 square feet. These works, installed for the terminal's 1933 opening, depict the cultural heritage of the United States—from Native American life to modern citizens—on one side and Cincinnati's development from settlement to industrial era on the other, incorporating portraits of real local figures such as engineers and workers.^[29]^[30] Reiss also designed a series of 16 industrial-themed mosaic murals for the original concourse areas, each measuring approximately 20 feet high by 20 feet long and weighing over 7 tons, portraying Cincinnati's regional industries including meatpacking, steel production, brewing, and pottery making at Rookwood Pottery. These semi-ceramic tile works, created between 1931 and 1932, emphasized labor and manufacturing processes but were removed during the 1970s concourse demolition; five survive and are displayed at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, while others were lost or damaged. Two Rookwood-specific panels by Reiss remain at the terminal, integrated into the former powder room as semi-ceramic displays of pottery production.^[31]^[29] Additional murals include those by French sculptor Pierre Bourdelle, covering 5,496 square feet in oil-on-canvas and hand-cut linoleum across ceilings in the formal dining room, cafeteria, women's lounge, and newsreel theater. These fantastical scenes feature jungles, mermaids, floral motifs, and food-related imagery, with a notable reversed world map of Cincinnati on the dining room ceiling illustrating global rail connections and local landmarks. The Rookwood Tea Room (now an ice cream parlor) contains floor-to-ceiling semi-glazed tile panels by designer William E. Hentschel, executed by Rookwood Pottery in 1933, depicting dragonflies and flowers in a palette of mint green, pale gray, and mauve—one of the company's final major installations before its bankruptcy.^[29] Beyond murals, the terminal incorporates sculptures such as the two limestone bas-reliefs on the exterior facade by Maxfield Keck, carved in 1932 and symbolizing transportation and commerce. Interior decorative elements include over 60 artistic features in total, such as geometric-patterned light fixtures, brass grilles, and molded borders inspired by Parisian Art Deco designs, all themed around progress and Cincinnati's heritage.^[29]^[30] Restoration efforts have preserved these works amid the terminal's evolving use. In the 1990s, Bourdelle's murals were removed from walls, conserved, and stored during initial museum conversions. The comprehensive 2016–2018 renovation, costing $228 million, included six weeks of cleaning and repair for each Reiss rotunda mural by EverGreene Architectural Arts, removing decades of grime and restoring vibrancy to the glass tiles without altering original designs; Bourdelle's pieces were reinstalled and cleaned after over 75 years of exposure. Earlier concourse murals underwent partial conservation in the 1970s prior to relocation.^[30]^[32]

Operations and Services

Historical Rail and Passenger Services

The Cincinnati Union Terminal served seven major railroad systems, which were consolidated under the operation of the Cincinnati Union Terminal Company to streamline passenger services across the city. These included the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, Chesapeake & Ohio Railway, Louisville & Nashville Railroad, New York Central Railroad (via its Big Four subsidiary), Norfolk & Western Railway, Pennsylvania Railroad, and Southern Railway. This unified approach replaced the fragmented operations of five separate 19th-century stations, enabling efficient handling of intercity rail traffic from 1933 until passenger service ended in 1972.^[5] During its operational peak, the terminal facilitated a wide array of long-distance passenger trains, connecting Cincinnati to destinations across the eastern United States. Notable routes included the Chesapeake & Ohio's George Washington, which ran to Washington, D.C., and Newport News, Virginia, offering sleeper and dining accommodations for business and leisure travelers. The Louisville & Nashville Railroad's Flamingo provided service to Florida, linking northern passengers with seasonal routes to Jacksonville and beyond, while other trains like the Pennsylvania Railroad's Spirit of St. Louis extended to the Midwest and East Coast. At its height in 1943, amid World War II mobilization, the terminal managed up to 216 trains daily, reflecting its design capacity for 108 arrivals and 108 departures.^[4]^[21]^[14]^[33] Passenger amenities at the terminal emphasized comfort and efficiency, incorporating innovative features for the era. Facilities included multiple ticket counters for the seven railroads, separate lounges for men and women with elegant furnishings, barbershops for quick grooming, and a nursery service operated by USO hostesses to care for children during wartime layovers. Baggage handling was advanced with conveyor systems that moved luggage directly from check-in areas to trains via underground tunnels, supplemented by automated coin-operated lockers for short-term storage. Additional conveniences such as drugstores, clothing shops, and a Rookwood Pottery-tiled ice cream parlor catered to travelers' needs, while the 450-foot train concourse with 16 gates allowed seamless boarding. The terminal also integrated with local multimodal transport, featuring dedicated loops under the rotunda for streetcars, buses, and taxis to facilitate easy transfers.^[7]^[21]^[8] In 1944, wartime demand peaked with over 34,000 passengers daily passing through the station, underscoring its role as a critical transportation hub. However, post-World War II shifts toward automobile and air travel led to the gradual phasing out of luxury services like onboard dining cars and sleeper trains on many routes. By 1971, when Amtrak assumed national passenger rail operations, service at the terminal had dwindled to just two daily trains, prompting its closure as a rail facility the following year.^[9]^[21]^[4]

Current Museum Functions and Visitor Amenities

The Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal houses several key institutions, including the Cincinnati History Museum, which explores the region's past through artifacts and exhibits; the Museum of Natural History & Science, featuring interactive displays on dinosaurs, geology, and space exploration; and The Children's Museum, offering hands-on activities for young visitors.^[34] These components originated from mergers in the late 1980s and early 1990s, when the Cincinnati Historical Society and the Cincinnati Museum of Natural History combined resources to form the core of the modern complex, which opened in its current form in 1990.^[35] Complementing these is the Cincinnati History Library and Archives, providing research access to over 6 million artifacts, documents, and artworks.^[34] Central to the visitor experience is the Robert D. Lindner Family OMNIMAX Theater, a five-story domed venue that opened in 1990 and presents immersive films on topics like national parks and planetary exploration.^[36] Upgraded in 2018 with IMAX with Laser technology, the theater features enhanced projection, sound, and seating for greater clarity and comfort.^[37] Visitor services emphasize education and engagement, with guided tours through the Cincinnati Heritage Programs covering local history, architecture, and culture; interactive exhibits in the science and history museums encourage hands-on learning about topics such as local ecosystems and urban development.^[38] The center attracts approximately 1.4 million visitors annually as of 2024, with attendance recovering from pandemic lows following temporary closures in 2020.^[34] Amenities enhance accessibility and convenience, including the 2018 restoration's additions of elevators, push-button doors, additional seating, wheelchair and electric convenience vehicle rentals, and service animal accommodations throughout the facility.^[39] Dining options on the concourse level include casual eateries like the Losantiville Cafe, with food service available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily; a main gift shop in the Grand Rotunda offers souvenirs and educational materials, supplemented by an online store.^[40] Event spaces, such as the restored dining rooms and rotunda, host weddings, conferences, and private gatherings for up to 6,000 guests, supported by catering packages.^[41] Limited rail services continue at the terminal, where Amtrak's Cardinal route stops three times weekly in each direction, with eastbound service typically on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from Chicago, and westbound on Sundays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from New York (as of 2025)—with a dedicated ticket office and enclosed waiting area featuring accessible platforms, though the full historic concourse is not utilized for passenger operations.^[42] Recent developments post-2018 include ongoing exhibit rotations, such as the 2025 temporary Holiday Junction display from November 14 to January 5, 2026, focusing on family-oriented model train setups evoking rail heritage, alongside a planned $45 million expansion into the former Heidelberg Distributing facility for additional collections and research space, funded in part by a major Vontz family donation.^[43]^[44] Parking is available in adjacent lots for $6 per vehicle, with historical flagpoles and concrete features restored to improve the entry experience.^[45]

Legacy and Cultural Impact

Architectural Innovations and Historical Reception

The Cincinnati Union Terminal featured several architectural innovations that distinguished it upon its 1933 opening. Its rotunda boasted the largest half-dome in the Western Hemisphere, measuring 180 feet in diameter and rising 106 feet high, which allowed for an expansive, unobstructed interior space that symbolized the era's engineering prowess. The structure employed over 224,000 cubic yards of concrete alongside millions of bricks and tens of thousands of tons of steel, enabling faster assembly and greater durability for a facility designed to handle up to 17,000 passengers and 216 trains daily. Additionally, it incorporated early escalators to streamline vertical passenger movement across multiple levels and innovative lighting systems that enhanced visibility and efficiency in the vast concourses.^[1] Contemporary with its opening, the terminal received widespread acclaim in the 1930s press, often hailed as the "cathedral of transportation" for its monumental scale and Art Deco grandeur, which evoked a sense of awe and modernity amid the Great Depression. This positive reception underscored its role as a pinnacle of transportation architecture, blending functionality with aesthetic ambition under the guidance of architects like Fellheimer & Wagner and consultant Paul Philippe Cret. In recognition of its significance, the terminal was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1977, affirming its enduring architectural merit.^[1]^[21]^[46] The terminal's legacy extends to its influence on subsequent Art Deco train stations, serving as a benchmark for integrating bold geometric forms, expansive interiors, and integrated public art in rail infrastructure across the United States. Following its partial demolition of the train concourse in the 1970s amid threats of total razing due to declining rail use, preservation efforts highlighted national debates on safeguarding mid-20th-century landmarks, ultimately saving the headhouse through public and civic intervention. The 2018 restoration, the first comprehensive overhaul in its history, earned accolades including the Outstanding Accomplishment in Preservation Award from the Cincinnati Preservation Association and a 2019 Design Award from AIA Ohio, revitalizing its structural integrity and original features at a cost exceeding $200 million. Today, architectural historians regard it as one of the top 50 most significant U.S. train stations, bolstering Cincinnati's economy as a premier tourist destination that draws millions annually to its museum functions and OMNIMAX theater.^[47]^[48]^[49]^[50]^[51]

Appearances in Popular Culture

The Cincinnati Union Terminal has gained prominence in popular culture, particularly through its architectural influence on superhero media and direct appearances in television and film. Its distinctive Art Deco design, with its massive half-dome and geometric motifs, has made it a frequent stand-in for grand, futuristic structures.^[10] In animation, the terminal served as the primary inspiration for the Hall of Justice, the headquarters of the Justice League in the Hanna-Barbera cartoon series Super Friends (1973–1985). Background artist Al Gmuer, working for Taft Broadcasting in Cincinnati, modeled the building after Union Terminal to evoke a sense of monumental authority, adjusting details like the semi-circular facade to match closely. This depiction extended to merchandise, including Kenner Toys' playsets, embedding the terminal's image in the collective imagination of 1970s and 1980s youth culture.^[10]^[52] The terminal's connection to DC Comics continued in live-action television. In the Arrowverse, stock footage of its exterior was used as the abandoned S.T.A.R. Labs hangar in episodes of The Flash (2014–2023), symbolizing a relic of scientific innovation amid superhero action. It also appeared as the full STAR Labs facility during the 2016 crossover event Invasion!, spanning The Flash, Arrow, and Supergirl, where the structure's imposing scale underscored themes of heroic assembly.^[53]^[54] In film, elements of the terminal featured indirectly in Barry Levinson's Rain Man (1988), where two of Winold Reiss's industrial murals—originally created for the terminal's concourse in 1933—were displayed in an airport scene to represent bustling Midwestern transit. These murals, depicting workers in steel and pottery industries, added historical authenticity to the film's portrayal of Raymond Babbitt's journey. More directly, the terminal's interior and exterior served as the Hall of Justice in James Gunn's Superman (2025), released on July 11, 2025, where it housed the Justice League in a high-stakes sequence blending its real Art Deco grandeur with CGI enhancements for a futuristic headquarters. Filming occurred in July 2024, with promotional materials highlighting the building's transformation, further cementing its role as a symbol of heroic legacy. The film's release generated significant media attention and boosted public interest in the terminal.^[55]^[56]^[57]^[58] Beyond superhero narratives, the terminal has appeared in documentaries celebrating Art Deco architecture, such as segments in PBS specials on American design movements, where its restoration (completed in 2018) is showcased as a revival of 1930s optimism. These portrayals often emphasize its role as a "cathedral of transportation," evoking rail history in broader cultural reflections on industrial America.^[1]

References

[1]
About Union Terminal - Cincinnati Museum Center
One of the last great American train stations built, Union Terminal is a Cincinnati icon and one of the most widely regarded examples of the art deco style.
[2]
Cincinnati Union Terminal - Ohio History Connection
Sep 8, 2020 · The striking Art Deco details evolved after Union Terminal Co. hired French-born Philadelphia architect Paul Cret to advise on aesthetics. A ...
[3]
Cincinnati's Icons - Union Terminal | National Trust for Historic ...
Union Terminal, an iconic symbol of Cincinnati and one of the most significant Art Deco structures in the country, opened in 1933 with a capacity of 216 trains ...
[4]
Cincinnati, OH – Union Terminal (CIN) - Great American Stations
A soaring Art Deco masterpiece and a National Historic Landmark, Cincinnati Union Terminal is also a museum and cultural center where discoveries await.<|control11|><|separator|>
[5]
Order Out of Chaos: 1880-1933 - Cincinnati Museum Center
When Union Terminal opened in 1933, it replaced five railroad passenger stations in Cincinnati that were built in the 19th century and were scattered across ...
[6]
ArchiveGrid : Cincinnati Union Terminal Company records, 1940-1963
The Cincinnati Union Terminal Company was formed in 1923 as the corporate representative of seven railroad systems and was incorporated on November 12, 1927.
[7]
Union Terminal: A Struggle for Success - University of Cincinnati
Aug 29, 2013 · The building project started in August 1929 and was completed on March 31, 1933. Having 94 miles of track, Union Terminal cost $41 million to ...
[8]
Cincinnati Union Terminal 1933 – 2003 - Project MUSE
The rotunda dome spans I 80 feet and reaches a height of I06 feet. The train concourse was 450 feet long with eight station platforms that extended 1,600 feet.
[9]
Temple to Transportation — 1933–1972 - Cincinnati Museum Center
By 1972, when Union Terminal closed as a train station, only two trains per day were passing through a station designed to handle 216 trains per day.<|separator|>
[10]
How Union Terminal Became an Iconic Cincinnati Landmark
It opened in 1933 as one of the nation's most magnificent train stations, but Union Terminal's closure in 1972 cast doubt over the beautiful art deco building' ...
[11]
Portal to the World: Cincinnati Celebrates Its New Railroad Terminal
Mar 14, 2019 · On March 31, 1933, a turn of a ceremonial gold key unlocked the doors of Cincinnati's brand new Union Terminal.
[12]
More Hidden Cincinnati
Apr 1, 2012 · ... Union Terminal rotunda, it is possible to have a conversation from 180 feet apart by speaking into the wall. The acoustics ... Whispering ...
[13]
Remembering the last train from Cincinnati's Union Terminal
May 25, 2025 · The last passenger train was an overnight to Washington the night of Oct. 28, 1972. The 200 passengers at Union Terminal were joined by folks ...
[14]
Amtrak Great Station - Cincinnati Union Terminal - Hawkins Rails
Aug 30, 2024 · The terminal stood empty for several years after the closing of the Land of OZ project. In May 1986, efforts led to a bond levy to save the ...
[15]
Public Support Puts Cincinnati's Union Terminal Back on Track
At the height of the Great Depression, the top executives of seven railroad companies decided to build a grand train station together—one that could serve ...
[16]
Cincinnati's Union Terminal – The Passenger ... - All Aboard Ohio
Oct 15, 2025 · Union Terminal was opened with 17 tracks and a massive complex designed to handle 216 trains and 17,000 passengers a day. Despite its granduer ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[17]
Union Terminal renovation price got $900K higher - WCPO
Sep 12, 2016 · It will cost about $900000 more than expected to restore historic Union Terminal. But taxpayers won't be on the hook for any extra cash.
[18]
Cincinnati Museum Center | SAH ARCHIPEDIA
Fellheimer and Steward Wagner, Philadelphia-based architect Paul Philippe Cret conceived the modern design of the terminal building. Its Art Deco character and ...
[19]
Cincinnati Union Terminal - Docomomo US
Its 180 foot diameter, 100 foot-high dome, in addition to a 400 foot-long ... The half dome is reported to be one of the largest half domes in the world.
[20]
Cincinnati Union Terminal - GBBN | Work
The renovation also reorganized museum staff areas and enhances the visitor experience with new signage and wayfinding. Experiential hubs allow guests to self- ...
[21]
Union Terminal Case Study - Hilltop Companies
Prus Construction led the project to restore the main plaza and fountain to the historical façade and fabric. The project was complex from the start, as the ...Missing: post- gardens east side Banks
[22]
[PDF] Cincinnati Union Terminal 1301 Western Avenue Cincinnati ... - Loc
National Register of Historic Places Inventory - nomination form ... Description of Interior. 1. Floor plans ... Union Terminal, a National Historic Landmark.
[23]
[PDF] B&O Modeler - B&O Railroad Historical Society
... Cincinnati Union Terminal. Its architecture was ... Past the rotunda was the concourse spanning CUT's sixteen platform tracks. ... CUT's 16 tracks were ...
[24]
Cincinnati Union Terminal Station - Train Aficionado
Feb 14, 2022 · In its prime, the station served 7 passenger railroads and had 16 tracks with 8 island platforms. The station saw its peak in rail service ...Missing: current | Show results with:current
[25]
https://www.borhs.org/s/Modeler-50-201912.pdf
[26]
Museum Center Offers New Details On Interior Renovations - WVXU
Sep 6, 2016 · A new mezzanine level lobby will be added at the base of the first set of escalators to provide better circulation and access to classroom and ...
[27]
Art of Union Terminal - Cincinnati Museum Center
Two other works of art form part of Union Terminal's unique and memorable façade. The two bas reliefs flanking the rotunda were carved by Maxfield Keck and his ...
[28]
Winold Reiss Mosaics - EverGreene
Starting in 2016 and for the duration ot two years, the Cincinnati Union Terminal was completely restored back to its original 1933 condition. EverGreene was ...
[29]
The Winold Reiss Industrial Murals - CVG Airport
CVG is the proud home of 5 Winold Reiss industrial murals. Originally a set of 16 tile mosaic murals, the works were created by Winold Reiss for Cincinnati ...
[30]
Hidden Union Terminal gems might get new life - WCPO
Aug 8, 2016 · The paintings, which were adhered to plaster, were removed in 1990 and placed in storage when the Museum Center took over the building. The ...
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About Cincinnati Museum Center
Cincinnati Museum Center is a one-of-a-kind, multi-museum complex in Union Terminal, a historic Art Deco train station and National Historic Landmark.
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Cincinnati History Museum again recognized among best in the ...
Feb 23, 2024 · It opened in its current home at Union Terminal in 1990 with the Cincinnati History Museum, Museum of Natural History & Science and the Robert D ...
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Robert D. Lindner Family OMNIMAX® Theater - Cincinnati Museum ...
Immerse yourself in epic adventures in our five-story domed theater, from the untamed beauty of our natural parks, to the red surface of Mars.National Parks Adventure · OMNIMAX ® Classics · View showtimes
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Cincinnati Museum Center transforms OMNIMAX® Theater with ...
Nov 9, 2018 · Cincinnati Museum Center announced today that its Robert D. Lindner Family OMNIMAX® Theater will be installing IMAX® with Laser in its five-story domed theater.
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Cincinnati Heritage Programs
Cincinnati Museum Center Heritage Programs is proud to offer historical, cultural and architectural tours around Greater Cincinnati.Upcoming Tours · History Sessions and Mini Tours · Speakers BureauMissing: guided | Show results with:guided
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Accessibility - Cincinnati Museum Center
Additional seating throughout the museums · Elevators · Push button controls on Museum doors · Wheelchairs and Electronic Convenience Vehicles (ECVs) are available ...
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Shopping & Dining - Cincinnati Museum Center
Our main gift shop is located on the north side of the Grand Rotunda. You can also shop our online gift shop by clicking here. Dining. Concourse Level.
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Private Events - Cincinnati Museum Center
Whether it's a group of 20 or 6000 of your closest friends, we have space and catering packages that can suit groups of every size.
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Cardinal Train New York, Washington, DC, Cincinnati ... - Amtrak
Take the Cardinal train between Chicago and New York City with stops in Cincinnati, Indianapolis & more. Book your trip today.
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Featured Exhibits - Cincinnati Museum Center
Sep 18, 2018 · Cincinnati Museum Center's newly restored Westheimer Exhibit Halls are specially designed to host traveling exhibitions of all shapes and sizes.Cincinnati History Museum · Barbie™: A Cultural Icon · Auschwitz
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Cincinnati Museum Center names $45M expansion after Vontz family
May 7, 2025 · Cincinnati Museum Center plans a $45 million expansion in former Heidelberg facility. · The Vontz family has donated a significant amount for ...
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Visit Updates - Cincinnati Museum Center
Cincinnati Museum Center will be open Thursday – Monday from 10 am to 5 pm. Cincinnati Museum Center will be closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays.Missing: 1933 barbershop nursery
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List of NHLs by State - National Historic Landmarks (U.S. National ...
Cincinnati Union Terminal - 05/05/77. Cincinnati, Hamilton County, OH. Cincinnati Zoo Historic Structures - 02/27/87 ... An official form of the United States ...
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[PDF] CINCINNATI UNION TERMINAL - Great American Stations
Cincinnati Union Terminal, opened in 1933, quickly became known for its exuberant Art Deco style. Considered one of America's great rail stations, it was added ...
[45]
A little good news for endangered murals - Cincinnati Enquirer
Oct 17, 2014 · ... Terminal committee in the early 1970s when Union Terminal was in danger of being completely flattened, murals and all. Moore led efforts to ...
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Preservation Awards -
Outstanding Accomplishment in Preservation Award: Cincinnati Union Terminal restoration. 2018 at Corbett Tower in Music Hall. See images here and learn more ...
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Cincinnati Union Terminal Restoration and Renovation - AIA Ohio
Cincinnati Union Terminal Restoration and Renovation. Category. 2019 AIA Ohio Design Awards > Category 1: Newly Completed Buildings, Additions, Remodelings, ...
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Breaking Barriers: American Women Photographers of the 1920s to ...
Union Terminal is instantly recognizable with its arching form, distinctive curvilinear shapes and gently stepped exterior. The location and orientation of its ...Missing: engineering feats
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https://cincinnatipreservation.org/awards/
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Justice League calls Cincinnati's Union Terminal home
Dec 5, 2016 · With the highly anticipated Justice League movie hitting theaters ... Justice League calls Cincinnati's Union Terminal home. Carol Motsinger.
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The Real Building That Inspired DC's Hall Of Justice - Slash Film
Jul 26, 2025 · "The Flash" TV series previously used stock footage of Union Terminal as the exterior of a S.T.A.R. Labs hangar, as well, another nod to the ...
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A (short Lived) Mystery of the Union Terminal Murals
For years, those coming into Cincinnati via train were met with a series of murals. Where did they come from? And who were these people?
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Cincinnati's Union Terminal takes the spotlight in new 'Superman ...
Jul 10, 2025 · Long known as one of the city's most iconic architectural gems, Union Terminal is stepping into the cinematic limelight as the Hall of Justice, ...
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'Superman' filmed throughout Ohio. Look at all the sightings here
Jul 9, 2025 · Two videos released ahead of the premiere of "Superman" feature Cincinnati's Union Terminal transformed into the Hall of Justice, the ...