Museum of Natural History & Science

The Museum of Natural History & Science at Cincinnati Museum Center offers a world of science, history and nature through interactive exhibits and amazing artifacts. Guests can reach their own “ah-ha” moment through creative thinking and problem-solving skills. With something for all ages, there’s always more to explore in the Museum of Natural History & Science.

Cincinnati History Museum

Step back in time and experience the history of our city, from our earliest settlers to those actively shaping the Queen City today. Along the way, meet costumed interpreters to better understand and connect with history. Explore a recreation of the bustling Public Landing from the late 1850s and climb aboard the Queen of the West, a replica side-wheel steamboat. Take an aerial view of Cincinnati from the early 1900s through 1940s in Cincinnati in Motion, a 1/64-scale replica of the city complete with the nation’s largest S-scale train model.

The Children’s Museum

Discover hands-on fun for children of all ages in our eight educational and themed play areas, including two specifically designed for preschool-aged children and younger. We encourage kids to climb, crawl, explore and learn about themselves and the world around them. Go on a wilderness adventure through The Woods, be a part of a complex machine in the Energy Zone and explore the neighborhood in Kids’ Town. Dive into arts, culture, reading, science and more with over 1,800 hours of programming each year.

Field Trips may be scheduled Thursdays through Mondays. Group visits to The Children's Museum are limited to grades 4 and under.

The Robert D. Lindner Family OMNIMAX^® Theater

The Robert D. Lindner Family OMNIMAX^® Theater takes you to places you can only imagine. 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, to the deep blue sea alongside humpback whales.

Custom films are available at 9 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 10 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. All other time slots are subject to the public film schedule. The following films are available during the custom film timeslots:

• Backyard Wilderness
• Blue Whales: Return of the Giants
• The Blue Angels
• Deep Sky
• Jane Goodall – Reasons for Hope
• National Parks Adventure
• Secrets of the Sea
• Serengeti: Journey to the Heart of Africa
• Space: The New Frontier
• Superpower Dogs
• T.REX
• Volcanoes: Fires of Creation

Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center

Located at Cincinnati’s historic Union Terminal, the site where numerous Holocaust survivors arrived in Cincinnati to rebuild their lives, the museum examines this watershed moment through its local connection. Using innovative storytelling, interactive experiences and genuine artifacts, visitors witness the strength and courage of the human spirit set against the backdrop of one of the darkest chapters in human history. The museum incorporates media, artifacts, art and interactive exhibitions to share this history and its lessons. It also includes the Humanity Gallery where visitors explore moments, meeting individuals who activated their character strengths to become upstanders and bring change to our community and world.

Barbie™: A Cultural Icon

Step back into your childhood and join us on a six-decade evolution and the making of a global phenomenon.

Today, Barbie is the most diverse doll line in the world, inspiring girls to imagine everything they can become. A role model, a muse, a best friend – Barbie means something to everyone. Step back into your childhood and join us on this exhibition of a six-decade evolution, and the making of a global icon.

Barbie™: A Cultural Icon takes you from 1959 to present day, examining how pop culture and fashion trends have shaped this global phenomenon. The exhibition celebrates Barbie as a reflection of culture, featuring a priceless collection of over 300 artifacts from the 66-year history of Barbie, including the very first 1959 doll, an original Barbie™ Dreamhouse, behind the scenes prototypes, as well as some of the most infamous Barbie dolls throughout history. You’ll also find numerous photo ops throughout the exhibition for shareable moments.

Curated and toured by Illusion Projects Inc., curated by Karan Feder, in partnership with Mattel Inc.

(April 4 to September 1, 2025)

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Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away.

An exhibition to shake the conscience of the world.

Through this daunting selection of more than 500 original artifacts from the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum in Poland, as well as more than 20 institutions and museums all over the world, Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away. portrays the complex reality of the notorious camp while sharing firsthand stories from those who survived, and those who perished.

These remarkable artifacts range from:

• Concrete posts that were part of the fence of the Auschwitz II-Birkenau camp
• Fragments of an original prisoners’ barrack from the Auschwitz III-Monowitz camp
• A gas mask used by the concentration camp officers
• Personal items including shoes, clothing, children’s dolls, eyeglasses and suitcases

When guests enter the exhibition, they will confront one of history’s darkest periods… but they will also be part of an ongoing remembrance and will leave bearing the weight of society’s responsibility to combat hate and evil everywhere.

Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away. is hosted at Union Terminal by Cincinnati Museum Center and the Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center. The exhibition was created by Musealia in cooperation with the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum.

The opportunity to bring this impactful exhibition to Cincinnati has been generously supported by Rhonda and Larry Sheakley, the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati, the Jewish Foundation of Cincinnati and the Ohio Holocaust and Genocide Memorial and Education Commission.

(October 18, 2025 – April 12, 2026)

Recommended for Grades 7+

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REQUEST A VISIT

Group Minimums

Pre-registered group rates require a minimum of 15 paid guests with a reservation made at least two weeks in advance of the visit date. No other discounts, memberships, or reciprocal benefits can be utilized with a group reservation.

If scheduling a group visit less than two weeks in advance, payment is required at the time of booking.

Lunchtable Reservations and Boxed Lunch Order Form

Reserve a 30-minute time slot to enjoy your lunch in the rotunda. The cost of lunch tables is $0.50 per person.

Lunch table reservations must be made in advance and cannot be added to the reservation on the day of the visit. Groups that do not reserve lunch tables in advance are not permitted to eat lunch at CMC.

School/Group Boxed Lunch Order Form. Please note that on-site food services do not accept cash.

Custom OMNIMAX^® Films

Groups of 30 or more guests may reserve a custom OMNIMAX^® film. A film title must be selected at the time of reservation, and reservations must be made at least two weeks in advance. Groups may also schedule into afternoon public showtimes. These slots are subject to the public film schedule.

Attendance and Chaperones

It is important to finalize your attendance two weeks prior to your visit date. With advanced notice, additional participants may be accommodated subject to availability. Please be prepared to confirm your attendance upon arrival on the day of your visit.

Chaperone ratios are 1:5 for Pre-K-1st grade, 1:10 for 2nd – 8th grade, and 1:15 for 9th-12th grade.

Prepare your chaperones ahead of time with a schedule of the day and Chaperone and Check-In Guide. CMC always requires active chaperoning and that students remain with their assigned chaperone for the entirety of the visit.

All chaperones must be included in the number of adults attending. Any adults in excess of the provided attendance count will not be considered chaperones by the Cincinnati Museum Center and may not be able to access all scheduled field trip experiences.

Groups must confirm final attendance count two weeks before the visit date. This final count will reflect the final amount due. No refunds will be issued the day of the visit if your group arrives with fewer attendees.

Parking

Buses or marked passenger vehicles may park for free in the South Parking Lot.

Chaperones arriving separately from the bus may park in the North or South Parking Lot and must pay the $6 parking fee. CMC memberships can be used for parking only.

During the Visit

Students must always remain with their assigned chaperone, regardless of students’ age. Children wishing to shop at the museum gift shop need to be escorted by a chaperone.

Groups are required to follow the schedule provided at check-in, including all designated entry times to The Children’s Museum, OMNIMAX^® Theater, featured exhibits and assigned lunch table reservations. If you miss your designated time, entry will be subject to availability and is not guaranteed.

Group Pricing

Get all the details on discounted group tickets for 15 or more paid guests here!

Only attendees listed on the group reservation are eligible for the discounted group rate. Individuals not included in the reservation will be charged full general admission prices.

Groups requesting to visit the three general museums at 9 a.m., one hour before CMC opens, must pay a $100 early opening fee. Reservations with an early open request are required to make a reservation at least 3 weeks in advance of the visit date.

One school caregiver or aide per Student with Disabilities may receive one free, complimentary Museum Admission ticket for the purpose of providing care to the Student with Disabilities. The number of caregivers/aides must be provided when submitting the reservation request. Caregivers/aides will need to pay to visit OMNIMAX^® and Featured Exhibits.

Payments

Payment by credit card, check or purchase order is required at least two weeks in advance and must be made in one lump sum. Payments from individuals or families cannot be accepted.

Groups that do not provide payment two weeks in advance must provide payment by credit card, check, or purchase order at the time of group check-in. Groups arriving without a form of payment will be denied entry.

Cancellations made within 48 hours may result in the suspension of privileges or grant eligibility and no-shows are subject to pay 100% of reservation.

For groups scheduling a visit less than two weeks in advance, payment is required at the time of booking.

Groups must confirm final attendance count two weeks before the visit date. This final count will reflect the final amount due. No refunds will be issued the day of the visit if your group arrives with less attendees.

Grant Funding

For schools whose percentage of students enrolled in Free and Reduced-Price Meal Plans is 60% or greater, grants are available for a limited number of free in-person visits. For more information, contact Group Sales at (513) 287-7021 or schools@cincymuseum.org.

Grant funding is subject to availability.