FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 17, 2022
MEDIA CONTACT: Cody Hefner, (513) 608-5777, chefner@cincymuseum.org
Cincinnati Museum Center reflects on legacy of Robert D. Lindner, Sr.
Community icon was force behind OMNIMAX® Theater, other iconic experiences
CINCINNATI – Cincinnati Museum Center (CMC) joins family, friends and the community in mourning the loss of iconic businessman and benefactor Robert D. Lindner, Sr.
“Ever since the Robert D. Lindner Family OMNIMAX® Theater opened in 1990, Robert was a common visitor. He truly believed in what he made happen with the theater,” said Dave Duszynski, vice president of featured experiences at Cincinnati Museum Center. Duszynski has also managed OMNIMAX® Theater operations since its opening. “Those were the best conversations when he, Betty and I would sit and talk about how the theater technology worked and how OMNIMAX® films were made. We’ve always felt the support of Robert and his entire family throughout the 32 years of bringing these special experiences to the people of Cincinnati.”
Lindner is best known as the founder of United Dairy Farmers, Inc., which has delighted ice cream lovers from Cincinnati and beyond for over eight decades. The success of UDF led to the founding of American Financial Group. Despite the expanding reach of his and his family’s companies, Lindner always remained focused on serving his hometown. As CMC prepared to move into its new home at Union Terminal in the late 1980s, Lindner funded the development of the OMNIMAX® Theater – one of the first in the region and still the only OMNIMAX® theater for 350 miles. The Robert D. Lindner Family OMNIMAX® Theater has been a can’t-miss part of any museum visit. Since its opening in 1990, 86 films have been screened to more than 8.9 million viewers in the OMNIMAX® Theater.
As CMC prepared to celebrate its 25th anniversary inside Union Terminal in 2015, Lindner and UDF helped the city celebrate by handing out free samples of UDF ice cream.
“What began as a conversation between the Museum of Natural History and the Historical Society in an effort to preserve Union Terminal has not only saved a Cincinnati icon but has transformed it into a world class institution,” Robert Lindner, Sr. said in 2015 as the museum celebrated its milestone. “The accomplishments during these 25 years are inspirational and would not have occurred without the overwhelming support of our amazing community.”
Lindner’s passion for CMC’s mission continued with the support of his children. In 2018, UDF supported CMC’s acquisition of a Torvosaurus skeleton – a massive predator of the Late Jurassic. The Torvosaurus debuted in CMC’s Dinosaur Hall in November 2018 and remains the only one of its kind on display in the world.
“For millions of families and schoolchildren there is no better memory than a field trip to see dinosaurs and a film in the Robert D. Lindner Family OMNIMAX® Theater,” said Elizabeth Pierce, president and CEO of Cincinnati Museum Center. “His legacy will forever be part of our community and Cincinnati Museum Center.”
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About Cincinnati Museum Center
Cincinnati Museum Center (CMC) at Union Terminal is a nationally recognized, award-winning institution housed in a National Historic Landmark. CMC is a vital community resource that sparks curiosity, inspiration, epiphany and dialogue. CMC was awarded the 2009 National Medal for Museum and Library Service from the Institute of Museum and Library Services and received accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums in 2012, one of a select few museums in the nation to receive both honors. Organizations within CMC include the Cincinnati History Museum, Museum of Natural History & Science, Children’s Museum, Robert D. Lindner Family OMNIMAX® Theater, Cincinnati History Library and Archives and the Geier Collections and Research Center. Housed in historic Union Terminal – a National Historic Landmark restored in 2018 and recognized as the nation’s 45th most important building by the American Institute of Architects – CMC welcomes more than 1.8 million visits annually, making it one of the most visited museums in the country. For more information, visit www.cincymuseum.org.
About Champion More Curiosity
The $85 million Champion More Curiosity campaign is shaping Cincinnati Museum Center’s future while creating generations of critical thinkers to power the innovation of our region. By Championing More Curiosity and helping build the future of Cincinnati Museum Center, you can fuel the economic prosperity of our region. Champion More Curiosity will build or reimagine over a dozen permanent exhibits and galleries and equip state-of-the-art labs for cutting-edge research for students from elementary grades to post-docs. Today’s wide-eyed explorers will be tomorrow’s innovators. We work shoulder-to-shoulder to engage our community in monumental moments of epiphany, wonder and connection. As we inspire all generations to learn, grow and thrive at Cincinnati Museum Center, we Champion More Curiosity. Consider making a lifelong impact by donating in support of Championing More Curiosity at www.supportcmc.org.