T his is one of Cincinnati's treasures. A real art-deco railroad terminal that barely survived the wrecking ball. The 480-foot concourse was demolished in 1974 -- two years after the last train pulled out. Original plans called for razing the structure and putting up apartment blocks. There was also a plan to turn it into a mall. But sounder minds prevailed and Union Terminal now houses three museums, an OmniMax theater, and with the return of rail service to the Queen City of the Midwest, a working Amtrak terminal. The museums are actually located in the former parking garages and storage space for the train station. Inside, the dome is lined with tile frescoes depicting scenes from the city's history. While part of the terminal was demolished, but the frescoes that were in the way have been moved to public display at the Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG). Even if you don't like museums and OmniMax movies make you sick, it's worth a visit. The building has never been renovated, so everything inside is original. There is a working United Dairy Farmers ice cream parlor inside with all authentic 1930's tables, chairs, and fixtures. It's a trip back in time and a great way to cool off on a humid Ohio Valley day. In the colder winter months the front of the building is illuminated with a huge animated train formed from Christmas lights.
When it was built, this was the largest half-dome in the world.
In the 1970's, the building was offered for sale for $1.00. It was advertised in national newspapers. No one wanted it.
