This
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. That honor now belongs to the Sydney
Opera House in Australia.
But Union Terminal retains the title of largest
half-dome in the western hemisphere.
- In
the 1970's, the building was offered for sale for
$1.00. It was advertised in national newspapers.
No one wanted it.
