American Sign Museum
Time Needed: full-day, half-day
Experience Type: museum, offbeat & fun
The largest public sign museum in the United States, this 20,000-square-foot space glows with the color and creativity of American advertising history. With over 800 signs and 4,000 artifacts, it’s a vibrant journey through more than a century of design, culture, and craftsmanship.
MUST-DO CHECKLIST
- Walk “Main Street” at Night – Stroll through “Signsville,” a recreated American street illuminated by vintage neon signs from motels, diners, and bowling alleys.
- Take a Guided Tour – On Saturdays and Sundays, join a 45-minute tour led by museum staff to uncover the stories, techniques, and history behind the museum’s most iconic signs.
- See a Neon-Bending Demonstration – Watch skilled artisans at Neonworks shape glowing glass tubes into custom signs during live demonstrations held each Saturday afternoon.
- Explore the Collection Chronologically – Trace 100 years of American signage, from hand-painted wood and porcelain enamel to postwar neon and mid-century plastic.
- Look for Famous and Unique Signs – Spot nostalgic icons like the 1963 McDonald’s ‘Speedee’ single-arch sign, a towering Frisch’s Big Boy, and a 20-foot fiberglass genie.
Itinerary Idea: Explore Cincinnati above and below the surface on a guided walking tour that uncovers hidden history, underground tunnels, even a historic crypt. Wander Over-the-Rhine, hear surprising stories, and see parts of the Queen City most visitors never experience.
Photo Credit: Ohio, The Heart of it All