Interactive museum with film, animation & multimedia exhibits focused on slavery in America.
At a glance
#13 of 23 Tourist attractions in Cincinnati #2 of 3 Non-profit organizations in CincinnatiLocalGuideWorld score: 4.70
Rating breakdown
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5 ★78%
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4 ★14%
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3 ★5%
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2 ★2%
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1 ★1%
Quick facts
- What is the rating of National Underground Railroad Freedom Center?
- National Underground Railroad Freedom Center is rated 4.7 out of 5 based on 5,885 reviews.
- How does National Underground Railroad Freedom Center rank in Cincinnati?
- National Underground Railroad Freedom Center is #13 of 23 Tourist attractions in Cincinnati by LocalGuideWorld score (rating weighted by number of reviews).
- Where is National Underground Railroad Freedom Center located?
- 50 E Freedom Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202, United States — 1.3 km from the center of Cincinnati.
- How can I contact National Underground Railroad Freedom Center?
- Phone: +1 513-333-7500 · Website: freedomcenter.org
Very clean and quiet museum. The map they have upon entry was helpful. Lots and lots of reading for information/displays. A few times it was a little hard to read everything as there were multiple people trying to read the same wall. Found it a little hard to follow the timeline. I was a little disappointed that there wasn't more information regarding the actually railroad system. There were a few (two?) hands on display. Overall, informational, but would be hard with elementary kids.
What an experience of the history of America. We were planning to visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC). However, since we want just a short weekend trip we decide to visit this museum just a hour and a half away. After spending some time trying to find parking, we finally found a vacant space on the street for $2.75 until 6:00 pm. In the museum information, it says there is a parking garage below the museum, accessible from Race Street. We rode through twice without seeing a garage entrance anywhere. Nevertheless, we spent about 3 hours in the museum with most of that time spent on the third and second floor respectively.
There was so much to take in about a time in history that American history books refused to record and still try to suppress today. This museum was impressive in that it covered people of every nation and ethnicity who have ever been enslaved, even those enslaved today, sadly.
This was the detailed history that America seemly forgot to included in the history books. And, yes, this does change the way you view those called great presidents and great leaders. It was empowering to know that many of my ancestors would rather to have died than to become a servant or a slave. Many of them were princes and princesses coming from families of great wealth in Africa who were sold as slave in America.
Since we had planned our Sunday visit, making lunch reservations, we could spend only hours here. Of course, we could not return on Monday because the museum is closed. But on our next visit, we will spend more time here because there is more to take in than you can absorb in 3 hours.
If you go, my only recommendation for visiting is that you pre-plan to park. I suspect those street parking spaces are most likely taken during the working week. My expectations for parking was flawed in that I expected clear direction to a public parking garages around the museum. After the fact, we found the parking garage recommended by the museum a block to the east on Race Street.
There was so much to take in about a time in history that American history books refused to record and still try to suppress today. This museum was impressive in that it covered people of every nation and ethnicity who have ever been enslaved, even those enslaved today, sadly.
This was the detailed history that America seemly forgot to included in the history books. And, yes, this does change the way you view those called great presidents and great leaders. It was empowering to know that many of my ancestors would rather to have died than to become a servant or a slave. Many of them were princes and princesses coming from families of great wealth in Africa who were sold as slave in America.
Since we had planned our Sunday visit, making lunch reservations, we could spend only hours here. Of course, we could not return on Monday because the museum is closed. But on our next visit, we will spend more time here because there is more to take in than you can absorb in 3 hours.
If you go, my only recommendation for visiting is that you pre-plan to park. I suspect those street parking spaces are most likely taken during the working week. My expectations for parking was flawed in that I expected clear direction to a public parking garages around the museum. After the fact, we found the parking garage recommended by the museum a block to the east on Race Street.
Very modern telling of stories never told. It was beautiful, poignant, factual, and honest. I recommend that everyone visit this museum as there is really nothing else like it. We were able to see parts of our history in a way that was non political, non judgmental, and yet brutally honest.
whether your a history buff or new to the topic there is something for everyone. I spent two hours but wish I had the entire day to really sit with all of the history. 10/10 would recommend.
So much history and information here. You could spend hours in it. Great illustrations, and even several theaters offering 15 minute videos for each floor. Would definitely recommend visiting this museum.
Somber, sorrowful, tragic, despairing and heartbreaking look into one of America's most shameful and disgraceful chapters in it's history. This self guided museum tour starts at the top floor and works it's way down. Go at your own pace and take in the artifacts, documents, stories and evidence of the atrocities done to the slaves, and how it's shaped American history and still affects the people till this day. You will leave with a heavy heart but hopefully more enlightened than you were upon entering.
This was quite an eye-opening experience. Plan to spend several hours here. The multi floor museum gives you perspectives you may never have thought of. It can also be quite an intense experience realizing what people have done to other people over the years. Because of my schedule I had to spend less than 3 hours at the museum. I got to see a lot in that time but I think it would have taken double that to get the full experience. The museum is within easy walking distance of several downtown hotels.
Plan on spending most of the day. This museum is well worth taking the time to explore and learn about slavery past and present. This is a phage for deep thought and reflection. I can not recommend strongly enough that I think everyone would benefit from a visit to this site.
A must-see!! We will be back as some exhibits were closed for maintenance. There is a lot of powerful information and education in this museum, both past and present. It shows how far we have come, but also how far we still have to go. Very well put together and designed. Some exhibits are interactive. Videos. Lovely gift shop. Education center. Clean and clean restrooms. Price is good for priceless education. Make sure you go when you are really able to spend the time. There is a lot to view, read, and watch. This isn't a place to go in and rush through. Staff was very friendly and welcoming.
This is an important museum with a lot to teach about the past and the present. The exhibits were well designed and often very moving. Sadly, some areas appear to have suffered a lot of water damage. When I went, significant sections were closed and the floors were buckled and taped off. I also noted a significant amount of sun damage to all of the content in one section of the museum. It looked like they didn't protect the documents from UV and then placed them next to a window.
Despite the, hopefully very temporary, damage, I would recommend this museum to anyone who wants to look seriously into the human condition and what people are capable of doing to each other and for each other.
Despite the, hopefully very temporary, damage, I would recommend this museum to anyone who wants to look seriously into the human condition and what people are capable of doing to each other and for each other.
If you happen to be in or passing through Cincinnati, Ohio this summer, make sure to visit the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. Their 'Truth and Healing' exhibit features talented and thought-provoking artists, and I was particularly drawn to a dark candle-lit tent. Inside, you can sit in silence, select a random prompt from a bowl in the center, and experience moments of both heartbreak and healing. It's a truly transformative and moving experience worth exploring.
An incredible museum that deserves several hours of your time. The exhibits on the top floor are detailed, almost overwhelmingly so, but the tour guides help focus on highlights. The second floor, with the authentic holding pen for enslaved people, adds another level of emotional impact. The additional exhibits on modern slavery is devastating too. The interactive exhibits are all worth exploring. We didn't have time for the films, but the museum is something every American should experience.
A Powerful Journey Through History
The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center is a profound testament to the spirit of freedom and resilience. Its exhibits are both informative and evocative, offering visitors a deep dive into the history of the Underground Railroad and the broader struggle for human rights.
Overall, a visit to the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center is not just an educational experience, but an emotional journey that touches the heart and stimulates the mind. It is a vital destination for anyone seeking to understand American history and the ongoing struggle for human rights.
The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center is a profound testament to the spirit of freedom and resilience. Its exhibits are both informative and evocative, offering visitors a deep dive into the history of the Underground Railroad and the broader struggle for human rights.
Overall, a visit to the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center is not just an educational experience, but an emotional journey that touches the heart and stimulates the mind. It is a vital destination for anyone seeking to understand American history and the ongoing struggle for human rights.
Incredible. A post and pictures doesn’t do this place justice. You have to go in person. There is SO much to learn from visiting this monumental place. I wish I had more time to go back. I would try to go from open to close to soak it all in and go back the next day to make sure you get everything from all the floors, exhibits and videos. You will learn things you didn’t learn about in school. Come educate yourself and soak in an amazing experience.
They also have a great gift shop to check out as well!
They also have a great gift shop to check out as well!
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