THE AMERICAN SIGN MUSEUM
(A donation of $10 per person is requested. Group rates are negotiable) 

• When: By appointment

• Location: Cincinnati, Ohio

• Phone: 513-258-4020

This is a unique institution that celebrates the rich tradition of sign-making and sign design. Not only does the museum feature vintage signs, but the materials and tools, salesman's samples, ad specialties, and more that characterize the sign industry.  Visitors to the museum first enter the lobby or "Sign Garden," an indoor landscaped display of free-standing and hanging vintage signs: A 1956 "Speedy" McDonald's arch; a 1960s Big Boy; and a rotating windmill highlighting the late 1940s sign for Denver's Dutch Boy Donuts are among the treasures first seen.   

Entering the Museum proper, visitors find five main sections:

1. A timeline history of the sign industry exhibits the evolution of the three-dimensional letter with samples from 1900 to 1970. 

2. "Signs on Main Street" features a streetscape of four life-size storefronts and offers a backdrop to display period signage, while the store's windows serve as themed display cabinets. 

3. A memorial tribute to Rick Glawson and the "art of gilding" celebrates
   goldleaf techniques and glass sign decoration. 

4. The entire left side of the museum traces the evolution of the electric sign--from the pre-neon, light bulb era of the turn-of-the-century to the late 1920s; through to
   neon's heyday of the late 20s through the late 40s; and on into the Post
   WWII era of plastic – with restored vintage signs. 

5. An exhibit on porcelain enamel shows samples of this favorite technique of the late 1930s through the late 1950s. 

Return to OhioTraveler.com's Unique Museums