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American Sign Museum
Categories: Arts & Entertainment Museums Event Planning & Services Venues & Event Spaces Museums, Venues & Event Spaces [Edit]
2515 Essex PlCincinnati, OH 45206
Neighborhood: Corryville
(513) 258-4020
- Hours:
Sat 10 am - 4 pm
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
15 reviews for American Sign Museum
Review Highlights
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"You can take a family of four on a guided tour for $40." In 3 reviews -
"It's a neon trip down memory lane." In 7 reviews -
"...are only open for the general public on Saturdays, but they..." In 3 reviews
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15 reviews in English
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Review from Amanda S.
12/2/2011
Sign, sign, everywhere a sign!
Okay, crappy song but American Sign Museum is truly spectacular. It's a neon trip down memory lane. Holiday Inn signs and 76 gas station signs that I remember from many a family road trip. Beautifully decorated signs from the 1930s and '40s as well as 1950s "bubble lights" help to round out their collection.
Please note the Willie Nelson poster. A museum after my own heart.
And Tod, the curator, is super knowledgeable and really easy-going. You could spend hours talking to him about local signs (points of interest: Big Boy and the Big Top Burger), not-so-local signs and just all the different types of signs used throughout advertising history. He has that much information and he's just that easy to talk to. We weren't with a tour but he was just as informative as if we had paid to be there.
We'll definitely go back in late April/ early May when the American Sign Museum opens in Camp Washington where they'll be able to showcase their really massive signage. The new museum is four times their current space and, I'm guessing, four times the delight. Seriously, check this place out. -
Review from Missy L.
10/19/2011
Wow who knew this place existed? I didn't until a few weeks ago when I got the pleasure of a quick walk through. I MUST go back for the tour.
For any of your magpies like myself (super attracted to all things bright and shiny) this place has the potential to amuse you for hours! It's essentially a giant warehouse filled with vintage neon signs from just about anything you can think of. Why don't we use neon signs like this anymore?
Housed next door to the Essex Studios the American Sign Museum is like going in a way-back machine to the 1950's. Vintage neon signs line the whole interior of the warehouse. One seems to more eye catching than the last and the tour takes you through the whole history of sign making.
I have heard rumors that the museum will be moving soon. I look forward to seeing the new facilities and any additions they may add to the collection! -
Review from Jeremy M.
3/9/2011 ROTD 12/15/2011
I attended a Yelp event here on March 9, 2011. Yet again, another place that I give 5 stars to. Here is why.
1) The price for a tour. You can take a family of four on a guided tour for $40!
2) The signs themselves. I realize signs don't typically bring a lot of interest, but if, like me, you are a signage buff, this is where you want to spend an hour or two.
3) Very friendly people. The curator, Todd, is a very nice dude. No disrespect meant, but he does remind me of my dad.
There's one or two minor things about the place, though, that I must knock. They have 550 signs, and room to only display 200. That means it's too small. But they are planning a move to Camp Washington for 2012, so that should soon be remedied.
The second one: It's only open one day a week to the general public, though they also do tours for groups. (I advise calling and setting it up ahead of time.)
Overall, a DEFINITE 5 stars. If you're not into signs, or don't much care for museums, this ain't your place. If you're like me, though, you'll find it a win, especially for your ten bucks.Listed in: Local Landmarks
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Review from Allison J.
Cincinnati, OH
3/10/2011
This is one of those completely unique, completely unexpected things that Cincinnati has to offer. It's a collection of rare, historic and just plain crazy signs. Lots of them are neon. Some of them are gigantic. A couple of them are riddled with bullet/BB gun holes.
And the museum isn't just a chaotic heap of ridiculous signs, it's well-ordered and curated. There are informative plaques in front of displays. There's even a mock-up storefront and gas station so that certain signs can be seen in the right context.
I think the best compliment I can give the place is this: you can walk in without ever having given a thought to signs or sign collecting and you'll walk out wanting to learn everything there is to know about signs. It's that cool.
As we found out this winter, it's also an amazing space for a social event. Yelp hosted a bazaar around the holidays with lots of food and alcohol. The blinking neon was the perfect complement to an already crazy party.
Whether or not you're there to party, the sign museum is a good time. -
Review from Cynthia R.
Woodlawn, KY
3/11/2011
For me to rate a place 5 stars, I have to not only REALLY want to go back myself, but I also have to want to bring people with me who haven't experienced the place. This museum definitely fits that criteria.
I was bummed about missing the Yelp Bazaar because of a holiday party, so as soon as I saw the private Yelp tour listed, I jumped at the chance to finally visit. Usually when I hear 'museum', I think stuffy old stodginess, but with all the neon there it's more of a fun house kinda vibe throughout.
The signs on their own are cool to admire, but the tour enhanced the effects that much more. 3 things I learned from the tour:
1) Statues of Big Boy used to have striped pants, not checkered. Back in less politically-correct days, BB also carried a slingshot in his back pocket.
2) Tod talked about how certain special effects are created with neon signs, such as how to make it appear that a car's wheels are 'spinning'
3) While neon signs are the most impressive visually, don't discount the intricacy and value of handmade signs. Tod said he bought one for $4200 at a show, only to be offered $10,000(!) a few minutes later for it.
Do NOT forget your camera :) -
Review from Alex S.
12/13/2010 4 Check-ins Here
One of the hidden gems of hidden gems, The American Sign Museum is one of my favorite places in Cincinnati.
Now, as some of you know, I just threw a party there - which is one of the things I like best about it - but we'll get to that.
The American Sign Museum, tucked away on the edge of Clifton and Coryville, is something you'd never know about unless you were told. It's attached to the Essex Studios but is only really open Saturday's for tours and then for private events. However, the tours are fantastic and not to be missed. And the events? Oh my the events.
This is the home to neon. When I've said "Sign Museum," people look at me blankly. Either the name sounds wrong (most people go, "Really? A museum about sign language?") or they just don't get what's interesting about signs. Before you too judge, listen up.
In this spot are neon signs of all shapes and sizes, literally. They have beautiful creations spanning back to the 1800s and both locally and from all around the world. The neon hangs in every corner of this place and it's just a sight to see, especially if you love neon as I do.
Tod, the owner and tour guide, is friendly and informative. He knows everything about every one of his signs and will gladly talk to you about it.
They also rent this place out for events, which is what I did. The staff was friendly and accommodating and if I had a sort-of off-the-wall idea, they helped me figure out how to do it and how it would work best! Working with them is incredibly easy and, really, makes the party better!
(NOTE, if you were at the Yelp event, please don't review it or talk about it here, as it was a different experience than you'd normally have. If you want, you can review it here: http://www.yelp.com/bi...)
My only issue is the place is a little small, but not to worry, they'll soon be moving into a new building in Camp Washington which will hold all the signs that they have! It should be great.
I was waiting until after my party to review it, as I didn't want it to seem like I was buttering up the staff to receive special treatment. However, now that our business is complete, I can say with all honesty that this place is amazing. If you need a funky, fantastic, wonderful spot to host something (or just a way to spend a little while on a Saturday), venture out and find this museum. It is electric. -
Review from ANN L.
2/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is a really cool place to go. You see signs of all kinds. I love the big huge ones and the old ones with old logos.
I went to a Yelp event here not to long ago and it was Spectacular. So I would have to say it's a GREAT space for parties. Plenty of room to have a DJ, set up tables for vendors, and even a dance space if you want.
Very cool backgrounds for your pics. Sometimes the backgrounds make all the difference. -
Review from Meg G.
Cincinnati, OH
3/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place is truly a hidden wonder. I first had the privilege of attending a special event here last winter. Just recently, I was able to go back for a small, private tour of the museum and I certainly wasn't disappointed.
This is a private collection. But it's not just a bunch of old signs stacked up in a warehouse. It has been very carefully planned and laid out in a logical order that takes you on a tour of sign-making through the years. I'd never seen so much neon in my life; it was everywhere. And the scale of some of these signs is amazing. I think my favorite is a giant, satellite-shaped rotating sign that used to welcome you to a shopping center. Some signs even have quite a colorful history.
For the low price of $10, you get a very informative guided tour. They are only open for the general public on Saturdays, but they are willing to do private tours at other times with an advanced reservation.
Cincinnati's attractions never cease to surprise me. And this is just one more fine example. I recommend a trip there soon, and by all means, you'll want to take your camera along! -
Review from Julie B.
12/13/2010 1 Check-in Here
I first heard about this place through the Fine Arts Fund Boardway Bound program. Awesome space and really interesting exhibits. Also a fantastic place to hold a party.
They do need to move to a new location - talked with the curator and many of their signs are in storage. Photographers will LOVE this museum - color and odd shapes and angles are pretty much everywhere you turn. Some of the signs are on large pine bookshelves which badly need to be sturdier. One almost fell on a friend's head when she leaned against it.
As this museum grows and gets moved into its new space, it is really going to be a cool focal point for Cincinnati. -
Review from Brad B.
Cincinnati, OH
We have all done it, we have all described something as the "best kept secret" at one time or another. Well, this place really is one of the best kept secrets of the Cincinnati museum scene. If you love signs, big ones, small ones, flashing ones, noisy ones, old ones, new ones, you name it.....this place is for you. There are literally 1000's of signs on display, some going back over 100 years. Right now, due to space limitations they cannot display them all but soon, very soon, they will be moving to a new location in Camp Washington where they will be able to roll them out in full glory. Stop by......take a trip down memory lane...where you'll laugh, cry and learn something and new about the womderful art medium that is as American as apple pie.
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Review from Alexandra K.
Cincinnati, OH
The American Sign Museum is a very unique and interesting place to visit. Located in Clifton off of Essex Street between McMillan and William Howard Taft, some may have driven by and noticed a giant cut in half Arby's sign sitting across the street.
They have some big signs hanging around the outside, but the inside is even more impressive. They have a huge collection of all types of signs. Established in 1999 their mission is, "to inform and educate the general public, as well as business and special interest groups, about the history of the sign industry and its significant contribution to commerce and the American landscape."
Their collection has grown considerably since their inception and they use most of their operating budget to acquire new signs. Apparently they will be moving to a new location in Camp Washington in the fall of 2008 because they are running out of room in their current space for all the signs!
So what are you waiting for, go stare at some signs! It only costs $10 to get in! -
Review from Zack F.
11/30/2010 1 Check-in Here
Quirky, playful, different. It's easy to recapture that childlike attitude as you explore the whimsy.
I'm a fan of sign history (who knew?). I am also quite impressed with the graphic design nature as well as the mechanical aspect of these signs. I guess it brings out the artist and engineer in me. While I don't love signs on the side of the road most of the time, something about having them all in one place like this is cool. -
Review from Nick S.
Columbus, OH
6/19/2010
The guided tour of the American Sign Museum was one of the most fascinating hours I've ever spent.
It's only $10 to get into the museum, and it certainly would have been worth the money to wander around and look at all the classic signs without any guidance, but the tour doesn't cost anything extra and comes directly from the curator who's excitement is infectious.
Some of the signs themselves, without any back story, are amazing. My favorite was the Satellite Shopland sign: a giant spiked rotating orb that was meant to invoke Sputnik. But when you learn about the history of the signs, how they were fabricated, the technological advances and legal set-backs to the art of sign making you gain a new appreciation for signs and what goes into them.
The museum is divided into two main areas. The outer part -- which is actually a shared entrance with artist's studios -- is what the curator refers to as "The Sign Garden." This is where a lot of the really big, dazzling signs are. The inner part of the museum consists of several exhibits and smaller displays -- though there are several large, dazzling signs inside, too.
The Sign Museum was something my wife and I decided to check out while we were already in Cincinnati for other reasons. Had we known how much fun it was, we would have made it a priority sooner. -
Review from Sylvia R.
Indianapolis, IN
10/26/2010 3 photos
The Sign Museum was way awesome and very historical and informative. Being a graphic design student, the background on sign making etc. tied directly with what I do. The cost was $10 and included a guide by the curator if you wanted to join in. It was worth it to join the guide, he had a boatload of info and historical tid bits. It was a small bldg but was really cool to see signs that were actually used almost 100 yrs ago or even when I was a kid. I can't wait until the new building is completed. I'll drive from Indy just to go.
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Review from Dawn G.
Austin, TX
11/18/2008
I love old signage and places like the Henry Ford Museum in Michigan, so this was a gem of a find to me. This museum weaves through all the ages of signs from old wood and metal, to lighted, to neon, to plastic, and their examples are excellent. It's a great place for the family, too.
They are getting prepared for a move to a new and larger facility, and once there, I will certainly pay another visit. It's $10 bucks to get in and worth every penny. As a small nonprofit, it might not hurt to toss them a few extra bucks if you think it's worth it.
