American Sign Museum

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American Sign Museum History of America through a century of signage! The museum is home to the history of American signage over the last century. http://www.americansignmuseum.org
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Signs from the late 1800's are hand painted and gold leafed. Milk glass letters illuminate the electric age alongside bare bulbs. The thirty's gave rise to neon signs and a rainbow of new signs. Post war, plastics became quite popular. All these era's come together on Main Street, where we've recreated a streetscape you'll have to see to believe! It's a great family activity, and the most unique party space in Cincinnati! For information on guided tours and event, please visit our website!

Alex returned from vacation to find 34 lightbulbs waiting to be changed! Thanks to a little TLC, several signs around th...
10/21/2026

Alex returned from vacation to find 34 lightbulbs waiting to be changed! Thanks to a little TLC, several signs around the Museum are shining bright again--including the ones featured here.

Stop by and take a closer look! Visit the American Sign Museum Wednesday through Sunday 10 am - 4 pm.

Images by Thomas Hawk

This little piggy is ready for the fair! Kahnie, our larger-than-life parking lot pig, is sporting a fresh coat of paint...
10/16/2026

This little piggy is ready for the fair!
Kahnie, our larger-than-life parking lot pig, is sporting a fresh coat of paint just in time for the Camp Washington State Fair tomorrow. Check out Kahnie's makeover and then see her in person at the Fair!

The day kicks off with the Cattle Drive: Moo Mile, a 1k race inspired by the legendary story of Freedom the cow, that passes right by the American Sign Museum!

After the race, Valley Park will come to life with live music, a petting zoo, yard games, crafts, a costume parade, and more in celebration of our vibrant and creative Camp Washington community.

While you're in the neighborhood, enjoy FREE Museum admission all day long and explore our collection of iconic local and national signs.

See you at the fair! More at www.MadeInCamp.org

10/15/2026

A close shave...or something more sinister? ✂️

This double-faced, neon and handlettered sign originally identified the business of Ralph Puzio’s grandfather who immigrated from Afagola, Italy in the early 20th century. The business opened in 1921 under the name “Sterling Barber Shop” in downtown Trenton, New Jersey.

The pictorial face and scissors were probably painted by Walt Marczak, a local artist. Marczak, who also worked as a circus clown, was well known in the area for his artwork which can still be found on signs and buildings today.

For unknown reasons, the sign was removed in 1955. The non-illuminated elements of the main sign cabinet were in excellent shape, but the neon was completely remade and a new transformer was added by our friends at Neonworks.

With scissors posed at the neck, this barber looks ready to give Sweeney Todd a run for his money! What’s the spookiest sign you’ve seen lately?

Cincinnati’s Chinese food story began taking shape more than a century ago. Although chop suey houses appeared around t...
10/14/2026

Cincinnati’s Chinese food story began taking shape more than a century ago.

Although chop suey houses appeared around the city at the turn of the 20th century, Wong Yie’s Gold Dragon was among the first restaurants to introduce Chinese cuisine to non-Chinese Cincinnatians. Despite the enormous difficulties Chinese immigrants faced, compounded by the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, Yie’s restaurant helped spark more than 80 Chinese restaurants in Cincinnati.

Today, restaurateurs like Mike Wong of Oriental Wok and Johnny Chu of KungFood Chu’s AmerAsia continue to keep the city’s Chinese food culture alive and evolving.

Join author and food historian, Dann Woellert, Thursday, October 22 for a talk inspired by his latest book, Cincinnati Chinese Food: A Sweet & Sour History. Explore the unexpected and altogether delectable history of Chinese food in the Queen City through 10 signs that helped advertise it.

Learn more at www.AmericanSignMuseum.org/Event/Chinese-Food

The annual neighborhood celebration is almost here, and it is going to rock! Swipe through to check out some of the loca...
10/09/2026

The annual neighborhood celebration is almost here, and it is going to rock! Swipe through to check out some of the local bands set to entertain you next weekend at the Camp Washington State Fair!

Featuring:
LEGGY
Lush femme DIY rust belt pop

For fans of: Bratmobile, Lana Del Ray, Hole, Bully, The Slits

BUGSLEY
90’s-inspired indie garage pop with fuzzy guitars and chimey melodies

For fans of: Mazzy Star, Takako Minekawa, The Sundays, Lush, Bobbie Gentry, Throwing Muses

CARRIERS
American indie rock with storytelling soul and dreamy vibes

For fans of: Tom Petty, the National, Kurt Vile, Beirut, Band of Horses, Dylan, The Pomegranates

SMASHERMAN
Angular guitar prog with indie synth dance rock

For fans of: Brainiac, Styx, Prodigy, Chalk, Interpol, Blue Oyster Cult, Giorgio Moroder, Kraftwerk

Visit MadeInCamp.org to learn more.

10/08/2026

Visiting Cincinnati for BLINK? Add the American Sign Museum to your weekend itinerary for a fun daytime activity.

The ASM and BLINK share a love of light, art, and the creativity that brings both to life! Before the city lights up, spend the day surrounded by iconic neon, bold typography, and signs crafted to shine.

Plan your visit at americansignmuseum.org/visit

There's something spooky glowing on Main Street 👻 A quick heads-up for this week: the section of the Museum that housed ...
10/07/2026

There's something spooky glowing on Main Street 👻

A quick heads-up for this week: the section of the Museum that housed our Freaks & Sideshows exhibition will be closed for deinstallation. The rest of the American Sign Museum, including Main Street and its eerie October glow, will remain open during regular hours.

Image credit: Judith Khaner

10/05/2026

Road trips heading south on I-75 just got a whole lot brighter! The ASM is pleased to share that a new exhibition in partnership with is now on display at the southbound rest stop on I-75 in Butler County.

Rest stops across the state have been getting glow ups, so the ASM is thrilled to add its own glow through signs for Ohio businesses by Ohio sign companies.

Take a break on your next road trip to see the exhibit, explore the redesigned area, and learn about all of the nearby great attractions.

Special thanks to Neonworks and Klusty Sign Associates for our awesome, neon sign!

Did you know Camp Washington's Valley Park was the site of the first Ohio State Fair on October 2, 1850? This year, on S...
10/02/2026

Did you know Camp Washington's Valley Park was the site of the first Ohio State Fair on October 2, 1850?

This year, on Saturday, October 17, Made in Camp will host the very first Camp Washington State Fair! This festival will showcase the incredible creativity thriving in our community through artist demonstrations, live music, tours, a coney eating contest, parades, crafts, a petting zoo, food trucks, games, and FREE ADMISSION to the American Sign Museum all day long!

Learn more at MadeInCamp.org

10/01/2026

Step right up folks, only a few days remain to see the most spectacular exhibit on earth here at the American Sign Museum!

Come be amazed by over 25 larger than life banners seen in midways across mid-century America. Freaks & Sideshows: American Circus Banners 1920 – 1970 explores the people behind the banners – both the signpainters and performers – and shares the stories behind the sensational and often exploitative nature of the circus.

The velvet curtain closes October 4. You don’t want to miss it!

Included with regular admission.

Address

1330 Monmouth Avenue
Cincinnati, OH
45225

Opening Hours

Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm
Sunday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

+15135416366

Website

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