Welcome to the American Sign Museum!
Your visit to the American Sign Museum will feature 20,000 square feet of more than a century of American signage. From early, pre-electric signs adorned in goldleaf, to the earliest electric signs, to beautiful art-deco neon, to the modern plastic-faced sign, the museum covers it all. Expect to spend at least an hour exploring the history of this always-seen, but virtually unnoticed, industry. Stroll down your personal memory lane!
Advanced Timed-Entry: Pre-purchasing eTickets is not required in order to visit the ASM, however we do provide optional eTicket slots for your convenience. With advanced ticket purchases, simply print your tickets at home or present your e-ticket on your smart phone. Reservation confirmations will include a specific time to arrive and information about what to expect on your visit. Please arrive at the Museum within the time block listed on your ticket and then enjoy the Museum at your leisure.
ADMISSION
Free – Members
$15 – Adult
$10 – Seniors (65+)
$10 – Youth (13 – 18)
$10 – Military/First Responder
Three Children (12& Under) are free with each paid adult. Limit of three children per each paying adult.
*Please note these rates do not apply to field trips and private tours.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Visitors are welcome to:
- Take casual photos for personal use only;
- Use point and shoot cameras, cell phones, and tablets;
- Post images from their visits on personal social media sites as long as they are not used for profit.
All camera equipment such as tripods, selfie sticks, and ring lights, will not be allowed inside the Museum.
If Museum staff notices visitors with the prohibited equipment, the visitor will be asked to return the equipment to their vehicle for storage.
Visitors may not:
- Bring a designated photographer to shoot portrait-style photography*;
- Distract or block other guests from enjoying the collection;
- Touch any of the signs or objects in the collection;
- Sell or publish images taken at the ASM. Stock photography and retail items containing images of the Museum’s collection are never permitted.
ASM staff have the authority to approach and verify the intent of photography and to enforce the photography policy. If any individual/group does not comply with the above conditions, the ASM reserves the right to deny permission to photograph and may request the individual/group leave the premises and forfeit their admission fee.
The ASM is happy to work with pre-arranged photography groups. Please contact Kirk at kkeevert@americansignmuseum.org for information on booking a photo or video session.
*The ASM defines portrait photography as: all posed portraiture with a designated professional or amateur photographer, whether the photographer is paid or unpaid. Examples of portrait photography include: wedding, engagement, senior portrait, family portrait, headshots, model shoot, proposal, anniversary, etc. The ASM reserves the right to further define portrait photography on a case-by-case basis.
GUIDED TOURS
Public Tours
Get an in-depth experience of the Museum with one of the tour guides every Saturday at 12pm & 2pm and once on Sunday at 2pm. Learn more here.
Group Visits
We’re happy to offer reservations for group visits, which may be arranged during normal hours of operation or after depending on availability. The museum is open to the public WED-SUN 10am-4pm. We do require a minimum group size of 15 or more paid visitors to qualify for a private group visit. Requesting additional programming, such as a staff-led tour, does require an additional fee. For more information and booking please e-mail Alex at aanderson@americansignmuseum.org or call 513-701-2191.
Bring the Museum to you!
Looking for your next book club, friends night, or cocktail party activity? Book a Speaker Series session! A member of the Museum staff will join your group in-person or virtually to share the Museum’s most popular signs and the stories behind them.
Highlights tour– a 30-minute presentation that provides an overview of the entire collection. $50 per in-person session, $20 per virtual session.
The Rise and Fall of Howard Johnsons– a 60-minute presentation that follows the ice cream and motel giant from its founding to its eventual decline. $100 per in-person session, $40 per virtual session.
Who is Speedee?– a 60-minute presentation all about McDonald’s plucky mascot the company’s early days. $100 per in-person session, $40 per virtual session.
The Evolution of the Big Boy– a 60-minute presentation that highlights how the Big Boy has grown over the years. $100 per in-person session, $40 per virtual session.
The Great Sign of Holiday Inn- a 60-minute presentation on one of the most iconic signs ever made and the company it represented. $100 per in-person session, $40 per virtual session.
For more information and to book your Speaker Series session, please contact learn@americansignmuseum.org or 513-701-2185
FOOD & DRINK
For the safety of the collection, food and drinks are not permitted in the exhibition areas.
ACCESSIBILITY
The Museum’s facility is accessible for those with limited mobility. The entire collection resides on one floor that’s easy to navigate. The Museum has two wheelchairs available for visitor use on a first-come-first-serve basis. There are chairs throughout the Museum as well.
Certified service animals are welcome; however, we ask that all non-certified animals remain at home.
Braille book tours and printed copies of the highlights are available in English, Spanish, Arabic, Nepali, German, French, and Chinese in the tour stand near the Admissions desk. The on-line audio tour is available in English, Spanish, Arabic, Nepali, German, French, and Chinese and can be accessed using the QR code by the ramp.
Guests who may have difficulty with blinking or flashing lights will need to use discretion.
DIRECTIONS
From north of Cincinnati, take I-75 South to exit 3, Hopple Street. Turn right at the exit. Then turn right onto Colerain Avenue. Then take a left on Monmouth Avenue. The Museum’s parking lot is at the first entrance on the right, through the black gate.
From south of Cincinnati, take I-75 North to exit 3, Hopple Street. Turn left at the exit. Then turn right onto Colerain Avenue. Then take a left on Monmouth Avenue. The Museum’s parking lot is at the first entrance on the right, through the black gate.
From downtown Cincinnati, take Central Parkway north. Turn left at Monmouth Avenue. Continue on Monmouth, through Colerain Avenue. The Museum’s parking lot is at the first entrance on the right, through the black gate.
Please be sure to double check that the address you are using is for 1330 Monmouth Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45225. Some GPS may try to take you to the Monmouth Ave in Kentucky.
PARKING
The Museum has a free parking lot. There is also street parking available on Monmouth Avenue. Handicapped parking spaces are along the side of the building, closer to our side lobby entrance. Buses and motor coaches must park on Monmouth Avenue, without blocking the entrance to NeonWorks of Cincinnati.
Museum Hours:
Wednesday – Sunday – 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Monday – Tuesday – Closed
(Neonworks is closed Sunday)
Closed Holidays:
Easter
Independence Day
Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Eve
Christmas Day
New Year’s Eve 10am-3pm
New Year’s Day
