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National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
50 E Freedom Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202, United States
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Ma
Review №1

Truly informative and inspiring. You need multiple visits to begin to take in all of the history thats there. Will definitely be there again.

Lo
Review №2

It is lovely! You need a good three hours to see EVERYTHING so get an early reservation. The staff was extremely helpful. I definitely need to have a second visit.

J
Review №3

A lot of great information to be found here unfortunately a majority of the interactive features were not functional while some others were removed completely from the display. However still very informative and necessary to understand an important part of America’s history.

Mi
Review №4

What a great and important museum! Situated on the bank of the Ohio River in Cincinnati. The museum tells the story of slavery, the journey to freedom, all the way to modern day slavery. Highly recommend a visit.

G
Review №5

I would recommend this place now with the covid there were 2 hands on exhibits closed but for safety reasons my sister and I respected that but its was still worth the trip so bring everybody to see this its raw info, emotional and educational so come and enjoy.we did and will be back with our grown kids

Ro
Review №6

Lovely time spending my birthday at the National Underground Freedom Center being thankful to God and my ancestors my life and remembering history.

Cy
Review №7

Nice place to visit so much history. Would highly recommend! Thanks for the whole floor on modern day slavery. Knew it took place, but sometimes we can all turn a blind eye to it. Thanks for a great experience!

Ra
Review №8

Excellent experience. Take your time and read. Many things to learn.

Va
Review №9

It was worth the ticket! Tour guide very informative, staff helpful and polite. Exhibits worth seeing!

Ki
Review №10

In going to the museum at several intervals in my life, I can definitely say it has grown tremendously during each visit. In comparison to Smithsonian, it offers an additional perspective and some local prominence as well. Another key hidden gem is the ability to trace family ancestry as well.

J
Review №11

It was closed but the building looked cool from the outside. Ill be back to visit.

DR
Review №12

What a wonderful museum! So much information to read. I wish spent more time. Give yourself 2 to 4 hours to walk around to appreciate the reading and short films. Some things were not working/broken but I guess that happens. I love the interactive exhibits.

Mo
Review №13

So well thought out. Incredible information. I could spend days there.

Je
Review №14

Nice but so many of the displays and exhibits were closed. Was excited for Rosa Parks especially.

Br
Review №15

Very empowering museum to see if you happen to be in Cincinnati ! You will leave questioning a lot of the actions of the world ! So if you want a great museum to see check out this one

Ja
Review №16

Very worthwhile to visit. A very interesting look at the horrors of the slave trade. I would have enjoyed seeing more about the people that were able to flee slavery, but frankly, the experience for most was a lifetime of whips and chains.

Lu
Review №17

Unbelievable! Heart wrenching, yet AWESOME! This museum needs to be in every major city!!! Field trips to them should be part of curriculum. Words cannot describe the eye opening impact it had on me.

De
Review №18

Go! If you have the opportunity to go to this museum, do it! Not only is it educational, it gives you a glimpse of Americas history that is not taught in schools. Teachers can use what is seen at the museum and take it back to the classroom for open and candid discussions. The museum is open all year round.

Bo
Review №19

Had a great time this was done so well. A lot of history, a lot to take in. We needed more time. Would go back . A must see.

Ji
Review №20

I thought it was a great learning opportunity and was helpful in understanding the history of what African Americans went through during the beginning of our American history.

As
Review №21

My tour bus stopped here on May 23, 2019. It was my 1st visit and I did enjoy it. There was so much to see. My experience could have been even better if staff was available to guide and assist me. There was one young man on one of the floors that suggested we start at one point when we asked, so we took his advice. One of my favorite areas contained the quilts.

D
Review №22

So much to see and read that we didnt get through the whole thing and missed almost the whole lower level. Sadly disappointed and hope to return someday to see the rest

Am
Review №23

Definitely worth it! I was moved to tears, educated and inspired.A nice mix of art and history with exhibits spaced.enough that the visitors arent on top of each other. There are interactive displays and short movie clips.The staff there is very helpful.

Sa
Review №24

If you are ever in Cincinnati please visit this museum. You need not forget all those who died for our freedom.

Am
Review №25

Somber and moving, with well thought out exhibits. Gorgeous pace, through and through. I didnt read half of the information and we still were there for a couple of hours. I dont recommend taking young children here, but older children will get a sense of the truth of the situation in the past. I highly recommend as a great way to spend an afternoon.

No
Review №26

I fully expected a 1-hour visit, but was impressed at the depth and breadth of what the Freedom Center had to offer. Start at the top floor, and work your way down, and you can easily spend a day (or a solid morning or afternoon) looking and learning. This is really worth a visit.Now, my complaint: far too many displays had something broken. Ill estimate that 1 out of every 4 had some kind of issue. The Freedom Center costs money. Some of that .money needs to go back into fixing the displays.Aside from the broken exhibits, this was really a great place to go for a day. I look forward to going back.

ed
Review №27

I loved the exhibits and the staff were very helpful! This was my second trip here! I look forward to coming again!

Lo
Review №28

This Museum was absolutely Amazing. If you are someone who likes to take their time in a Museum and absorb absolutely EVERYTHING that it has to offer, I suggest making plans for about 4 hours to be there. There was so much amazing and detailed information about the the Underground Railroad and it did not stop there! This Museum has a lot of Excellent information, presentation, etc...I was giddy the whole time. Even the employees were friendly and knowledgeable. I will be back!

Ke
Review №29

Great museum. Very informative and visually stimulating. Well organized. Wish the gift shop was up and running!

Da
Review №30

We are huge history lovers. If you are the least bit interested in the Underground Railroad, this museum is a MUST SEE. I would even recommend planning a visit to the city to see it. And, I would also send you to the nearby aquarium!We were blown away by the beautiful statues and replicas. The whole place is so well done! We spent the whole day and ran out of time, but you could see quite a bit if you only have a few hours.If you are short on time, I would head to the Brothers of the Borderland movie first. And then the From Slavery to Freedom exhibit.I love a museum like this that has information that is easy to read and not too much of it. You leave with a feeling of understanding that could never be gained from just reading about it.I love this place so much!

Ja
Review №31

Very interesting place. If you plan on reading everything, plan on spending 3 to 4 hours. You actually start on 3rd floor and then down to 2nd floor.

Ja
Review №32

So interesting. Good docents!

Th
Review №33

Good place too learn some things

Em
Review №34

We probably should have gotten a tour guide. We spent most of our time in the modern day slavery exhibit. And some on the second floor. We didnt have time to watch the films. Smaller than expected. Well organized space.

Br
Review №35

Breathtaking place to be! Great view point for taking pics and enjoy the scenery on top of the fabulous history housed here.

Ch
Review №36

So much information being addressed that one cannot come to this museum and take it all in one day. The low stars comes from a pet peeve I have about museums. I absolutely dislike it when interactive items are broken or rendered useless. I can understand if one or two items are busted because visitors are just abusive...But in almost each section of each floor had some displays that were in need of repair or computers touchscreens that were inoperable. Its obvious that a lot of money came to develop and make this place. I can only hope for a decent revamping.

Au
Review №37

A must-see if youre in the area. A really informative museum that focuses on the institution of slavery in the United States, as well as modern-day slavery. Some things may be a bit outdated, but it is a beautiful building and museum.It takes more than just a quick walkthrough to fully take in everything thats in the museum, but its worth taking the time to see as much as possible.The balcony on the second floor has a beautiful view of The Banks and has an eternal flame that is always on.The Genealogy Center on the fourth floor has very helpful volunteers that can help you find a lot of information about your family history and ancestors.

Ka
Review №38

Very well curated exhibits, with a lot of information. Its was an afternoon well spent.

De
Review №39

We took a group of almost 40 high school students. The staff were very welcoming and easy to work with.The museum experience was incredible. They tell the painful stories of slavery in powerful ways. These stories must be told so we can honor those who suffered and those who risked their lives to end slavery.Also, they tell the stories of the over 12 million current slaves. That is still happening and we must work together to end it completely.

Ma
Review №40

If there is anything that should be on your life-long bucket list it should be visiting the Freedom Centre. I visited 10 years ago and I still can feel and am moved by the heartbreak, the anger, and the unity. Now more than ever its message needs to get across to everyone.As someone who is not a museum person, I spent over 5 hours there and there still wasnt enough time.

La
Review №41

Great place for school events on the Underground railroad. Had many biographies and primary sources also.

si
Review №42

Engaging/ lots of bang for your buck. We spent hours there learning.

Ma
Review №43

A very moving experience.... Very touching.... Two hours was definitely not enough time to even see one floor thoroughly.... I must go back again.... I highly recommend this museum.... definitely worth your time to see everything

Sh
Review №44

It had pictures of people on the Hall walls by the elevator that are Freedom Fighters, but the TRUTH IS a few of those famous people have been known to show nothing but a great disregard and disdain for the causes that affect the African American communities... Youll see if you ever get a chance to go. So I got a refund, because George Bush & some of the other freedom fighters posted on the wall too NEVER had any regards for the plight of African Americans!

De
Review №45

Wow!Fantastic history ! Im in AWE

Ja
Review №46

We took a 2nd grade field trip here from Dayton and I was SO impressed at how they change the tours to meet the students maturity level. I will be going back ON MY OWN to see and enjoy the full tour!

Je
Review №47

Amazing museum, very informative. I would definitely recommend to anyone.The 3rd floor focused on modern day slavery that still exists, which was very sobering. The 2nd floor was more on the American history of slave trading and the underground railroad.Some of the exhibits were broken and overall I would say the place needed a little love but it didnt take away from my experience much.

Am
Review №48

Was an amazing place to go. The slave pen was a heartbreaking piece of history I knew nothing of. Actually I learned a lot from going and spent about 3 hours there! See the movies & listen to any talks. It’s amazing!

Ma
Review №49

Travel back in time to a time when FREEDOM meant everything. Its a great place to take the family, affordable and is full of not just history but current events not just in the USA but abroad. Its brings the past and present together no matter your race or background.

Br
Review №50

Incredible experience. So much of this was absolutely amazing, so many artifacts! My ten-year-old daughter loved it. There was one floor of modern slavery that I think was too mature for her to view in full. I went through the exhibit myself and found it very difficult to maintain my composure. I had to hold back tears. A lot of really great information and I think our favorite part was the Rosa Parks 4D virtual reality experience. Very cool reenactment.

mi
Review №51

This was a great experience for me and my mom. We live in Columbus and this was her first time seeing the museum. My mom is in her 60’s and lived through the civil rights movement. It was a great bonding experience for her to see the exhibits and for her to share her stories.

Je
Review №52

The tour guide was great. Very informative. There is so much history here. I get chills thinking about slavery. It sickens me to know this is how people use to be and still are in some places. The video they played for us gave me chills. They played it in a room that was designed to make you feel like you are really in the moment.

En
Review №53

Awesome place, great artifacts!

Ak
Review №54

Great experiences and informative exhibitions. You need a bit of time to explore

Al
Review №55

Took my son here during Black History Month to educate him and express the importance of the month of February. It was worth the 8 hour drive from Watertown, NY. I love the jazz player on the first floor!Thank you for the great experience!

am
Review №56

This place was super nice and very educational.

M
Review №57

If you get the time please go. We had a very knowledgeable tour guide and we learned way more than what we knew from textbooks. I got to touch unginned cotton which was super cool for me.

Ga
Review №58

Visiting the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center was a somber but important reminder of the legacy of slavery and the ongoing fight for freedom and equality in this country. Everyone should be forced to learn these lessons to help inform them of these facts.

Jo
Review №59

A beautiful museum, a sobering experience. Growing up in my basically all white small town/suburb-- the major realtor in town was sued by the government for red lining when I was in highschool-- I had no concept of what other people had gone through and, sadly, were still suffering from. This museum brought the horror to frightening life right before my eyes. One exhibit that really grabbed my heart was the one on current day slavery. The horrors of slavery still live everywhere around the world today. Often right under our supposedly more enlightened eyes. All the other exhibits were well done as well. Please dont think that the entire museum is depressing. There are plenty of depictions of brave people and groups who fought, and are still fighting, against this most horrible example of humans inhumanity to their fellow humans. I actually left the museum with a renewed sense of hope and the youth group that I was with had their eyes opened too

Ma
Review №60

I stumbled on this attraction Walt Disney Cincinnati I wasnt aware that they had an underground Museum to my pleasant surprise I loved every minute of it I will definitely visiting the National Underground Museum every time I come to Cincinnati

Ch
Review №61

What an experience of a lifetime. Very informational.

Xh
Review №62

A pure blessing. I learned so much.

Br
Review №63

If you have the chance to visit please do so. What a great learning experience for my children and myself. The. place is filled with wonderful artifacts and important history.

Yv
Review №64

A must see! There was much history that I didnt know about or even heard or read! Young people really need to understand and think about this history, the impact, and the continuing journey...many parts I was so overwhelmed and wanting to cry. I felt this was an awakening moment.

Jo
Review №65

Very powerful museum. Learned so much in the little bit of time I was able to spend here. Definitely will return when I have more time to soak up the information.

Bo
Review №66

One of the reasons I wanted to come to Cincinnati, I was visually and openly moved by the presentations that they had available on the historical facts of slavery And some of the victories to overcome this disgraceful time in American history.

Ry
Review №67

We toured this facility as part of a large group and I was very impressed with the quality of the exhibits, as well as the helpfulness of the staff. Bringing a few thousand teenagers through must have been a trying experience for the staff, but they handled it very well and our kids (and adults) enjoyed the experience very much.

Ma
Review №68

Very sad, obviously... Very worth it

Ni
Review №69

Really enjoyed this place. It was very informational. And I really enjoyed it because I went on MLK Day and they had a reading of I Have a Dream. Definitely a place to go to if youre in the Cincinnati area!

La
Review №70

Very Educational. My people went through alot.

Br
Review №71

It was A Great Experience and sad How the slaves were treated

Sy
Review №72

A must see and visit in Cincinnati. That area had so much to offer.

An
Review №73

Great Museum,special event family welcomed disabilities accessible

Li
Review №74

Wonderful center. There are a few place I wish it delved deeper, but I can understand the why they cant fully engage. Educational & family friendly.

Sh
Review №75

Love this place. Theres alot to learn. My grandsons and godson enjoyed the visit along with the short informative films.

Ki
Review №76

I only wish I had more time. A must visit when in Cincinnati!!

El
Review №77

I love The National Underground Railroad freedom Center. It is a great place to visit and it is just amazing place to learn all about the history of slavery.

Ke
Review №78

A lot of information. I took my 8 year old daughter. She loved it and had fun, but she didnt want to slow down and read everything. Very nice museum.

Ja
Review №79

Great place to visit very informative

Ma
Review №80

A rich experience. The terrible pain and suffering that the African slaves endured from their capture, sale, hard labor, separation of families as husbands, wives, sons and daughters were sold. The famous abolitionists were shown with murals, interactive audio and video.The modern day slavery was shown from forced labor to the sex trade.Quite eye opening. You will leave a better person.Cost was 15.00, Veterans are free in November.

Ja
Review №81

This is a place to definitely educate yourself and educate your children a Texas girl who plans to come back and visit soon

Ma
Review №82

A terrific place for learning about the history of slavery and underground railroad. We spent 6 hours there and didnt get to read everything. Make sure you plan ahead for the Rosa Parks exhibit. Its actually a 20 minute 3d set up for 2 that was sold out ahead of time on us.

Pa
Review №83

As a first time visitor Ive learned so much. I recommend everyone go at least once in their lives and it should be a field trip for every school. The kids of today have no clue about what it took to actually live free.

me
Review №84

Learning about your history is definitely important. I will say it was emotionally difficult to deal with what happened to my ancestors. The staff did an excellent job with the setup of each section. I will never forget my time here.

SU
Review №85

History of slave trade, human trafficking and Underground Railroad all with detailed descriptions. Do not need a guided tour as every exhibit is well described. Educational tour for everyone, especially younger generations to gain an awareness about some of the unpleasant periods in human history.

Ps
Review №86

Great museum to visit in Cincy!

Ro
Review №87

Was disappointed that ther gift shop was closed . The visual presentation was not working correctly. The first part worked but the second part was inoperative. We were very disappointed. Some of the other exhibits were not working. It is a beautiful building. I hope that they get it together.

Ch
Review №88

Very modern and well laid out. Self guided, at your own pace. Lots of displays, some are hands on. They have a full size cabin inside and many historical items to view. Great for any age. Plan on at least 1 to 2 hours, at least.

Am
Review №89

Very good. Informative and inclusive.

Mi
Review №90

This is a beautiful museum and should be on everyones list to visit.

Ai
Review №91

Its ok. We are museum ppl and this one was ok. Many computer displays did not work. Extra money for the VR Rosa Parks experience. Guy at desk didnt even mention that. They told us to start at 3rd floor but that didnt make sense looking back at visit. Should have started with Oprah Winfrey narrated movie.

Va
Review №92

Very informative, a great place to learn about the struggles of African American people.

Ro
Review №93

Limited number of people couldnt get in til 4 and they close at 5. Ticket sellers said would have to power walk to maybe see everything

Ji
Review №94

As far as museums go, this would have been better as a book considering the museum was mostly text and often 12pt font. The best part was the invisible slavery exhibit. Much more interactive and interesting.

N.
Review №95

Please go visit. So much more than I expected. Very thought provoking, especially the modern slavery exhibit.

Mi
Review №96

Very beautiful and emotional experience. I had been once several years ago but theandela exhibit and the modern day slavery were awe inspiring.Theres also a great view of The Banks from the third level.

Ja
Review №97

A difficult but necessary display of American history.

Tr
Review №98

A must see museum that not only depicts the pain of slavery back then, but the injustice that still continues today. Very friendly and helpful stuff and smack in the middle of where you want to be while in CN. Parking is ample.

Je
Review №99

Absolutely beautiful! I attended a presentation on human trafficking that was being held at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center and I was amazed at the space - Both in terms of the hall and the exhibits that I passed. I will definitely be back to explore the rest of the museum and would highly recommend a visit for yourself.

Mr
Review №100

Wonderful time reading about the past of where we came from. A real eye opener. Some items displayed were hard to see/read. A typed disruption of those items would be nice. Disappointed that some of the exhibits were either not working or they were broken. This is not to discourage anyone from going. I highly recommend everyone to go. These minor items can easily be fixed. Go and enjoy.

Information
100 Photos
100 Comments
4.6 Rating
  • Address:50 E Freedom Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202, United States
  • Site:http://www.freedomcenter.org/
  • Phone:+1 513-333-7500
Categories
  • Museum
  • National museum
  • Non-profit organization
  • Tourist attraction
Working hours
  • Monday:12–5pm
  • Tuesday:12–5pm
  • Wednesday:12–5pm
  • Thursday:12–5pm
  • Friday:12–5pm
  • Saturday:Closed
  • Sunday:Closed
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair-accessible car park:Yes
  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance:Yes
  • Wheelchair-accessible lift:Yes
  • Wheelchair-accessible toilet:Yes
Amenities
  • Good for kids:Yes
  • Restaurant:No
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