Traffic Alert: I-71 northbound closed at Lytle Tunnel in Downtown due to crash
NEWS

Cincinnati Landmark Madness: Museum region

Joel M. Beall
jbeall@enquirer.com

Our fourth side of the Cincinnati Landmark Madness bracket is the Museum region. Vote on each matchup, and let us know what you think in the comments below!

AERIALS-LOCAL: Sunday May 5, 2013: An aerial view of the Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal.

As a refresher, to be eligible for our tournament, the site/landmark has to presently exist, so historic beacons like the Cincinnati Library at 629 Vine or Crosley Field don't gain entry to our competition.

On mobile? Tap here to make your selections.

Museum Region

Cincinnati Art Museum

The Cincinnati Art Museum, in Mt. Adams.

Opened: 1881

Location: 953 Eden Park Dr

Fun facts: Designed by famous Cincinnati architect James W. McLaughlin. For the first five years, the museum was housed in Music Hall. At its opening, it was referred to as "the Art Palace of the West." Boasts a collection of over 60,000 art works.

VS.

Union Terminal

"Union Terminal" - Andy Holbert, Colerain Township

Opened: 1933

Location: 1301 Western Avenue

Fun facts: Originally built as a train station, Union Terminal was one of the biggest centers of railroad traffic during World War II. After train travel diminished, served as shopping mall and science center before its museum inception. Structure was used as model for the headquarters of the Justice League cartoon.

----

Taft Museum

The Taft Museum on Pike Street in downtown Cincinnati.

Opened: 1820

Location: 316 Pike St

Fun facts: Housed David Sinton, one of the richest people in the country, during the 19th centry, as well as Cincinnati icons Martin Baum and Nicholas Longsworth. President William H. Taft took his presidential nomination from the house's steps. Home of art collection of Charles and Anna Taft.

VS.

Harriet Beecher Stowe House

The Harriet Beecher Stowe house at 2950 Gilbert Avenue, at the intersection with Foraker Avenue in Walnut Hills.

Opened: 1832

Location: 2950 Gilbert Ave

Fun facts: Once served as a seminary. Former house of Harriet Beecher Stowe, who was a leading voice in the anti-slavery movement, and her brother Henry Ward Beecher, protagonist of the book The Most Famous Man in America.

----

Cincinnati Fire Museum

Cincinnati Fire Museum, which holds 200-year-old artifacts and memorabilia of the first paid fire department in the U.S.

Opened: 1906

Location: 311 W. Court St.

Fun facts: Cincinnati was the first city to have a professional, paid fire department. Building originally served as fire house for Engine Company #45. "Uncle Joe Ross," the first practical steam fire pump, was invented in Cincinnati.

VS.

Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame

Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum.

Opened: 2004

Location: 100 Joe Nuxhall Way

Fun facts: As an institution, the Reds Hall of Fame has existed since 1958. Houses 81 Reds inductees, featuring players, managers, executives and owners.

----

National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.

Opened: 2004

Location: 50 E. Freedom Way

Fun facts: Museum's location is symbolic, as Cincinnati was viewed as a safe heaven for Southern slaves. Muhammad Ali, First Lady Laura Bush and Oprah Winfrey served as honoree ground-breakers. Illustrates not only the oppression suffered in America, but all over the world.

VS.

Cincinnati Observatory

Cincinnati Observatory Center.

Opened: 1842

Location: 3489 Observatory Pl

Fun facts: The first public observatory in the western hemisphere. President John Quincy Adams dedicated the observatory; it was his last public speech before death. Mt. Lookout is named in honor of the observatory.