Soon after the museum’s grand opening in 2005, founder Tod Swormstedt began looking for a permanent home that could accommodate the Museum’s collection – which was already outgrowing its rented space – and his vision for a more interactive experience. His search ended at a former women’s clothing and later parachute factory in Camp Washington, a historic and ready-to-bloom-again area of Cincinnati.

The building needed a complete overhaul to meet city codes and museum requirements. View early construction highlights of our new home.

Then the recession slowed us down, but now with the continued help of our supporters, we will open June 23, 2012, with a Grand Opening Sneak Preview on Saturday June 2.


Highlights of the new building Include:

• 19,000+ square feet of exhibit space – more than 450% larger than our existing space at Essex Studios
• 28-foot ceilings, able to accommodate our large signs, like Howard Johnson and Speedee MacDonald
• A working neon shop, Neonworks, the museum’s tenant and main sign restorer
• Event space for up to 800 people
• An expanded Main Street that will showcase both signs and the tools and materials that were used to make them.
• Archives of books, photos, and documents reflecting the art, craft, and history of signmaking.

We’re VERY busy getting the space ready: moving signs from the old site (now closed), building exhibits, and securing funding for the supporting infrastructure we’ll need.

You can help get us get there, and become a part of the museum as well:

• Purchase a paver of paint a panel - Make your mark (literally) with your personal message that will be a part of the museum forever. Inscribed pavers will line the walkway to the entrance, and donor-created panels will decorate the lobby wall.
• Adopt a Sign - Help us bring signs back to life by contributing to restoring a sign. Your generosity will be noted alongside YOUR sign in the museum.
• Become a Member - Your membership helps us keep the lights on and offers benefits to you as well.

Mark your calendar for the Grand Opening Sneak Preview June 2 and
watch the website for details coming soon.