The Creepiest Museum In The World Is Hiding 5 Minutes Away From Downtown Cincinnati
By Andrea Limke|Published March 17, 2018
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Andrea Limke
Author
A Cincinnati native who has lived in Kentucky for over 10 years, Andrea's heart belongs both in the Queen City and the Bluegrass State. After earning an education degree and working in that field for a number of years, Andrea began to pursue her passion for writing over 6 years ago. Since then she has written for a number of print and online publications, as well as published a children's book.
With so many well-known museums around Cincinnati, perhaps you haven’t had a reason to seek out the lesser-known hidden gems that can also be found in our area. There are actually quite a few unique spots that call Cincinnati home, and one of them is just across the river in Fort Mitchell. Vent Haven Museum is the only museum in the entire world that is devoted solely to the art of ventriloquism. This hobby and profession may be very intriguing and even comedic, but the dummies themselves, especially when collected in a small space, are really quite creepy. So take a look for yourself and check out the creepiest museum in the world that’s just a quick drive from downtown.
Located in the beautiful and historic neighborhood of Fort Mitchell, Vent Haven Museum seems oddly placed as a tourist attraction, but that adds to its appeal.
This centuries-old hobby and profession is a classic form of entertainment and one that is filled with talent, mystery, and intrigue. Vent Haven celebrates this art by housing countless dummies, props, and other memorabilia that have had a key role in the world of ventriloquism.
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The museum and collection all began thanks to William Shakespeare (W.S.) Berger, a native Cincinnatian.
Having worked his way up in the Cambridge Tile Company, he retired as the president of the Cincinnati business in 1947. Berger had an interest in ventriloquism and purchased his first figure, Tommy Baloney, in 1910. The collection grew steadily from there, eventually outgrowing his Fort Mitchell home.
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W.S. Berger built a second home to store his collection, as he also was a leader and active member of the international community of ventriloquists.
Berger outlived his other family members, leaving behind no heirs. Thankfully, he worked with a lawyer before his death to ensure his unique collection would live on for others to enjoy. Today, the museum operates as a non-profit and Berger's dream continues on for future generations.
Berger's collection took over 40 years to build and there is nothing like it in the world. Even if you're not familiar with this art form, you'll likely see a few figures that you recognize, such as the original Charlie McCarthy and characters used by Jeff Dunham.
The museum season reopens for tours in May and you can call (859) 341-0461 to schedule your own visit.
Your visit will likely feel like a combination of a tour around a history museum, a toy store, and a haunted house, as hundreds of little eyes follow you through the rooms.
It seems only fitting that a museum that celebrates ventriloquism - an art that keeps people guessing - should have its own element of mystery.
Vent Haven Museum is definitely one of the most interesting places you can visit near Cincinnati and even though the creepy feeling of someone watching you never really leaves as you wander around, there's still plenty of charm and fun in this little museum, all started by a passionate member of the Cincinnati community.
Vent Haven Museum is a hidden gem in the Cincinnati area that attracts visitors from all over the world. Do you think you could handle all of the eyes on you at this one-of-a-kind museum? Do you find it adorable or terrifying? Let us know in the comments!
Vent Haven Museum is located at 33 West Maple Avenue, Fort Mitchell, KY 41011. To learn more and to schedule a tour, visit their website here.
And if you do decide to pay the museum a visit and need a bite to eat, check out this timeless restaurant in Fort Mitchell here.
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