I Visited... THE HALL OF JUSTICE!

 


I Visited... THE HALL OF JUSTICE!

"One of the last great American train stations built, Union Terminal is a Cincinnati icon and one of the most widely regarded examples of the art deco style.  Since its opening in 1933, Union Terminal has had a long and storied history, from welcoming soldiers home from World War II to becoming the home of three museums. an Omnimax Theater and the Cincinnati History Library and Archives."  --Cincinnati Museum Center website.

A few more facts: 

  • Union Terminal still serves as a train station, servicing the Amtrak "Cardinal" line.  The station is open in the middle of the night for passengers departing and arriving on The Cardinal (New York to Chicago).
  • Union Terminal was featured on a postage stamp.  A set of four Railroad Stations "Forever" Stamps were released in 2023, with a First Day of Issue ceremony held at Union Terminal on March 9 (photo above).
  • Union Terminal was the inspiration for the "Hall of Justice," the headquarters of the "Super Friends," seen in various Saturday morning cartoons from 1973 to 1985.  Initially the Super Friends included Superman, Wonder Woman, Batman and Robin, Aquaman, and those Junior Super Friends Wendy, Marvin, and Wonder Dog.  Over the years the roster expanded to include other members of the Justice League of America as well as characters created for the show.
  • Union Terminal was a filming location for the Superman (2025) movie written and directed by James Gunn.  In the film, Union Terminal serves as the Hall of Justice, headquarters of the "Justice Gang."  The Terminal's iconic murals (photo below) are replaced with murals featuring various super heroes from throughout the "history" of Gunn's DC Universe (DCU).  I sent in a headshot to be an extra in the movie (which also filmed in Cleveland), but I did not receive a call.  
I have visited Union Terminal a number of times, most recently to catch the Cardinal Amtrak line.  The rotunda remains fully lit at night and is empty, which really allows you to appreciate its beauty. 

 

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