Cincinnati Union Terminal: Rookwood Ice Cream Parlor

At the heart of Cincinnati’s Union Terminal, visitors can find a unique treasure: the Rookwood Ice Cream Parlor. Originally created in 1933 as the Rookwood Tea Room, this stunning space showcases handcrafted tile by Rookwood Pottery—blending art, architecture, and history into one unforgettable experience.

Now operating as a Graeter’s Ice Cream shop, the parlor is still best known for its rich ceramic tilework. With soft greens, blush pinks, and detailed natural motifs, the room reflects the height of 1930s design—and the craftsmanship that continues to define Rookwood today.

The Rookwood Tea Room was designed by celebrated Rookwood artist William E. Hentschel. His vision brought together Art Deco elegance, botanical themes, and thoughtful color in a space that was both inviting and refined.

Each tile was handcrafted by artisans at the Rookwood Pottery studio in Cincinnati. From delicate dragonflies to geometric flourishes, the room was designed down to the smallest detail. These original tiles are glazed in rich, atmospheric tones that subtly shift with the light, making every visit a unique visual experience.

This wasn’t just decorative tile—it was architectural design with intention.

A Preserved Piece of Cincinnati History

Thanks to recent restoration efforts by the Cincinnati Museum Center, the Rookwood Ice Cream Parlor remains one of the best-preserved examples of historic tilework in the United States. Visitors today can still sit beneath the original vaulted tile ceiling, surrounded by hand-glazed walls that have stood the test of time.

This space offers a rare opportunity to experience handcrafted tile in a large-scale public setting. It is a point of pride for the city—and for Rookwood—as a lasting symbol of what locally made ceramics can do.

Rookwood Tile: Then and Now

Rookwood’s role in the creation of the Union Terminal tea room is part of a broader story—one that continues today. We still design and produce tile in Cincinnati, using many of the same techniques our artisans used in the 1930s.

From custom backsplashes to full-scale architectural installations, Rookwood tile continues to bring handcrafted beauty to public spaces, businesses, and homes across the country.

The Rookwood Ice Cream Parlor is more than a historic room—it’s a reflection of our values: artistry, craftsmanship, and a deep connection to place.

Plan Your Visit

The Rookwood Ice Cream Parlor is located inside Cincinnati Museum Center at Cincinnati Union Terminal. Whether you’re there to explore the museums, admire the architecture, or enjoy a scoop of Graeter’s, be sure to take a moment to look around. You’ll be standing in one of Cincinnati’s most iconic—and artful—spaces.

Bring a Piece of Union Terminal Home

Inspired by the same landmark that houses the Rookwood Ice Cream Parlor, our Union Terminal Collection celebrates the architectural excellence and Art Deco design that make this building so beloved. From ceramic ornaments and tiles to bookends featuring the iconic Union Terminal facade, these pieces are a way to carry a piece of Cincinnati history into your home.

Explore the full collection here.

*Photos courtesy of the Library of Congress.