Drink with the dinos at Cincinnati Museum Center's Layers of Exploration

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 16, 2025
MEDIA CONTACT: Cody Hefner (513) 608-5777, chefner@cincymuseum.org

Party with a purpose at Cincinnati Museum Center's Layers of Exploration Nov. 7

Dine with the dinosaurs and drink with the dire wolves at an adults-only night at the museum; discounted early bird tickets available now

CINCINNATI –  Cincinnati’s adults-only night at the museum is back November 7. Now in its sixth year, Cincinnati Museum Center’s Layers series once again invites you to drink with the dinosaurs, dine with the dire wolves and dance on the deck of the Queen of the West. The upcoming Layers of Exploration is the boozy, tasty adult field trip of your dreams as you explore every nook and cranny of Cincinnati Museum Center for an incredible night at the museum… all with a drink in your hand. All-inclusive early bird tickets are available now. 

From custom cocktails and creative culinary concoctions to electrifying experiments and DJ JonJon spinning tunes all night, Layers of Exploration is a thrill for all five senses.

“With something new to discover – and to taste – around every turn, Layers of Exploration encourages you to blaze a trail through the museum,” said Elizabeth Pierce, president & CEO of Cincinnati Museum Center. “As you work your way through the building, layer-by-layer, you’ll rediscover a museum you thought you knew but turns out is even cooler than you remember.”

Proceeds from CMC’s Layers series support the museum’s efforts to bring you the most immersive exhibits and learning experiences and ensure the sustainability of the museum for future generations. The event has grown each year, in both attendance and in the proceeds raised for the museum. 2024’s Layers of Innovation raised over $265,000 and welcomed nearly 900 guests.

This year’s Layers of Exploration invites you to get lost among 30 food and drink vendors and over 20 exhibits buzzing with energy. Explore familiar favorites as you wriggle through 500 feet of twists and turns in The Cave or stroll the cobblestone streets of The Public Landing and fall in love with brand new exhibits, including the 420-million-year-old fossils of Ancient Worlds Hiding in Plain Sight. You can also ride the cardiovascular superhighway or zap bacteria as you travel nine body systems in Advancing Health, presented by Mayfield Brain & Spine.

Explore scientific spectacles and culinary experiences, party with paleontologists and relive memories of field trips past as you enjoy an unforgettable night at the museum.

All-inclusive general admission tickets are $250, but early bird tickets are available now for $195 through October 24. Host/hostess packages are also available for $600, which include two VIP tickets with one-hour early admission and an exclusive VIP experience featuring Molly Wellmann and Ruby’s Chocolates.

Food vendors for Layers of Exploration include 80 Acres Farms; Abigail Street; The Arepa Place; Bru Brothers Coffee; Del Gardo’s; Graeter’s; Honey Child Pops; LaRosa’s; La Soupe; Maple Street Biscuit Co.; Mazunte; Murray’s Cheeses; New Riff Distilling; Pepsi; Rhinegeist; Rollin’ Bowls; SSA Group; Seasoned Dish; Shagback Seed & Mill; Skyline Chili; Soleil Kitchen; Taste of Belgium; and WX Brands.

Experience and entertainment vendors for Layers of Exploration include Accent on Cincinnati; Daisy Jane’s Flower Truck; Daniel C. Schaffer Mentalist; JonJon & Friends; and Mayfield Brain & Spine.

Layers of Exploration is sponsored by All On Productions; Constellation Wealth Advisors; Dean Dorton; Dinsmore; ESI Electrical Contractors; Fenton Rigging + Contracting; Gallagher; HBC Facility Management; Kroger; Losproductions; Merchandise Inc.; Messer Construction; RCF Group; SHP; Taft Law; and Three Corners Capital.