Imagine uncovering a hidden treasure, a vibrant mosaic mural from the 19th century, buried beneath layers of paint for over a century. That’s exactly what happened during renovations at the Rhinegeist beer complex in Cincinnati’s historic Over-the-Rhine district. What began as a routine restoration project quickly turned into an extraordinary discovery, revealing a piece of the city’s brewing heritage that had been lost to time. But here’s where it gets even more fascinating: this isn’t just any mural—it’s a meticulously crafted tile masterpiece, complete with quirky illustrations and a connection to Cincinnati’s German brewing roots. And this is the part most people miss: the mural’s survival is nothing short of miraculous, preserved by the very paint that concealed it for 105 years.
The story begins with Rhinegeist’s commitment to historically accurate renovations. Over-the-Rhine, a designated historic district, demands strict adherence to preservation guidelines. Mike Gertz, Rhinegeist’s Creative Director, explains, ‘This building has a rich history, dating back over a century. Originally the Christian Moerlein bottling facility, its facade was crumbling. We knew we had to restore it with care.’ During the process, contractors stumbled upon something unusual beneath the red paint. ‘They stripped one tile and realized this could be something special,’ says Ben Castle, Vice President of Finance and Hospitality. ‘We started digging into the building’s past.’
A high-resolution black-and-white photo from the Cincinnati History Museum’s archives provided the first clue. Taken from across the street, it revealed a tile mural with a banner reading ‘Moerlein Bottling Department’ and the date 1896. The mural features a whimsical scene of a man and woman in traditional German attire serving beer, alongside the iconic Christian Moerlein logo—a design still in use today. ‘It’s like stepping back in time,’ Gertz remarks.
As contractors carefully removed the paint, the mural’s stunning preservation became apparent. But its origins remained a mystery. ‘We wondered, could this be Rookwood pottery?’ Castle recalls. ‘Up close, the tiles looked pixelated, almost like a Minecraft drawing. It was bizarre yet captivating.’ The answer lay in Zanesville, Ohio, a hub for artistic tile production in the late 19th century. The Mosaic Tile Company, founded by three German immigrants in 1894, was likely commissioned by Christian Moerlein, given the tight-knit German community in Cincinnati.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Why was the mural painted over in the first place? Castle speculates it happened in 1920, when the building became a men’s coat factory after Prohibition halted brewing operations. ‘The mural wouldn’t have fit the image of a coat factory,’ he says. Yet, this act of concealment ultimately preserved the artwork for future generations. Beth Johnson, Executive Director of Cincinnati Preservation, notes, ‘We knew the mural existed, but its condition is astonishing. It’s a testament to the power of preservation.’
The discovery has sparked excitement within the community. Rhinegeist CEO Adam Bankovich plans to showcase the mural as part of the Brewing Heritage Tour and even brew a pre-Prohibition style lager, named ‘Tip of the Hat,’ in honor of the mural’s central figure. ‘It’s our way of celebrating this piece of history,’ he says. One tile on the man’s hat, slightly misaligned from a long-forgotten repair, adds a touch of charm to the story.
This find underscores the unexpected joys of preservation. ‘It’s like a treasure hunt,’ Johnson says. ‘Even after years of work, Cincinnati still holds secrets waiting to be uncovered.’ As archives at the Cincinnati Hamilton County Library and Cincinnati Museum Center continue to be explored, who knows what other treasures lie hidden? This mural isn’t just a relic of the past—it’s a reminder of the stories embedded in our buildings, waiting to be rediscovered.
Thought-provoking question for you: Should historic murals like this be left as-is, or is it worth recreating or restoring them to their original glory? Share your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear your perspective!
