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Ohio Showcase Building and Shaping Ohio exhibit

Discover the new additions

The Ohio Showcase Building, which involves a collaboration between the Ohio Expo Center and State Fair and the Ohio History Connection, will be the site of opening ceremonies on the first day of the 2026 State Fair, Wednesday, July 29.

The brand-new Showcase Building includes the “Shaping Ohio” exhibit developed by the Ohio History Connection.

Shaping Ohio Exhibit Highlights History

Visitors will be swept into the story of Ohio through a breathtaking 360-degree film and then explore four immersive “Shaping Ohio” exhibit sections celebrating the innovation, people, land and community that make Ohio extraordinary — including a life-size replica 1905 Wright Flyer III and touchscreen exhibits highlighting the Buckeye State's most iconic people and inventions.

“The ‘Shaping Ohio’ exhibit is designed to connect fairgoers to Ohio’s past by bringing history to life right in front of them,” said Megan Wood, Executive Director and CEO of the Ohio History Connection. “Visitors will be able to learn all about our state while enjoying all of the attractions the State Fair has to offer.

Ohio Expo Center & State Fairgrounds Executive Director Adam Heffron shared, “The culmination of years of construction and design effort is something we are thrilled to share with fairgoers and residents from all over. The new Ohio Showcase Building will be a centerpiece of the new Town Square, and the Shaping Ohio Exhibit gets to show the state’s pride and joy permanently. We’re thrilled to unveil this partnership with the Ohio History Connection in an experience we know fairgoers will love.”

The Showcase Building’s food hall will bring together beloved local chefs and homegrown favorites like Marlow's Cheesesteaks, The Cheesecake Girl, Daisy's Fish Shack, Glass City Pizzeria, Schmidt's Sausage Haus and Sweet Carrot.

The air-conditioned Showcase Building, including the “Shaping Ohio” exhibit will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. The exhibit is free and included with Fair admission for guests. It is the perfect stop for visitors of all ages with its components of education, entertainment and local flavors.

Ohio History Connection members once again will receive two free general admission tickets and free parking at the Fair by showing their membership cards to the parking attendant and then again at their gate of entry, which includes the Ohio History Center museum at 800 E. 17th Ave. The offer is valid only in-person, and additional tickets may be purchased at regular price.



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