UNO Mural in Reading, Ohio
A colorful public-art stop marking the hometown story behind one of the world’s best-known card games.
Where Is the UNO Mural—and Is It Worth Stopping For?
The UNO mural is located at 20 West Benson Street in Reading, Ohio, and it is an easy 5–10 minute stop for anyone interested in street art, local history, classic games or unusual Cincinnati-area discoveries.
What makes it especially interesting is the historical marker beneath it explaining that UNO was invented in Reading by local barber Merle Robbins.
I traveled to Reading, Ohio, planning to have lunch at Strong’s Brick Oven Pizzeria.
After parking at the restaurant, I noticed the colorful Love Blooms mural across the street.
While photographing Love Blooms, I discovered another piece of public art nearby: an oversized deck of UNO cards painted on a brick wall.
Beneath it, a historical marker revealed something I had never known—the classic card game was created right here in Reading.
Who Invented UNO and Why Is Reading, Ohio Important?
Merlin “Merle” Robbins, a barber from Reading, Ohio, invented UNO in 1971.
The game grew out of his family’s love of card games—especially Crazy Eights—and disagreements over its rules.
According to the historical marker beneath the mural, the original decks were designed and assembled at the Robbins family’s dining-room table.
Robbins initially sold the decks through his barbershop before the game grew far beyond Reading.
The historical marker beneath the mural explains UNO’s Reading, Ohio origins.
The National Toy Hall of Fame also documents Robbins’ connection to Reading and notes that his family’s love of Crazy Eights led to the creation of UNO.
The game was inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame in 2018.
I grew up playing UNO, but I had no idea the game began in this small community outside Cincinnati.
Learning that history from the marker made this quick mural stop much more meaningful.
What Does the UNO Mural Look Like?
The mural depicts a dramatically oversized deck of UNO cards against a white brick wall.
Its familiar red design, bold lettering and exaggerated scale make the artwork immediately recognizable.
The cards are what first caught my attention, but the historical marker beneath them completes the story.
Without reading the marker, it would be easy to see the mural simply as a colorful tribute to a popular game.
The marker explains why the artwork belongs in Reading and connects the mural directly to the town’s history.
Where Is the UNO Mural in Reading, Ohio?
The UNO mural is painted on the side of Redwine & Co. at 20 West Benson Street in Reading, Ohio.
20 West Benson Street
Reading, Ohio
The mural can be viewed freely from the public sidewalk.
I photographed it alone and felt completely safe and comfortable walking around this part of Reading during my visit.
I had parked at Strong’s because I was eating there before exploring the murals.
Visitors who are not dining at the restaurant should use an appropriate public parking space and follow any posted parking restrictions.
How Close Is the UNO Mural to Other Reading Murals?
The UNO mural is easy to combine with several nearby public-art stops during the same short outing.
How Much Time Do You Need at the UNO Mural?
Allow approximately 5–10 minutes to view the mural, photograph the oversized cards and read the historical marker.
This is better treated as a quick stop than a standalone destination.
Combine it with lunch at Strong’s Pizza and a walk to see the other murals around Reading.
Together, the restaurant and public art create an enjoyable local outing without requiring an entire day.
UNO Mural Quick Planning Guide
What Is the Best Way to Photograph the UNO Mural?
A straight-on smartphone photo works well because the mural is relatively compact and accessible from the sidewalk.
I photographed the UNO mural using only my phone. No specialized photography equipment is necessary.
I visited around 1:00 p.m. The mural’s orientation kept the midday lighting favorable during my visit, allowing me to capture the bright colors without troublesome glare or harsh shadows.
Lighting conditions can vary with the season and weather, but the mural was easy to photograph during my lunchtime stop.
Is the UNO Mural a Good Stop for Solo Travelers?
Based on my own visit, yes. I explored the mural area alone and felt comfortable walking between the artwork and nearby businesses.
The UNO mural, Love Blooms and Strong’s Brick Oven Pizzeria are close together, so visiting them does not require a long or isolated walk.
As always, use normal awareness around traffic, parking areas and street crossings.
UNO Mural FAQ
Was UNO really invented in Reading, Ohio?
Yes. Merle Robbins, a barber from Reading, invented UNO in 1971. The National Toy Hall of Fame also identifies Reading as the Robbins family’s hometown and documents the game’s origins there.
Is the UNO mural free to visit?
Yes. The mural is visible from the public sidewalk and does not require admission.
How long should you spend at the mural?
About 5–10 minutes is enough for most visitors to photograph the mural and read the historical marker.
Can you see the UNO and Love Blooms murals together?
Yes. The two murals are close enough to combine during the same short walk through Reading.
Is the UNO Mural Worth Visiting?
The UNO mural is worth adding to a Reading itinerary if you enjoy public art, local history, classic games or unusual roadside discoveries.
It is colorful, easy to access and connected to a story many visitors—including me—may not know.
I would not make a long trip solely for this mural. Instead, pair it with Strong’s Brick Oven Pizzeria, Love Blooms and the other artwork around Reading.
What began as a lunch stop for me became a small walking discovery filled with public art and hometown history.
About Angela
Angela Addington is the travel photographer and writer behind Lenses & Latitudes. She shares firsthand destination guidance and practical photography advice for independent and solo travelers, women over 50, road-trippers and weekend explorers. Learn more about Angela.
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