A friend and I are planning a day trip from Cincinnati to the NCM.  We also plan on a stop at the Maker's Mark distillery and a Whiskey Museum along the way.  I think we'll be pushing it to spend 2 1/2 hours at NCM.  It will be on a weekend, so the plant tour is out.

Personally, I think you can tour the NCM in 2-1/2 hours if you don't read much.  If you just look at things, and quickly read their titles (if that), you'll be fine.  The place isn't really very big.

I agree - 2.5 hours is good.

Marshall, It's 3.5 - 4.5 hours from Cincinnatti to Bowling Green. Given what all you said you were planning on you may want to scale some of this down.

I doubt that you can get in Makers Marks, the Whiskey Museum, eat, buy gas, go to NCM, and I would suggest Art's Corvettes (he has several muscle cars and it's next to NCM + free) in your time frame. Unless you leave at like 4:00 am.
You probally will do okay in your timeframe if you drive to NCM, Arts Corvettes, and eat. Tuxblacray2006-09-28 14:54:19

You can do the NCM in 2.5 hours, if you keep moving and don't read all the signs. But if I was driving 4 hours each way, I'd spend the night and take my time. The NCM is open on Sunday.

Yup...I was gonna say about 2, 2-1/2 hours, for a decent tour thru there. You can spend a lot more time lookin, if you do stop and read...and stare...and wish...
Like Adam said, the place ain't all that big, but there is a ton of neat stuff to look at!! Shoot...you could just walk completely thru the whole building in about 5 minutes!!
Enjoy the museum, tho!!
(if you go to the store...add another HOUR to your time!!!