Museums
Museums in Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky
A visit to Cincinnati USA is a must for visual arts lovers. The region has a multitude of museums devoted to art, history and unique collections housed in groundbreaking contemporary buildings, historic homes and National Historic Landmarks. View masterpieces – and visit venues – that range from classical to cutting-edge, large-scale to intimate, indoors and even outdoors.
National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
Downtown
National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
Downtown
The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center stands as a monument to freedom bringing to life the importance - and relevance - of struggles for freedom around the... Read more
The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center stands as a monument to freedom bringing to life the importance - and relevance - of struggles for freedom around the world, throughout history and today. The structure, specifically situated for the location's historical significance, is made up of three buildings that symbolize... Read More
Behringer-Crawford Museum
South > Riverfront
Behringer-Crawford Museum
South > Riverfront
From the ridiculous (BCM’s infamous two-headed calf) to the sublime (our fascinating collections), this family-friendly museum celebrates the unique arts, heritage and... Read more
From the ridiculous (BCM’s infamous two-headed calf) to the sublime (our fascinating collections), this family-friendly museum celebrates the unique arts, heritage and culture of Northern Kentucky as part of the Ohio Valley. Examine a mammoth fossil, take a ride through time with the beautifully restored 1892 streetcar “... Read More
Creation Museum
South > Southwest
Creation Museum
South > Southwest
Bible history comes to life at the family-friendly Creation Museum! Journey through biblical history in this state-of-the-art, 75,000-square-foot museum designed by a... Read more
Bible history comes to life at the family-friendly Creation Museum! Journey through biblical history in this state-of-the-art, 75,000-square-foot museum designed by a former Universal Studios exhibit director. Your admission includes the main walk-through, the Dinosaur Den, Dr. Crawley’s Insectorium, a special effects theater,... Read More
Taft Museum of Art
Downtown
Taft Museum of Art
Downtown
The Taft Museum of Art is one of the finest small art museums in America. A National Historic Landmark built in 1820, the historic house was the home of some iconic... Read more
The Taft Museum of Art is one of the finest small art museums in America. A National Historic Landmark built in 1820, the historic house was the home of some iconic Cincinnatians, including: Martin Baum, Nicholas Longworth, David Sinton, Anna Sinton Taft and Charles Phelps Taft. Opening in 1932, the Taft Museum is home to an... Read More
Ark Encounter
South > Southwest
Ark Encounter
South > Southwest
The Ark Encounter features a jaw-dropping reconstruction of Noah's ark, built to biblical specs. At over 1.5 football fields long and reaching higher than a four-story... Read more
The Ark Encounter features a jaw-dropping reconstruction of Noah's ark, built to biblical specs. At over 1.5 football fields long and reaching higher than a four-story house, the Ark is one of the largest timber-frame structures in the world. As you explore three decks of cutting-edge exhibits, the biblical account of Noah's... Read More
Cincinnati History Museum
Downtown
Cincinnati History Museum
Downtown
The Public Landing is the first phase of permanent exhibits to reopen in The Cincinnati History Museum (part of Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal) following the... Read more
The Public Landing is the first phase of permanent exhibits to reopen in The Cincinnati History Museum (part of Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal) following the remarkable restoration work done to Union Terminal. The immersive experience transports visitors back in time to the mid-19th century, to the creak of paddle... Read More
Ohio Tobacco Museum
East
Ohio Tobacco Museum
East
The two-story brick house is of Federal and Georgian style architecture. This 1850s home was once owned by the Espey family. Mr. Espey worked for Heavy... Read more
The two-story brick house is of Federal and Georgian style architecture. This 1850s home was once owned by the Espey family. Mr. Espey worked for Heavy Munition Works in Cincinnati, the company that produced Ripley’s three cannons for protection during the Civil War. The historic home became the site of the Ohio Tobacco... Read More
Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal
Downtown
Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal
Downtown
Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal is home to the Cincinnati History Museum, Duke Energy Children's Museum, Museum of Natural History & Science, and ... Read more
Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal is home to the Cincinnati History Museum, Duke Energy Children's Museum, Museum of Natural History & Science, and Robert D. Lindner Family OMNIMAX Theater. New this year as part of the Museum of Natural History & Science, is the Science Interactives Gallery (this exhibit is... Read More
21c Museum Hotel
Downtown
21c Museum Hotel
Downtown
Located in the center of the action in downtown Cincinnati - adjacent to the Contemporary Arts Center and across the street from the Aronoff Center for the Arts – 21c... Read more
Located in the center of the action in downtown Cincinnati - adjacent to the Contemporary Arts Center and across the street from the Aronoff Center for the Arts – 21c Museum Hotel Cincinnati is a 156-room boutique hotel, contemporary art museum and cultural civic center. The museum and hotel is located in the 100-year-old... Read More
The Rosemary Clooney House Museum
South > Southeast
The Rosemary Clooney House Museum
South > Southeast
Thanks to the generous efforts of Dr. Steve Henry, former Lt. Governor of Kentucky, and his wife Heather French Henry, Miss America 2000, Rosemary Clooney's historical... Read more
Thanks to the generous efforts of Dr. Steve Henry, former Lt. Governor of Kentucky, and his wife Heather French Henry, Miss America 2000, Rosemary Clooney's historical home has been restored. The home is open to the public as a museum displaying an extensive collection of exhibits in honor of this legendary singer's life and... Read More
Cardboard Boat Museum
East
Cardboard Boat Museum
East
The Cardboard Boat Museum exists because of the annual Cardboard Boat Race on the Ohio River in New Richmond. The race draws thousands of spectators and well over 50 boats... Read more
The Cardboard Boat Museum exists because of the annual Cardboard Boat Race on the Ohio River in New Richmond. The race draws thousands of spectators and well over 50 boats each year. The Museum is located inside of an old gas station and features a wide variety of boats.
Carpenter Art Enamel Foundation
South > Riverfront
Carpenter Art Enamel Foundation
South > Riverfront
The W.W. Carpenter Enamel Foundation Museum is a privately owned collection, dedicated to works of enamel art and craft, from historical antique Limoges paintings to a... Read more
The W.W. Carpenter Enamel Foundation Museum is a privately owned collection, dedicated to works of enamel art and craft, from historical antique Limoges paintings to a large collection of contemporary works by some of the finest artists in the field. The museum houses over 600 pieces of enamel art. The art works are very... Read More
U.S. Grant Boyhood Home
East
U.S. Grant Boyhood Home
East
Built in 1823 by Jesse and Hannah Grant, additions to the home were made in 1825 and 1828, and many more times after it was sold in 1840's. Slated for demolition in the... Read more
Built in 1823 by Jesse and Hannah Grant, additions to the home were made in 1825 and 1828, and many more times after it was sold in 1840's. Slated for demolition in the early 1980's, the property was saved by John and Judy Ruthven. Designated a National Historic Landmark, it was opened for visitors in 1982. Today, after... Read More
Neusole Glassworks
North
Neusole Glassworks
North
Neusole Glassworks is a non-profit organization that offers a variety of courses to teach all ages and skill levels the art of glass. Whether you want to create glass art... Read more
Neusole Glassworks is a non-profit organization that offers a variety of courses to teach all ages and skill levels the art of glass. Whether you want to create glass art for a living or just want to make a small piece to see what it's like to handle this exciting molten material - Neusole Glassworks has a class for you! Take a... Read More
The Carnegie
South > Riverfront
The Carnegie
South > Riverfront
The Carnegie is Northern Kentucky’s largest multidisciplinary arts venue hosting theater and concert events, children’s arts programs and art exhibitions. With five art... Read more
The Carnegie is Northern Kentucky’s largest multidisciplinary arts venue hosting theater and concert events, children’s arts programs and art exhibitions. With five art galleries, a magnificent turn-of-the-century theater, and a brand new education center, the Carnegie is one of the most prominent arts institutions in Northern... Read More
Cincinnati Skirball Museum
Uptown
Cincinnati Skirball Museum
Uptown
The Skirball Museum in Cincinnati has a long history as one of the oldest repositories of Jewish cultural artifacts in America. The first stage in the museum's development... Read more
The Skirball Museum in Cincinnati has a long history as one of the oldest repositories of Jewish cultural artifacts in America. The first stage in the museum's development lasted for nearly a century, beginning when Hebrew Union College (HUC) opened in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1875 and over time began accepting donations of Judaic... Read More
Harrison-Symmes Memorial Foundation Museum
West
Harrison-Symmes Memorial Foundation Museum
West
Dedicated to preserving the History of local Presidents and caring for the tomb of the 9th U.S. President, William Henry Harrison. The museum has several historical items... Read more
Dedicated to preserving the History of local Presidents and caring for the tomb of the 9th U.S. President, William Henry Harrison. The museum has several historical items pertaining to Wm. Henry Harrison, his grandson President Benjamin Harrison (23rd President) and John Cleves Symmes. It also has many other interesting "one of... Read More
Harmon Museum
North
Harmon Museum
North
Housed in a 28,000-square-foot brick building, the Harmon Museum contains artifacts from prehistoric eras to the 1830s and mid-20th century periods. It holds more than 30... Read more
Housed in a 28,000-square-foot brick building, the Harmon Museum contains artifacts from prehistoric eras to the 1830s and mid-20th century periods. It holds more than 30 exhibits on three floor levels displaying thousands of items that will interest both young and old alike.
John Parker House
East
John Parker House
East
John Parker was a slave who had a desire for freedom which he eventually earned by paying his master for his freedom in 1845. John Parker came to Cincinnati and moved into... Read more
John Parker was a slave who had a desire for freedom which he eventually earned by paying his master for his freedom in 1845. John Parker came to Cincinnati and moved into a house near the Ohio River shore in Ripley, Ohio. He helped hundreds of slaves escape to freedom through the Underground Railroad. John Parker House... Read More
The 1811 Augusta Jail
South > Southeast
The 1811 Augusta Jail
South > Southeast
The 1811 Augusta Jail is the oldest jail in the state of Kentucky on its original foundation. The 1st floor, the prisoner's quarters, have been restored and is open to the... Read more
The 1811 Augusta Jail is the oldest jail in the state of Kentucky on its original foundation. The 1st floor, the prisoner's quarters, have been restored and is open to the public. The second story, the jailer's living quarters, is currently being renovated and will be open soon. One may take a self-guided tour of the dungeon... Read More
Glendale Heritage Preservation Museum and Gift Shop
North
Glendale Heritage Preservation Museum and Gift Shop
North
Operated by the Glendale Heritage Preservation, the Museum is housed in the former Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton Railroad Depot built in 1880 to replace the original... Read more
Operated by the Glendale Heritage Preservation, the Museum is housed in the former Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton Railroad Depot built in 1880 to replace the original 1854 wooden structure which was leveled by fire. Viewdisplays that change three to four times a year. Watch a quick video and learn why Glendale is a historic... Read More
Fort Ancient State Memorial
North
Fort Ancient State Memorial
North
The site includes 18,000 feet of earthen walls built 2,000 years ago by American Indians and a museum. Fort Ancient offers exploration and learning both indoors and out.... Read more
The site includes 18,000 feet of earthen walls built 2,000 years ago by American Indians and a museum. Fort Ancient offers exploration and learning both indoors and out. At the Fort Ancient Museum, visitors can look back at the three major technological themes of American Indian culture.
Tharp Dayton Heritage Museum
South > Riverfront
Tharp Dayton Heritage Museum
South > Riverfront
The museum archives and honors the history of Dayton, Kentucky dating back to the first settlers in 1779.
The museum archives and honors the history of Dayton, Kentucky dating back to the first settlers in 1779.
Ohio County Historical Museum
West
Ohio County Historical Museum
West
Established in 1968, the Ohio County Historical Society opened the Rising Sun History Museum in 1972. Housed in a 19th century plow factory, most of the contents have been... Read more
Established in 1968, the Ohio County Historical Society opened the Rising Sun History Museum in 1972. Housed in a 19th century plow factory, most of the contents have been donated by Ohio County residents, their families, and friends. Displays focus on the 1800′s and early 20th century life and events. Included in the displays... Read More
NKU Anthropology Museum
South > Southeast
NKU Anthropology Museum
South > Southeast
Founded in 1976, the Museum of Anthropology is located on the 2nd floor of Landrum Academic Center. Our collections focus on contemporary arts of Native Americans, and... Read more
Founded in 1976, the Museum of Anthropology is located on the 2nd floor of Landrum Academic Center. Our collections focus on contemporary arts of Native Americans, and contemporary ethnographic and folk arts of world cultures, especially those of Latin America, Africa, Southeast Asia, and New Guinea. The museum currently is... Read More
German Heritage Museum
North
German Heritage Museum
North
The German Heritage Museum serves as the focal point in presenting and displaying German-American culture. This museum is the first of its kind in the region, and a... Read more
The German Heritage Museum serves as the focal point in presenting and displaying German-American culture. This museum is the first of its kind in the region, and a testament to the many contributions German immigrants and their descendants have made toward the building of the Ohio Valley and America. The museum focuses... Read More
Cincinnati Art Museum
Uptown
Cincinnati Art Museum
Uptown
Located in scenic Eden Park, the Cincinnati Art Museum features an unparalleled art collection of more than 67,000 works spanning 6,000 years. In addition to displaying... Read more
Located in scenic Eden Park, the Cincinnati Art Museum features an unparalleled art collection of more than 67,000 works spanning 6,000 years. In addition to displaying its own broad collection, the Art Museum also hosts several national and international traveling exhibitions each year. The Rosenthal Education Center offers an... Read More
Clifton Cultural Arts Center
Uptown
Clifton Cultural Arts Center
Uptown
The guiding vision of CCAC is one of a dynamic and collaborative civic hub – a bustling hive of artistic activity and personal expression where people of all ages and... Read more
The guiding vision of CCAC is one of a dynamic and collaborative civic hub – a bustling hive of artistic activity and personal expression where people of all ages and backgrounds, will come and go from morning until evening.
The Ripley Museum
East
The Ripley Museum
East
The Ripley Museum is located in an 1850's home featuring 10 rooms with collectibles dating from the late 18th century up to the mid-20th century. This federal design... Read more
The Ripley Museum is located in an 1850's home featuring 10 rooms with collectibles dating from the late 18th century up to the mid-20th century. This federal design house is similar to many built in Ripley in the 1850's. It features three fireplaces and a curved staircase. The parlor, with its shuttered windows, contains a... Read More
Museum of Natural History & Science
Downtown
Museum of Natural History & Science
Downtown
Be transported back to the Jurassic Period with the new Dinosaur Hall at Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal. This is the first gallery to reopen after the... Read more
Be transported back to the Jurassic Period with the new Dinosaur Hall at Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal. This is the first gallery to reopen after the Union Terminal restoration. The 7,000-square-foot gallery features six massive dinosaur specimens ranging from the Jurassic Period to the Cretaceous Period, including... Read More
Drake Planetarium & Science Center
Uptown
Drake Planetarium & Science Center
Uptown
Drake Planetarium & Science Center has been providing science education since 1982 to children throughout Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana. The Drake Planetarium's seating... Read more
Drake Planetarium & Science Center has been providing science education since 1982 to children throughout Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana. The Drake Planetarium's seating capacity is 70 visitors per show and programs are available for audiences ranging from preschool age to senior citizens. During the school year, we offer... Read More
Contemporary Arts Center
Downtown
Contemporary Arts Center
Downtown
Founded in Cincinnati in 1939 as the Modern Art Society by three visionary local women, the Contemporary Arts Center was one of the first institutions in the United States... Read more
Founded in Cincinnati in 1939 as the Modern Art Society by three visionary local women, the Contemporary Arts Center was one of the first institutions in the United States dedicated to exhibiting contemporary art. The CAC provides the opportunity for all people to discover the dynamic relationship between art and life by... Read More
Museum at the Friends Home
North
Museum at the Friends Home
North
Discover the history of early Quaker culture at the Friends Home Museum in Waynesville, Ohio's Quaker historical District. Originally constructed as a boarding house in... Read more
Discover the history of early Quaker culture at the Friends Home Museum in Waynesville, Ohio's Quaker historical District. Originally constructed as a boarding house in 1905, the Friends Home Museum features twenty-two rooms of exhibits, each highlighting a unique aspect of early Quaker life. Listed on the National Register of... Read More
Greater Cincinnati Police Museum
Downtown
Greater Cincinnati Police Museum
Downtown
Artifacts and records from two centuries of law enforcement in 600 communities of eight contiguous counties in Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky.
Artifacts and records from two centuries of law enforcement in 600 communities of eight contiguous counties in Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky.
Kenton County Public Library – Erlanger
South > Southwest
Kenton County Public Library – Erlanger
South > Southwest
The Erlanger location opened in October 2002. It has 34,300 square feet, features 15 station computer lab, meeting room to accommodate 200, children’s area, reading... Read more
The Erlanger location opened in October 2002. It has 34,300 square feet, features 15 station computer lab, meeting room to accommodate 200, children’s area, reading garden, outdoor council ring, and drive-through window. It is the busiest library in Kentucky. Library computers include Microsoft Office, Internet access and... Read More
Lucky Cat Museum
Uptown
Lucky Cat Museum
Uptown
Most everyone recognizes Maneki Neko (Japan's "Lucky Cat"). Asian restaurants often have the happy waving cat greeting customers. The Cincinnati Lucky Cat Museum has over... Read more
Most everyone recognizes Maneki Neko (Japan's "Lucky Cat"). Asian restaurants often have the happy waving cat greeting customers. The Cincinnati Lucky Cat Museum has over 1,000 of these fortunate felines on display. Some are waving, some are not. Some are lefties, some righties, and some use both paws to invite luck. One... Read More
William Holmes McGuffey Museum
North
William Holmes McGuffey Museum
North
Historic home and museum dedicated to the life of William Holmes McGuffey, the McGuffey Eclectic Reader series, the history of Miami University, and the 19th century... Read more
Historic home and museum dedicated to the life of William Holmes McGuffey, the McGuffey Eclectic Reader series, the history of Miami University, and the 19th century domestic life and architecture of southwest Ohio.
James A. Ramage Civil War Museum
South > Southwest
James A. Ramage Civil War Museum
South > Southwest
Battery Hooper, one of the few remaining Civil War defensive positions left in Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati, represents a time when the community came together in a... Read more
Battery Hooper, one of the few remaining Civil War defensive positions left in Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati, represents a time when the community came together in a crisis. In September of 1862 -- 142 years ago this September --men, women, and children worked together to erect an eight-mile defensive line from Ludlow to... Read More
John Rankin House
East
John Rankin House
East
Revered John Rankin preached for several years in Kentucky but decided to move his family across the Ohio River to the free state of Ohio. In 1825, he built the house on... Read more
Revered John Rankin preached for several years in Kentucky but decided to move his family across the Ohio River to the free state of Ohio. In 1825, he built the house on Liberty Hill with its proximity to the river and its owner's hatred of slavery, the Rankin home became a stopping point for slaves. Around 2,000 escaped slaves... Read More
Vent Haven Museum
South > Southwest
Vent Haven Museum
South > Southwest
Vent Haven Museum is the world's only museum of ventriloquial figures and memorabilia. The museum is in Fort Mitchell, Kentucky, just 5 miles south of Cincinnati, Ohio.
Vent Haven Museum is the world's only museum of ventriloquial figures and memorabilia. The museum is in Fort Mitchell, Kentucky, just 5 miles south of Cincinnati, Ohio.
Heritage Village Museum
North
Heritage Village Museum
North
Heritage Village Museum engages visitors in entertaining educational activities that help them appreciate how changes in 19th-century family life in southwest Ohio relate... Read more
Heritage Village Museum engages visitors in entertaining educational activities that help them appreciate how changes in 19th-century family life in southwest Ohio relate to their own life experiences. Drive just 20 miles north from Cincinnati and return to small town life of 100 years ago. Heritage Village, a picturesque... Read More
Fort Thomas Military and Community Museum
South > Southwest
Fort Thomas Military and Community Museum
South > Southwest
The Ft. Thomas Community Museum's mission is to preserve, interpret and celebrate the cultural significance of our city; and to educate the public on the importance of our... Read more
The Ft. Thomas Community Museum's mission is to preserve, interpret and celebrate the cultural significance of our city; and to educate the public on the importance of our community's heritage. Fort Thomas was an induction center during WWI and WWII and over 80,000 were signed up for military duty on this very site. Dozens of... Read More
Whitehall Plantation Museum
South > Southeast
Whitehall Plantation Museum
South > Southeast
Built in 1809 by Arthur Thome, Whitehall is listed on the national register as a part of the Underground Railroad. This private home features exquisite gardens, and rare... Read more
Built in 1809 by Arthur Thome, Whitehall is listed on the national register as a part of the Underground Railroad. This private home features exquisite gardens, and rare antique furniture. The highlights include gorgeous parlor sets by the revolutionary furniture maker, John Henry Belter, as well as pieces by the famous artisan... Read More
Cincinnati Aviation Heritage Society & Museum
East
Cincinnati Aviation Heritage Society & Museum
East
Cincinnati Aviation Heritage Society & Museum is a 501c3 organization focused on the history of General Aviation and Air Transport. Visitors to the... Read more
Cincinnati Aviation Heritage Society & Museum is a 501c3 organization focused on the history of General Aviation and Air Transport. Visitors to the museum will learn about the history of Lunken Airport and other airports in the area dating back to the 1920’s. They will also learn about aircraft built in Cincinnati such... Read More
Nancy and David Wolf Holocaust and Humanity Center
Downtown
Nancy and David Wolf Holocaust and Humanity Center
Downtown
Located at historic Union Terminal, the very site where many Holocaust survivors arrived in Cincinnati to rebuild their lives, The Holocaust and Humanity Center aims to... Read more
Located at historic Union Terminal, the very site where many Holocaust survivors arrived in Cincinnati to rebuild their lives, The Holocaust and Humanity Center aims to ensure the lessons of the past inspire action today. Through innovative storytelling, interactive experiences, and genuine artifacts, visitors witness the... Read More
Alverta Green Museum
North
Alverta Green Museum
North
The Mason Historical Society's Alverta Green Museum is in a quaint Victorian home displaying antiques, photographs, documents and artifacts which detail the history and... Read more
The Mason Historical Society's Alverta Green Museum is in a quaint Victorian home displaying antiques, photographs, documents and artifacts which detail the history and heritage of the city of Mason, Ohio. Free educational tours for families, adults, and children are led by volunteers and may be reserved for students, scouts,... Read More
Tri-State Warbird Museum
East
Tri-State Warbird Museum
East
A historic aviation museum dedicated to remembering those who fought for our freedom, and honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice. The Museum is a 20,000 square... Read more
A historic aviation museum dedicated to remembering those who fought for our freedom, and honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice. The Museum is a 20,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility which provides: An inviting atmosphere to facilitate the restoration and preservation of the aircraft, while maximizing the Museum... Read More
American Sign Museum
Uptown
American Sign Museum
Uptown
Take a walk down Memory Lane. The American Sign Museum takes you through a half century of sign history, beginning with the fancy goldleaf glass signs of the early 1900s,... Read more
Take a walk down Memory Lane. The American Sign Museum takes you through a half century of sign history, beginning with the fancy goldleaf glass signs of the early 1900s, through the pre-neon era of lightbulb signs, to neon's heydey in the 1930s-1940s, and on into the plastic era of the funky '50s. Guided tours are offered and... Read More
Lloyd Library and Museum
Downtown
Lloyd Library and Museum
Downtown
A collection covering medical botany, pharmacy, eclectic medicine, and horticulture.
A collection covering medical botany, pharmacy, eclectic medicine, and horticulture.
Kenton County Public Library – William E. Durr
South > Southeast
Kenton County Public Library – William E. Durr
South > Southeast
The William E. Durr location of the Kenton County Public Library opened in January 2007. It is a 39,000 square-foot library, with 25,283 sq. ft. of public space. Features... Read more
The William E. Durr location of the Kenton County Public Library opened in January 2007. It is a 39,000 square-foot library, with 25,283 sq. ft. of public space. Features include a drive-through window, 2,000 sq. ft. meeting room, two study rooms, 15 station computer lab, 32 public access computers and a reading garden. The... Read More
