Visual Arts & Culture
Find Visual Arts, Culture & History in Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky
The Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky region is steeped in a rich history and legacy. The revitalization of historic neighborhoods and the scenic riverfront – coupled with our renowned art museums, iconic landmarks and Art Deco architecture – makes the region a vibrant area for visual arts, culture and history.
Featured
BB Riverboats
South > Riverfront
BB Riverboats
South > Riverfront
Inspired by Cincinnati’s endearing bond to the river, BB Riverboats’ founder, Ben Bernstein, along with close friend and industry pioneer, Betty Blake, sought to provide a... Read more
Inspired by Cincinnati’s endearing bond to the river, BB Riverboats’ founder, Ben Bernstein, along with close friend and industry pioneer, Betty Blake, sought to provide a new opportunity—one centered on adventure, beauty, and discovery. They envisioned a journey where lasting memories would be created by the undeniable romance... 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
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
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
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
Carew Tower Observation Deck
Downtown
Carew Tower Observation Deck
Downtown
CLOSED FOR THE REMAINDER OF 2020 - Completed in 1930, Carew Tower stands 49 stories tall in the heart of downtown Cincinnati. Visitors to the 49th floor Observation... Read more
CLOSED FOR THE REMAINDER OF 2020 - Completed in 1930, Carew Tower stands 49 stories tall in the heart of downtown Cincinnati. Visitors to the 49th floor Observation Deck can enjoy one of the city's most spectacular views plus pick up a Cincinnati souvenier in the gift shop. Carew Tower is also home to 25 shops, restaurants,... 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
Cincy Top Ten Tour
Downtown
Cincy Top Ten Tour
Downtown
Visiting Cincinnati? This budget friendly tour is for you! Enjoy 5 mouth-watering dishes that Cincinnati is known for and visit the 10 must-see sites with a... Read more
Visiting Cincinnati? This budget friendly tour is for you! Enjoy 5 mouth-watering dishes that Cincinnati is known for and visit the 10 must-see sites with a friendly local guide. How do you do it all? You'll hop aboard the Cincinnati Streetcar (all day pass included). When the tour concludes, you will have enjoyed a... 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
Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum
Downtown
Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum
Downtown
The Reds Hall of Fame, which opened in 2004, is an interactive, historical museum dedicated to recognizing and celebrating Cincinnati Reds baseball.
The Reds Hall of Fame, which opened in 2004, is an interactive, historical museum dedicated to recognizing and celebrating Cincinnati Reds baseball.
Dearborn County Historical Society
West
Dearborn County Historical Society
West
Located in the historic Vance-Tousey House in downtown Lawrenceburg, the Dearborn County Historical Society offers a variety of services for visitors interested in the... Read more
Located in the historic Vance-Tousey House in downtown Lawrenceburg, the Dearborn County Historical Society offers a variety of services for visitors interested in the county's rich history, including genealogical research assistance, a restored log cabin and programs and special events on occasion.
Learning Through Art, Inc.
Downtown
Learning Through Art, Inc.
Downtown
Building Community Through Art Learning Through Art, Inc., a 501 c (3) non-profit performing arts education organization, is dedicated to providing quality performing... Read more
Building Community Through Art Learning Through Art, Inc., a 501 c (3) non-profit performing arts education organization, is dedicated to providing quality performing arts programs in support of arts education and community development encouraging multi-cultural awareness and understanding. Programs and services are reaching... Read More
Whitewater Canal State Historic Site
West
Whitewater Canal State Historic Site
West
Discover how this 1840s feat of engineering changed Indiana from a pioneer outpost to the "Crossroads of America"
Discover how this 1840s feat of engineering changed Indiana from a pioneer outpost to the "Crossroads of America"
Paintbrush Pottery
North
Paintbrush Pottery
North
Adults and children of all ages will love creating a special ceramic work of art at this paint-your-own pottery studio in charming Springboro, Ohio. Come in, pick out a... Read more
Adults and children of all ages will love creating a special ceramic work of art at this paint-your-own pottery studio in charming Springboro, Ohio. Come in, pick out a piece, paint it, and have it glazed and fired with just a seven-day turnaround! Parties for all ages and occasions can be scheduled and include a specially-... Read More
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
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
Union Terminal Rotunda Tours
Downtown
Union Terminal Rotunda Tours
Downtown
Celebrate Union Terminal’s restoration and learn about the building’s significant history with a 50-minute free Rotunda tour led by our Cincinnati Heritage Program docents... Read more
Celebrate Union Terminal’s restoration and learn about the building’s significant history with a 50-minute free Rotunda tour led by our Cincinnati Heritage Program docents. You’ll discover more about the construction, architecture and artwork of one of the world’s finest examples of art deco style. Hear details about the world-... Read More
Xavier University
Uptown
Xavier University
Uptown
Founded in 1831, Xavier University is a private coeducational university located in Cincinnati, Ohio. Cincinnati is home to six Fortune 500 companies and two professional... Read more
Founded in 1831, Xavier University is a private coeducational university located in Cincinnati, Ohio. Cincinnati is home to six Fortune 500 companies and two professional sports teams. Xavier provides a liberal arts education in the Catholic, Jesuit tradition. The university is the third-largest independent institution in Ohio... Read More
Manifest Creative Research Gallery and Drawing Center
Uptown
Manifest Creative Research Gallery and Drawing Center
Uptown
Manifest stands for the quality presentation, experience, and documentation of the visual arts, engaging students, professionals, and the public from around the world... Read more
Manifest stands for the quality presentation, experience, and documentation of the visual arts, engaging students, professionals, and the public from around the world through accessible world-class exhibits, studio programs, and publications. Manifest Gallery serves as a venue for the display and experience of insightful,... Read More
Visual History Gallery
Uptown
Visual History Gallery
Uptown
Photographic and art gallery featuring work by local artists.
Photographic and art gallery featuring work by local artists.
Backstage and Beyond: Indoor Building Tour of Cincinnati Music Hall
Downtown
Backstage and Beyond: Indoor Building Tour of Cincinnati Music Hall
Downtown
The Friends of Music Hall presents a 60 min indoor building tour of a world-class historical landmark that goes backstage and beyond with a trip through a variety of... Read more
The Friends of Music Hall presents a 60 min indoor building tour of a world-class historical landmark that goes backstage and beyond with a trip through a variety of private and public spaces and Cincinnati history. The tour speaks to guests of a wide range in ages and interests. If you have a particular interest in history,... Read More
Pendleton Art Center
West
Pendleton Art Center
West
The building housing the artists of the Pendleton Art Center in Rising Sun, Indiana was erected in the late 19th century as Gibson Hardware Store, then becoming a small... Read more
The building housing the artists of the Pendleton Art Center in Rising Sun, Indiana was erected in the late 19th century as Gibson Hardware Store, then becoming a small parts and engine repair store during the mid-20th century. In 2000 the city of Rising Sun sold the building to the Pendleton Art Center of Cincinnati as part of... Read More
Elementz
Downtown
Elementz
Downtown
Where street art meets street smart, Elementz is an urban oasis of hope and a catalyst of change for Cincinnati’s inner-city youth. What began as a way to get kids off the... Read more
Where street art meets street smart, Elementz is an urban oasis of hope and a catalyst of change for Cincinnati’s inner-city youth. What began as a way to get kids off the streets in 2001 has transformed into a thriving Urban Arts Center that fosters talent, ignites potential and inspires possibilities. Elementz helps build... Read More
Art On Symmes
North
Art On Symmes
North
High-quality, American-made artwork along with a boutique with classy and affordable apparel
High-quality, American-made artwork along with a boutique with classy and affordable apparel
Blanket Creek Pottery
South > Southeast
Blanket Creek Pottery
South > Southeast
A variety of hand-made pottery pieces.
A variety of hand-made pottery pieces.
BB&T Arena
South > Southeast
BB&T Arena
South > Southeast
Open since 2008, the BB&T Arena is a 10,000 seat, state-of-the-art arena featuring first-class concerts, family shows and a wide variety of sporting events. The BB... Read more
Open since 2008, the BB&T Arena is a 10,000 seat, state-of-the-art arena featuring first-class concerts, family shows and a wide variety of sporting events. The BB&T Arena is located on the campus of Northern Kentucky University and is the home to NKU’s Men’s and Women’s Basketball Teams.
U.S. Grant Schoolhouse
East
U.S. Grant Schoolhouse
East
Tour the schoolhouse of our 18th president, Ulysses S. Grant.
Tour the schoolhouse of our 18th president, Ulysses S. Grant.
Black Lives Matter Cincinnati Mural
Downtown
Black Lives Matter Cincinnati Mural
Downtown
This vibrant new street mural created by 17 local artists and a team of helpers was ceremoniously unveiled on Juneteenth 2020. The privately funded mural spans an entire... Read more
This vibrant new street mural created by 17 local artists and a team of helpers was ceremoniously unveiled on Juneteenth 2020. The privately funded mural spans an entire block of Plum St. directly in front of Cincinnati City Hall. Click here to read more about each of the 17 lead artists and the meaning behind each of their... Read More
Painting With a Twist
North
Painting With a Twist
North
Looking for a fun evening out? Painting with a Twist is the answer! The "twist" is you can bring your favorite bottle of wine or beverage to enjoy during the class. Come... Read more
Looking for a fun evening out? Painting with a Twist is the answer! The "twist" is you can bring your favorite bottle of wine or beverage to enjoy during the class. Come alone or invite your friends. Paint, canvas, and brushes are provided, as is an experienced and an enthusiastic local artist who can lead you step by step... Read More
Cincinnati Art Underground
Downtown
Cincinnati Art Underground
Downtown
Urban art gallery located in Over the Rhine with rotating exhibits by local artists.
Urban art gallery located in Over the Rhine with rotating exhibits by local artists.
Cincinnati Food Tours
Downtown
Cincinnati Food Tours
Downtown
Whether you are looking for something sweet, savory, or to sip on, Cincinnati Food Tours has a tour just for you and your taste buds. Eat your way through numerous... Read more
Whether you are looking for something sweet, savory, or to sip on, Cincinnati Food Tours has a tour just for you and your taste buds. Eat your way through numerous Cincinnati neighborhoods with special stops along the way. Learn about the city's culture and more as you sample local fare and drinks. Pick from any of the... Read More
Gallery 708
Uptown
Gallery 708
Uptown
This artist owned and operated gallery celebrates the area’s talented artists and artisans by promoting their work and providing a professional gallery setting.
This artist owned and operated gallery celebrates the area’s talented artists and artisans by promoting their work and providing a professional gallery setting.
Eisele Gallery
East
Eisele Gallery
East
The Eisele Gallery is one of Cincinnati's oldest galleries specializing in original paintings from 18th, 19th, and 20th century American and European artists. The Eisele... Read more
The Eisele Gallery is one of Cincinnati's oldest galleries specializing in original paintings from 18th, 19th, and 20th century American and European artists. The Eisele Gallery purchases, consigns, and sells their artwork.
Wash Park Art
Downtown
Wash Park Art
Downtown
An intimate art gallery celebrating Cincinnati's creativity, located 3 doors south of Music Hall on Washington Park in historic Over-The-Rhine.
An intimate art gallery celebrating Cincinnati's creativity, located 3 doors south of Music Hall on Washington Park in historic Over-The-Rhine.
Riverside Drive Statue Tour
South > Riverfront
Riverside Drive Statue Tour
South > Riverfront
Located in Covington’s Historic Licking Riverside Neighborhood, the tour is comprised of seven life-like bronze statues of historical figures. Chief Little Turtle led a... Read more
Located in Covington’s Historic Licking Riverside Neighborhood, the tour is comprised of seven life-like bronze statues of historical figures. Chief Little Turtle led a confederation of Miami, Delaware, and Shawnee. Simon Kenton was an early explorer. John James Audubon spent time here drawing and painting. Brought to America... Read More
Harriet Beecher Stowe House
Uptown
Harriet Beecher Stowe House
Uptown
Tour the Cincinnati home where Harriet Beecher Stowe lived during the formative years that led her to write the best-selling novel Uncle Tom’s Cabin. Learn about the... Read more
Tour the Cincinnati home where Harriet Beecher Stowe lived during the formative years that led her to write the best-selling novel Uncle Tom’s Cabin. Learn about the author, the Beecher and Stowe families, the Underground Railroad, women’s rights movement of the 1830s–1860s, and the site as an African American boarding house... Read More
Mount Adams Walks
Uptown
Mount Adams Walks
Uptown
On this guided walking tour of historic Mount Adams, you’ll visit the Immaculata Church, location of the annual Good Friday Pilgrimage, and learn where the US Weather... Read more
On this guided walking tour of historic Mount Adams, you’ll visit the Immaculata Church, location of the annual Good Friday Pilgrimage, and learn where the US Weather Bureau and American Astronomy were born. See the original Rookwood Pottery, the Passionist Monastery, Cincinnati’s oldest Irish pub and the site of the Mount... Read More
Plum Street Temple
Downtown
Plum Street Temple
Downtown
Built in 1866, this temple is a part of the Isaac M. Wise congregation in Amberley Village and reflects the Byzantine-Moorish style that emerged in Germany in the... Read more
Built in 1866, this temple is a part of the Isaac M. Wise congregation in Amberley Village and reflects the Byzantine-Moorish style that emerged in Germany in the nineteenth century, and is the fountainhead of Reform Judaism in America.
Brewing Heritage Trail Tours
Downtown
Brewing Heritage Trail Tours
Downtown
Cincinnati's Over-the-Rhine neighborhood is home to one of the largest collections of pre-Prohibition brewery architecture, in the middle of one of the largest historic... Read more
Cincinnati's Over-the-Rhine neighborhood is home to one of the largest collections of pre-Prohibition brewery architecture, in the middle of one of the largest historic districts in the country. The Brewing Heritage Trail invites the world to explore Cincinnati's brewing heritage through an unrivaled urban walking trail. The... Read More
The Betts House
Downtown
The Betts House
Downtown
Built in 1804, the Betts House, Ohio's oldest brick house, is located in the Betts-Longworth Historic District near downtown Cincinnati. The Betts House offers... Read more
Built in 1804, the Betts House, Ohio's oldest brick house, is located in the Betts-Longworth Historic District near downtown Cincinnati. The Betts House offers exhibits and public programs on architecture, historic preservation, and building technologies. Tours of the house showcase its history and construction. An ongoing... Read More
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
National Steamboat Monument
Downtown
National Steamboat Monument
Downtown
Rising above the concrete slopes of Cincinnati’s Public Landing at Sawyer Point is a three-story, 60 ton, exact replica of the original red paddle wheel from the American... Read more
Rising above the concrete slopes of Cincinnati’s Public Landing at Sawyer Point is a three-story, 60 ton, exact replica of the original red paddle wheel from the American Queen riverboat. It is positioned about 40 feet off the ground, above a series of 24 metal smokestacks in what is known as the Dan and Susan Pfau Whistle... Read More
20th Century Theatre
Uptown
20th Century Theatre
Uptown
20th Century Theatre has had a long and turbulent lifespan including multiple remodels, water damage, and finally taking its place in Oakley in 1997 as a special event,... Read more
20th Century Theatre has had a long and turbulent lifespan including multiple remodels, water damage, and finally taking its place in Oakley in 1997 as a special event, concert, and wedding venue. Its retro flair and large meeting space set it apart as a premiere event venue in the Cincinnati area.
World Peace Bell
South > Riverfront
World Peace Bell
South > Riverfront
You'll want to swing by Newport to visit the World Peace Bell: the largest, free-swinging bell in the world. Weighing in at 66,000 pounds and measuring 12 feet high and 12... Read more
You'll want to swing by Newport to visit the World Peace Bell: the largest, free-swinging bell in the world. Weighing in at 66,000 pounds and measuring 12 feet high and 12 feet wide, the bell was designed and cast by Cincinnati's own Verdin Bell Company, one of the largest bell-making companies in the world. Installed in 1999,... Read More
Veterans Memorial of Boone County
South > Southwest
Veterans Memorial of Boone County
South > Southwest
The Veterans Memorial of Boone County was conceived in 1995 when H.B. Deatherage, a Viet Nam veteran, was deeply moved by the fact that veterans in Boone County had no... Read more
The Veterans Memorial of Boone County was conceived in 1995 when H.B. Deatherage, a Viet Nam veteran, was deeply moved by the fact that veterans in Boone County had no place to heal wounds and memories of war. The names and etchings were brought to the forefront with beautiful black granite, making up the memorial honoring WWI... Read More
Tenement Life South of Liberty
Downtown
Tenement Life South of Liberty
Downtown
Have you ever wondered what changed when Cincinnatians stepped over the canal and into Over-the-Rhine? Our South of Liberty tour weaves visitors through the stories of... Read more
Have you ever wondered what changed when Cincinnatians stepped over the canal and into Over-the-Rhine? Our South of Liberty tour weaves visitors through the stories of Over-the-Rhine's earliest residents between the Miami-Ohio Canal (now Central Parkway) and Liberty Street. Starting in the early 1800s with stories of German... Read More
Old St. Mary's Church
Downtown
Old St. Mary's Church
Downtown
On July the 3rd, 1842, St. Mary's Church was dedicated to God, under the title of the Annunciation, on which feast day the cornerstone was laid. It was the largest church... Read more
On July the 3rd, 1842, St. Mary's Church was dedicated to God, under the title of the Annunciation, on which feast day the cornerstone was laid. It was the largest church thus far erected in the Mississippi Valley, being 142 feet long, 66 feet wide, the tower reaching the height of 170 feet. The architectural style of St. Mary'... Read More
Holy Cross–Immaculata
Uptown
Holy Cross–Immaculata
Uptown
Built in 1859 in the hilltop neighborhood of Mt. Adams, Immaculata became known as the Church of the Steps and the pilgrimage was known as “making the steps” or “praying... Read more
Built in 1859 in the hilltop neighborhood of Mt. Adams, Immaculata became known as the Church of the Steps and the pilgrimage was known as “making the steps” or “praying up the steps."
Wyoming Fine Arts Center
North
Wyoming Fine Arts Center
North
Since its founding in 1995, the Wyoming Fine Arts Center has become one of this region’s premier community art centers. We offer more programs to more students than... Read more
Since its founding in 1995, the Wyoming Fine Arts Center has become one of this region’s premier community art centers. We offer more programs to more students than virtually any other center in Greater Cincinnati. And we believe our personal approach to each student’s success is what sets us apart. The Wyoming Fine Arts Center... Read More
