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.
Brewing Heritage Trail Tours
Downtown
Brewing Heritage Trail Tours
Downtown
Explore Cincinnati's brewing legacy and learn the tales of breweries past with a walk through the neighborhood that is home to one of the largest collections of pre-... Read more
Explore Cincinnati's brewing legacy and learn the tales of breweries past with a walk through the neighborhood that is home to one of the largest collections of pre-Prohibition breweries. The Brewing Heritage Trail is a non-profit organization based in Cincinnati's Over-the-Rhine, establishing a physical walking trail... 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
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
Cincinnati Observatory
Uptown
Cincinnati Observatory
Uptown
Situated atop the rolling hillsides of Mt.Lookout, the Observatory is home to the world's oldest telescope still in use nightly by the general public. Two handsome... Read more
Situated atop the rolling hillsides of Mt.Lookout, the Observatory is home to the world's oldest telescope still in use nightly by the general public. Two handsome National Historic Landmark buildings; one designed in 1873 by Samuel Hannaford, complement the institution's park-like setting.
ArtWorks Public Art and Murals
Downtown
ArtWorks Public Art and Murals
Downtown
ArtWorks' Public Art program creates innovative works that enrich the Cincinnati region while providing job opportunities to youth apprentices and professional artists. To... Read more
ArtWorks' Public Art program creates innovative works that enrich the Cincinnati region while providing job opportunities to youth apprentices and professional artists. To date, ArtWorks has created over 180 murals, more than a dozen artist-designed public bike racks, and more throughout the region. Explore all of ArtWorks... Read More
Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad
North
Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad
North
The LM&M takes you back in time on its 1930s train. Ride in closed cars or the open gondola car through scenic Warren County, as the conductor shares railway history... Read more
The LM&M takes you back in time on its 1930s train. Ride in closed cars or the open gondola car through scenic Warren County, as the conductor shares railway history and lore. The LM&M's specialty rides are a treat for all ages. Kids love the Magic Train, Clifford's Big Red Train Ride, A Day Out with Thomas and others.... Read More
Play Library
Downtown
Play Library
Downtown
The Play Library is just like a regular library but instead of books, we lend toys and games! Designed for kids and adults ages 3 to 103, the Play Library's goal is to... Read more
The Play Library is just like a regular library but instead of books, we lend toys and games! Designed for kids and adults ages 3 to 103, the Play Library's goal is to connect families, friends, and communities through play.
Cincinnati History Library and Archives
Downtown
Cincinnati History Library and Archives
Downtown
Since its founding in 1831 as the library of the Historical and Philosophical Society of Ohio, the library has been collecting and preserving materials relating to the... Read more
Since its founding in 1831 as the library of the Historical and Philosophical Society of Ohio, the library has been collecting and preserving materials relating to the greater Cincinnati area, the state of Ohio and the Old Northwest Territory. Today, it houses one of the most significant regional history collections in the... 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
Cincinnati Streetcar Food Tour by Riverside Food Tours
Downtown
Cincinnati Streetcar Food Tour by Riverside Food Tours
Downtown
Cincinnati is rated one of the top 10 cities in the whole country to see and have we got the tour for you! Whether you have lived here all your life or just... Read more
Cincinnati is rated one of the top 10 cities in the whole country to see and have we got the tour for you! Whether you have lived here all your life or just visiting, the new streetcar is the way to see it all. Receive the VIP treatment on this 3 hour tour, as we dine at 5-6 unique restaurants, sample craft beer, and... Read More
Covington Central Business District Tour
South > Riverfront
Covington Central Business District Tour
South > Riverfront
From art galleries to hand-crafted signage to murals to statues new and old, take a closer look at all the public art on display throughout Covington’s vibrant Central... Read more
From art galleries to hand-crafted signage to murals to statues new and old, take a closer look at all the public art on display throughout Covington’s vibrant Central Business District. Visit website to plan your self-guided walking tour.
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
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
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
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.
Phyllis Weston Gallery
Uptown
Phyllis Weston Gallery
Uptown
Original paintings, prints, and works on paper from the 19th-21st centuries.
Original paintings, prints, and works on paper from the 19th-21st centuries.
Campbell County Log Cabin Museum
South > Southeast
Campbell County Log Cabin Museum
South > Southeast
This museum is a privately built and owned non-profit museum. The mission of this museum is "to educate today's generation about yesterday's rural Campbell County; 1845... Read more
This museum is a privately built and owned non-profit museum. The mission of this museum is "to educate today's generation about yesterday's rural Campbell County; 1845 through about 1965." The museum consists of two re-constructed log cabins, which were built before the Civil War. From 1982 to 1996, both cabins were rebuilt by... 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
Prairie Gallery
Uptown
Prairie Gallery
Uptown
Gallery showcasing the work local, regional, and national artists.
Gallery showcasing the work local, regional, and national artists.
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
Miami University Art Museum & Sculpture Park
North
Miami University Art Museum & Sculpture Park
North
Located at the southern edge of Miami University, the museum features five ever-changing galleries, and more than 10,000 objects in the permanent collection. The museum,... Read more
Located at the southern edge of Miami University, the museum features five ever-changing galleries, and more than 10,000 objects in the permanent collection. The museum, designed by world-renowned architect Walter Netsch, has received national and international reviews.
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
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
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
Queen City Underground & Ultimate Underground Tours
Downtown
Queen City Underground & Ultimate Underground Tours
Downtown
Learn about Cincinnati’s hidden history on one of the Top Five Underground Tours in the U.S. (National Geographic, 2012). Enjoy a stroll through Over-the-Rhine, home to... Read more
Learn about Cincinnati’s hidden history on one of the Top Five Underground Tours in the U.S. (National Geographic, 2012). Enjoy a stroll through Over-the-Rhine, home to America’s largest set of historical landmarks. Visit buildings in the Gateway District that were home to over 130 saloons, bars and beer gardens, and theaters... Read More
Cincinnati Fire Museum
Downtown
Cincinnati Fire Museum
Downtown
In 1853, Cincinnati established the first paid professional fire department in the United States. The Cincinnati Fire Museum highlights the significant contributions that... Read more
In 1853, Cincinnati established the first paid professional fire department in the United States. The Cincinnati Fire Museum highlights the significant contributions that Cincinnati has made to the firefighting profession. Its mission is to share and celebrate the history of firefighting in Cincinnati while providing a unique... 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.
Pinot's Palette Kenwood
North
Pinot's Palette Kenwood
North
Pinot's Palette is the upscale "Paint. Drink. Have Fun." destination in Cincinnati where anyone can be a Picasso. No art experience required! In two or three hours, with... Read more
Pinot's Palette is the upscale "Paint. Drink. Have Fun." destination in Cincinnati where anyone can be a Picasso. No art experience required! In two or three hours, with artist lead step-by-step instructions, you can create a festive or whimsical painting. Paint and Sip with us! We offer the best wine and painting parties you... 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
Cincinnati Craft Brewery 3-Stop Hop
Cincinnati Craft Brewery 3-Stop Hop
This is a three-brewery tour and tasting experience. You get behind-the-scenes tours, history, trivia, prizes, and of course, fun! You will get plenty of beer, a giant... Read more
This is a three-brewery tour and tasting experience. You get behind-the-scenes tours, history, trivia, prizes, and of course, fun! You will get plenty of beer, a giant pretzel, tours of the breweries, a souvenir glass and education on how Cincinnati got to this point, dating all the way back to 1812. Presented by Cincy Brew Bus
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
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
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
Christ Church Cathedral
Downtown
Christ Church Cathedral
Downtown
While the parish was founded in 1817, the current cathedral is post-modern in design and was consecrated in 1957.
While the parish was founded in 1817, the current cathedral is post-modern in design and was consecrated in 1957.
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
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
The Original Findlay Market Tour
Downtown
The Original Findlay Market Tour
Downtown
Experience a culinary trip around the world during this 90-minute guided tour of Cincinnati’s historic Findlay Market which stops at five specialty merchants... Read more
Experience a culinary trip around the world during this 90-minute guided tour of Cincinnati’s historic Findlay Market which stops at five specialty merchants where you'll meet the merchants, learn their history and products, and sample sips or small bites. Optional $7 add-on completes your tour with wine tasting at Market Wines... Read More
Dick Waller's Artplace
Downtown
Dick Waller's Artplace
Downtown
Dick Waller was a clarinetist in the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, but decided to start painting in 1974. He developed a style which he calls free association painting.... Read more
Dick Waller was a clarinetist in the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, but decided to start painting in 1974. He developed a style which he calls free association painting. His pieces are all titled “Contrasts” which describes his contrasting styles of painting and the contrast of colors he uses.
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
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.
High St.
Downtown
High St.
Downtown
A shopping destination offering unexpected gifts, extensive book titles, decorative pillows, lush plants, furniture, and one-of-a-kind treasures. Also offers full service... Read more
A shopping destination offering unexpected gifts, extensive book titles, decorative pillows, lush plants, furniture, and one-of-a-kind treasures. Also offers full service interior design services for residential & commercial projects.
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
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
Glendower Historic Mansion
North
Glendower Historic Mansion
North
Located on a hill overlooking downtown Lebanon, Glendower is one of the finest examples of residential Greek Revival architecture found in Ohio. This historic mansion... Read more
Located on a hill overlooking downtown Lebanon, Glendower is one of the finest examples of residential Greek Revival architecture found in Ohio. This historic mansion was erected in 1845 and was given the name “Glendower” by its original owner, John Milton Williams, to honor the Welsh prince and hero Owen Glendower. The house... Read More
The Banks
Downtown
The Banks
Downtown
Nestled along the river between Great American Ball Park, Paul Brown Stadium and the new 45- acre Phyllis W. Smale Riverfront park, The Banks offers something for everyone... Read more
Nestled along the river between Great American Ball Park, Paul Brown Stadium and the new 45- acre Phyllis W. Smale Riverfront park, The Banks offers something for everyone, from family-friendly restaurants to sports-friendly bars. Dining and nightlife options are Condado Tacos, Holy Grail, Jefferson Social, Jimmy John's, Tin... 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 Scavenger Hunt: True America
Downtown
Cincinnati Scavenger Hunt: True America
Downtown
After the American Revolution, one of Ohio's greatest cities was born. On this fun-filled Cincinnati scavenger hunt, we make a loop around the Central Business District in... Read more
After the American Revolution, one of Ohio's greatest cities was born. On this fun-filled Cincinnati scavenger hunt, we make a loop around the Central Business District in search of storied buildings, epic sculptures and great green spaces. How do you make a fountain square? Which U.S. president hangs out in Lytle Park? Find... Read More
Washington Park
Downtown
Washington Park
Downtown
This park located across from historic Music Hall includes a playground for kids with a play castle, climbing wall, sandbox and slides; interactive water features with... Read more
This park located across from historic Music Hall includes a playground for kids with a play castle, climbing wall, sandbox and slides; interactive water features with more than 130 pop-up jets to provide cool relief on hot days; historic restored bandstand gazebo for weekly live music; a fenced-in dog area with 12,000 square... 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
Civic Garden Center of Greater Cincinnati
Uptown
Civic Garden Center of Greater Cincinnati
Uptown
The Civic Garden Center of Greater Cincinnati is a gardening resource dedicated to enriching lives through education and community beautification. It's delightfully... Read more
The Civic Garden Center of Greater Cincinnati is a gardening resource dedicated to enriching lives through education and community beautification. It's delightfully landscaped eight acres located on Reading Road two-and-a-half miles from downtown Cincinnati. The grounds are maintained by volunteers who donate their time and... Read More