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
Hillforest Mansion
West
Hillforest Mansion
West
Hillforest, overlooking the Ohio River, was the home of industrialist and financier Thomas Gaff and his family between 1855 and 1891. Shipping and riverboats were... Read more
Hillforest, overlooking the Ohio River, was the home of industrialist and financier Thomas Gaff and his family between 1855 and 1891. Shipping and riverboats were significant elements of the Gaff business and are reflected in the architecture of the home. Note the third floor belvedere resembling a pilot house. The style is... Read More
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
Cincinnati Heritage Programs Tours
Downtown
Cincinnati Heritage Programs Tours
Downtown
Cincinnati Museum Center Heritage Programs presents historical, cultural and architectural tours both inside Cincinnati Museum Center and seasonally outdoors in the... Read more
Cincinnati Museum Center Heritage Programs presents historical, cultural and architectural tours both inside Cincinnati Museum Center and seasonally outdoors in the surrounding communities. Rotunda Tours are FREE and are offered Saturdays at noon, 1, 2 and 3 p.m. and Sundays at 1, 2 and 3 p.m. Celebrate Union Terminal’s... 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 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.
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
Cincinnati Urban Adventures: Jewel of the Queen City
Downtown
Cincinnati Urban Adventures: Jewel of the Queen City
Downtown
Discover Cincinnati’s secret gem: Mt. Adams. This 19th-century European hilltop village provides some of the most spectacular views of the city. Step back in time as you... Read more
Discover Cincinnati’s secret gem: Mt. Adams. This 19th-century European hilltop village provides some of the most spectacular views of the city. Step back in time as you explore its beautiful architecture, quaint shops, and magnificent churches. Enjoy a coffee and a pastry al fresco and finish your visit with a cold drink at... Read More
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.
Cincinnati Urban Adventures: Beyond the River
Downtown
Cincinnati Urban Adventures: Beyond the River
Downtown
Discover a little piece of Germany across the Ohio River from downtown Cincinnati on this fabulous tour that blends architecture, history, natural beauty, food and drink... Read more
Discover a little piece of Germany across the Ohio River from downtown Cincinnati on this fabulous tour that blends architecture, history, natural beauty, food and drink — for those who want it all! Stroll past stately Civil War era mansions, fill up on tasty pizza, and raise a glass to our historic river town before stopping... 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
Barn Quilt Trail of Boone County
South > Southwest
Barn Quilt Trail of Boone County
South > Southwest
Travel Boone County's scenic back roads and view more than 60 barn quilt boards. The Florence Woman's Club took on this project to delight travelers, provide public... Read more
Travel Boone County's scenic back roads and view more than 60 barn quilt boards. The Florence Woman's Club took on this project to delight travelers, provide public art, preserve local heritage, and to help our farmers with their agri-tourism projects. Visit www.BooneBarnQuilts.com for GPS coordinates of barn quilt locations... Read More
St. Francis Seraph Parish
Downtown
St. Francis Seraph Parish
Downtown
Built on the former site of Christ Church and it’s adjacent cemetery, all of the remaining bodies were entombed in a crypt below the altar of St. Francis Seraph which was... Read more
Built on the former site of Christ Church and it’s adjacent cemetery, all of the remaining bodies were entombed in a crypt below the altar of St. Francis Seraph which was consecrated in 1859.
Cycling Backroads: Over-the-Rhine Tour
Downtown
Cycling Backroads: Over-the-Rhine Tour
Downtown
This guided cycling adventure highlights historic buildings, restored homes, artist inspired murals, eclectic shops, cafes, restaurants, and theaters while broadening your... Read more
This guided cycling adventure highlights historic buildings, restored homes, artist inspired murals, eclectic shops, cafes, restaurants, and theaters while broadening your knowledge and appreciation of the heritage and culture that make this urban neighborhood a popular destination to visit and reside. Bike rental is available... Read More
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
Loveland Castle
East
Loveland Castle
East
There are so many things to do and places to explore when you visit Chateau Laroche. From a quiet walk down the pathways of the gardens exploring the various plants and... Read more
There are so many things to do and places to explore when you visit Chateau Laroche. From a quiet walk down the pathways of the gardens exploring the various plants and flowers to a family picnic by the river to admiring the collection of period weaponry on display. Harry Andrews built the stone castle in the 1920s on the bank... 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
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
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.
HighStreet
Downtown
HighStreet
Downtown
HighStreet is an award winning design studio and lifestyle store. They offer a large selection of furniture, fabrics, fragrance, fashion, antiques, gifts, and accessories...
HighStreet is an award winning design studio and lifestyle store. They offer a large selection of furniture, fabrics, fragrance, fashion, antiques, gifts, and accessories.
Esquire Theatre
Uptown
Esquire Theatre
Uptown
The Esquire is located just north of Cincinnati in Clifton, at 320 Ludlow Ave. The Esquire shows foreign films, as well as small independent features. On Wednesday's only... Read more
The Esquire is located just north of Cincinnati in Clifton, at 320 Ludlow Ave. The Esquire shows foreign films, as well as small independent features. On Wednesday's only, patrons may purchase discounted movie tickets for $6 each. At that time, they will receive a coupon for a 20 percent discount at the participating area... Read More
William Henry Harrison Tomb Historic Site
West
William Henry Harrison Tomb Historic Site
West
Visit the tomb of our 9th president, William Henry Harrison.
Visit the tomb of our 9th president, William Henry Harrison.
Pendleton Art Center
Downtown
Pendleton Art Center
Downtown
The Pendleton Art Center works to encourage artists and the public by providing a supportive environment for creative artists, and exhibits, events and programs that raise... Read more
The Pendleton Art Center works to encourage artists and the public by providing a supportive environment for creative artists, and exhibits, events and programs that raise public awareness of and appreciation for the arts. The Center has three locations - the studios/exhibit space in downtown Cincinnati's Pendleton area on the... Read More
Chrisholm Historic Farmstead
North
Chrisholm Historic Farmstead
North
The Friends of Chrisholm was founded in 1995 to collaborate with MetroParks of Butler County to preserve and share the Amish Mennonite story and the farming history of the... Read more
The Friends of Chrisholm was founded in 1995 to collaborate with MetroParks of Butler County to preserve and share the Amish Mennonite story and the farming history of the region.
Fitton Center for Creative Arts
North
Fitton Center for Creative Arts
North
Expect the unexpected at the Fitton Center - Experience artistic, musical, educational and social opportunities designed with the community in mind. With rotating... Read more
Expect the unexpected at the Fitton Center - Experience artistic, musical, educational and social opportunities designed with the community in mind. With rotating galleries, a variety of class offerings, performances and other special events, there truly is something for everyone at the Fitton Center.
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
Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum
Uptown
Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum
Uptown
Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum, a National Historic Landmark, was chartered in 1845 and is the second largest cemetery in the United States, and the most beautiful... Read more
Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum, a National Historic Landmark, was chartered in 1845 and is the second largest cemetery in the United States, and the most beautiful according to thousands of visitors every year. Its 733 acres offer the public a magnificent arboretum, open air museum and tranquil sanctuary just minutes away... 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.
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
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
Pinot's Palette
North
Pinot's Palette
North
Pinot's Palette is the a place where you can "Paint. Drink. Have Fun." At our studio, anyone can be an artist and have fun being creative - no art experience required! In... Read more
Pinot's Palette is the a place where you can "Paint. Drink. Have Fun." At our studio, anyone can be an artist and have fun being creative - no art experience required! In two or three hours you can create a festive, whimsical and colorful painting while sipping on your favorite beverage.
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.
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.
Cellarmen's Tour
Downtown
Cellarmen's Tour
Downtown
Starting at the Christian Moerlein Brewing Company's Malt House Tap Room, this tour shares the stories of several historic Cincinnati breweries as well as the past... Read more
Starting at the Christian Moerlein Brewing Company's Malt House Tap Room, this tour shares the stories of several historic Cincinnati breweries as well as the past and present brewing traditions in Cincinnati. Learn about the men who built and worked in nineteenth century breweries and explore the dangerous working conditions,... 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.
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.
Art Academy of Cincinnati
Downtown
Art Academy of Cincinnati
Downtown
The Art Academy of Cincinnati (AAC) is a college of art and design whose mission is to create and sustain radical, forward-thinking, contemporary visual artists and... Read more
The Art Academy of Cincinnati (AAC) is a college of art and design whose mission is to create and sustain radical, forward-thinking, contemporary visual artists and designers. Located in the heart of Over-the-Rhine, the AAC is a hub of creativity, curiosity, energy, and collaboration. Its three galleries offer viewers changing... Read More
Riverside Food Tours: Ethnic Eats in Over the Rhine
Downtown
Riverside Food Tours: Ethnic Eats in Over the Rhine
Downtown
Variety is the spice of life! That's what you get on the Saturday afternoon Ethnic Eats in Over the Rhine Food and Culture Tour. Visit six different local... Read more
Variety is the spice of life! That's what you get on the Saturday afternoon Ethnic Eats in Over the Rhine Food and Culture Tour. Visit six different local restaurants and enjoy a cocktail on this 3 hour walking tour. See beautiful architecture from the 1800's and colorful murals reflecting Cincinnati's culture &... Read More
Whitewater Valley Railroad
West
Whitewater Valley Railroad
West
Travel Through Time On Indiana's Most Scenic Railroad. The Whitewater Valley Railroad operates trains and special events throughout the year in Metamora Indiana, a... Read more
Travel Through Time On Indiana's Most Scenic Railroad. The Whitewater Valley Railroad operates trains and special events throughout the year in Metamora Indiana, a restored 1838 Canal Town.
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 Urban Adventures: The Nati in a Nutshell Tour
Downtown
Cincinnati Urban Adventures: The Nati in a Nutshell Tour
Downtown
We’re cramming all of Cincinnati into one big adventure! Explore the city’s natural riverfront beauty and amazing architecture while learning about its rich and diverse... Read more
We’re cramming all of Cincinnati into one big adventure! Explore the city’s natural riverfront beauty and amazing architecture while learning about its rich and diverse history. Throw in a streetcar ride, a visit to the local farmers’ market, views from way up high, and a few of Cincinnati’s favorite foods, and you’ll be ready... Read More
Sawyer Point & Yeatman's Cove
Downtown
Sawyer Point & Yeatman's Cove
Downtown
Sawyer Point & Yeatman’s Cove make up a mile long stretch of park along Cincinnati's riverfront between Smale Riverfront Park and Berry International Friendship Park.... Read more
Sawyer Point & Yeatman’s Cove make up a mile long stretch of park along Cincinnati's riverfront between Smale Riverfront Park and Berry International Friendship Park. Featuring award winning landscaping, a performance pavilion, concessions, 8 outdoor tennis courts, 3 sand volleyball courts, a world class playground, the... 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, BurgerFi, Holy Grail, Jefferson Social, Jimmy John... 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
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
Miller-Leuser Log House
East
Miller-Leuser Log House
East
Tour this 1796 historic log house furnished with 18th and 19th century antiques, the barn, outhouse and corn crib. Oldest log cabin in Hamilton County remaining on its... Read more
Tour this 1796 historic log house furnished with 18th and 19th century antiques, the barn, outhouse and corn crib. Oldest log cabin in Hamilton County remaining on its original site. Members of historical society will answer any questions. Appointments available. Closed November-May.
Miller Gallery
Uptown
Miller Gallery
Uptown
Miller Gallery offers artwork from more than 60 established, mid-career, and emerging artists from all over the world.
Miller Gallery offers artwork from more than 60 established, mid-career, and emerging artists from all over the world.
Riverfront Floodwall Mural Tour
South > Riverfront
Riverfront Floodwall Mural Tour
South > Riverfront
Led by artist Robert Dafford, a team of artists created a magnificent illustration of the history of Covington. Depicting a variety of scenes from the meeting of General... Read more
Led by artist Robert Dafford, a team of artists created a magnificent illustration of the history of Covington. Depicting a variety of scenes from the meeting of General George Rogers Clark, Simon Kenton, and Daniel Boone on the mouth of the Licking River to Jacob Price, a local African American leader of the late 1800s, the... Read More
Blanket Creek Pottery
South > Southeast
Blanket Creek Pottery
South > Southeast
A variety of hand-made pottery pieces.
A variety of hand-made pottery pieces.
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
