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
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.
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
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
Ombre Gallery
Downtown
Ombre Gallery
Downtown
Ombré Gallery specializes in contemporary art jewelry by artists and metalsmiths from across the United States and around the world. Our mission is to exhibit innovative... Read more
Ombré Gallery specializes in contemporary art jewelry by artists and metalsmiths from across the United States and around the world. Our mission is to exhibit innovative works using both traditional and non-traditional materials, techniques and subjects, while serving as a conduit to highlight the relationship between art,... Read More
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.
Riverside Food Tours: Mainstrasse Village Tour
South > Riverfront
Riverside Food Tours: Mainstrasse Village Tour
South > Riverfront
If you like strolling through a charming German Village, our Saturday morning Mainstrasse Village Tour is made for you! We visit 5 locally owned restaurants, plus... Read more
If you like strolling through a charming German Village, our Saturday morning Mainstrasse Village Tour is made for you! We visit 5 locally owned restaurants, plus enjoy a small glass of wine, craft beer and sample 3 different bourbons! Relax and enjoy a short walk to Goebel Park to see a 100 foot tall clock tower with an... Read More
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.
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.
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."
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.
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.
Redtree Gallery
Uptown
Redtree Gallery
Uptown
Redtree Gallery features a selection of art from a wide variety of emerging and established artists. The gallery features affordable art within a coffee shop lounge... Read more
Redtree Gallery features a selection of art from a wide variety of emerging and established artists. The gallery features affordable art within a coffee shop lounge setting.
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.
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
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
Caza Sikes
Uptown
Caza Sikes
Uptown
Cincinnati's premiere gallery for fine art, fine craft, and exceptional, one-of-a-kind handmade pieces.
Cincinnati's premiere gallery for fine art, fine craft, and exceptional, one-of-a-kind handmade pieces.
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
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
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
Cincinnati World Cinema
Downtown
Cincinnati World Cinema
Downtown
Small, independent movie theater showing first-run and classic, independent, international, docs and shorts. See website for upcoming films and schedule.
Small, independent movie theater showing first-run and classic, independent, international, docs and shorts. See website for upcoming films and schedule.
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
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.
Newport Gangster Tour
South > Riverfront
Newport Gangster Tour
South > Riverfront
Explore the streets where the mob made their millions, gamblers lost their lives, and ladies of the night earned their reputations. Join our gangster guides for a raucous... Read more
Explore the streets where the mob made their millions, gamblers lost their lives, and ladies of the night earned their reputations. Join our gangster guides for a raucous, high energy presentation inside an old casino to explain the historic significance of Newport, and discover how this little town gave birth to the modern day... 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.
One Main Gallery
East
One Main Gallery
East
Art gallery featuring work by fresh and exciting local artists.
Art gallery featuring work by fresh and exciting local artists.
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
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
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
Cincinnati Urban Adventures: Cincy Uncorked
Downtown
Cincinnati Urban Adventures: Cincy Uncorked
Downtown
Artisan wines, fantastic food, gorgeous architecture, and contemporary art -- we're uncorking the very best of Cincinnati on this tour! Come discover the real Cincy as we... Read more
Artisan wines, fantastic food, gorgeous architecture, and contemporary art -- we're uncorking the very best of Cincinnati on this tour! Come discover the real Cincy as we share city stories over wine tasting, innovative cuisine, an art walk, and a visit to a National Historic Landmark. Other Cincinnati Urban Adventures... 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
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
Pique
South > Riverfront
Pique
South > Riverfront
The space is an open ended art experiment. The common denominator is that workshops, classes, and events take place frequently in the context of 6 exhibitions that inhabit... Read more
The space is an open ended art experiment. The common denominator is that workshops, classes, and events take place frequently in the context of 6 exhibitions that inhabit the space over 12 months. Through our events we create opportunities, connections, and funding for artists and the community. We hope to blow your mind... Read More
Cincinnati Food Tours: The Original Findlay Market Tour
Downtown
Cincinnati Food Tours: 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 $5 add-on completes your tour with wine tasting at Market Wines... Read More
