Museums
Museums in Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky
A visit to Cincinnati USA is a must for visual arts lovers. The region has a multitude of museums devoted to art, history and unique collections housed in groundbreaking contemporary buildings, historic homes and National Historic Landmarks. View masterpieces – and visit venues – that range from classical to cutting-edge, large-scale to intimate, indoors and even outdoors.
Featured
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
Ark Encounter
South > Southeast
Ark Encounter
South > Southeast
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
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. Once completed, the Brewing Heritage Trail will invite the world to explore Cincinnati's brewing heritage through an unrivaled urban... 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
Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park and Museum
North
Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park and Museum
North
Pyramid Hill is one of few sculpture parks in the United States. Upon opening in 1996, it was touted as the "most beautiful natural setting of any art park in the country... Read more
Pyramid Hill is one of few sculpture parks in the United States. Upon opening in 1996, it was touted as the "most beautiful natural setting of any art park in the country" by Atlantic Monthly. This 335-acre park features more than 60 monumental contemporary sculptures. The park’s Ancient Sculpture Museum displays antiquities... Read More
Carew Tower Observation Deck
Downtown
Carew Tower Observation Deck
Downtown
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'... Read more
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, and other amenities including the... Read More
Queen City is Haunted Tour
Downtown
Queen City is Haunted Tour
Downtown
Discover stories of grisly murders, ghastly deaths and other disturbing tales buried deep within Cincinnati’s storied past. Linger in the halls of an archaic building... Read more
Discover stories of grisly murders, ghastly deaths and other disturbing tales buried deep within Cincinnati’s storied past. Linger in the halls of an archaic building teeming with paranormal activity and walk around the grounds where human remains have recently been unearthed. Our guides will enthrall you with the heinous... 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, specificially situated for the location's historical significance, is made up of three buildings that... Read More
Cardboard Boat Museum
East
Cardboard Boat Museum
East
The Cardboard Boat Museum exists because of the annual Cardboard Boat Race on the Ohio River in New Richmond. The race draws thousands of spectators and well over 50 boats... Read more
The Cardboard Boat Museum exists because of the annual Cardboard Boat Race on the Ohio River in New Richmond. The race draws thousands of spectators and well over 50 boats each year. The Museum is located inside of an old gas station and features a wide variety of boats.
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
Waldschmidt Homestead Historical Site
East
Waldschmidt Homestead Historical Site
East
The Waldschmidt Homestead is a fully-restored 1804 home on its original site. Built by Christian Waldschmidt, a Revolutionary War veteran, the homestead was settled as... Read more
The Waldschmidt Homestead is a fully-restored 1804 home on its original site. Built by Christian Waldschmidt, a Revolutionary War veteran, the homestead was settled as part of the Ohio frontier’s New Germany community (now Camp Dennison). Camp Dennison was the site of the Union army’s largest training installation. The property... Read More
Cincinnati Food Tours: The All-American Food Tour in Pendleton
Downtown
Cincinnati Food Tours: The All-American Food Tour in Pendleton
Downtown
Get off the beaten path in Over-the-Rhine and explore the adjoining neighborhood of Pendleton. Discover a side of Over-the-Rhine where long-time residents and artists co-... Read more
Get off the beaten path in Over-the-Rhine and explore the adjoining neighborhood of Pendleton. Discover a side of Over-the-Rhine where long-time residents and artists co-exist with emerging eateries and entertainment venues. Your $65 ticket includes at least three food samples, one craft cocktail sample, and one locally brewed... Read More
American Sign Museum
Uptown
American Sign Museum
Uptown
Take a walk down Memory Lane. The American Sign Museum takes you through a half century of sign history, beginning with the fancy goldleaf glass signs of the early 1900s,... Read more
Take a walk down Memory Lane. The American Sign Museum takes you through a half century of sign history, beginning with the fancy goldleaf glass signs of the early 1900s, through the pre-neon era of lightbulb signs, to neon's heydey in the 1930s-1940s, and on into the plastic era of the funky '50s. Guided tours are offered and... Read More
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."
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
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.
Vent Haven Museum
South > Southwest
Vent Haven Museum
South > Southwest
Vent Haven Museum is the world's only museum of ventriloquial figures and memorabilia. The museum is in Fort Mitchell, Kentucky, just 5 miles south of Cincinnati, Ohio.
Vent Haven Museum is the world's only museum of ventriloquial figures and memorabilia. The museum is in Fort Mitchell, Kentucky, just 5 miles south of Cincinnati, Ohio.
Fountain Square
Downtown
Fountain Square
Downtown
Eat lunch under the sun, check out what’s playing on the video board, or take part in the multitudes of free programming including music, movies and special events.... Read more
Eat lunch under the sun, check out what’s playing on the video board, or take part in the multitudes of free programming including music, movies and special events. Presiding over the Square is the historic Tyler Davidson Fountain, dedicated in 1871 to the people of Cincinnati.
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
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.
Harriet Beecher Stowe House
Uptown
Harriet Beecher Stowe House
Uptown
The Harriet Beecher Stowe House is operated as an historical and cultural site, focusing on Harriet Beecher Stowe, author of Uncle Tom's Cabin. The site also includes a... Read more
The Harriet Beecher Stowe House is operated as an historical and cultural site, focusing on Harriet Beecher Stowe, author of Uncle Tom's Cabin. The site also includes a look into the family, friends, and colleagues of the Beecher-Stowe family, Lane Seminary, and the abolitionist, womens rights and Underground Railroad movements... Read More
Washington Platform’s Over-the-Rhine Tour
Downtown
Washington Platform’s Over-the-Rhine Tour
Downtown
Tour starts at Washington Platform, opened as a beer hall and saloon in 1875 on the south bank of “the Rhine,” the canal that separated the original, Anglo Cincinnati from... Read more
Tour starts at Washington Platform, opened as a beer hall and saloon in 1875 on the south bank of “the Rhine,” the canal that separated the original, Anglo Cincinnati from its “German Quarter.” In the 1800’s, the area north of Washington Platform was, per capita, the most German neighborhood in America. The residents of this... Read More
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
ArtWorks Mural Tour: Spirit of OTR
Downtown
ArtWorks Mural Tour: Spirit of OTR
Downtown
The Spirit of OTR walking tour is around a mile long and includes 12 murals in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood including: Mr.Tarbell Tips His Hat, The Golden Muse,... Read more
The Spirit of OTR walking tour is around a mile long and includes 12 murals in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood including: Mr.Tarbell Tips His Hat, The Golden Muse, Cincinnati’s Strongman: Henry Holtgrewe, New Lines, Crazy Cat, Crazy Quilt and many more. Learn the stories behind each mural and how they connect to Cincinnati’s... 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.
Prairie Gallery
Uptown
Prairie Gallery
Uptown
Gallery showcasing the work local, regional, and national artists.
Gallery showcasing the work local, regional, and national artists.
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
The Athenaeum of Ohio/Mount St. Mary's Seminary of the West
East
The Athenaeum of Ohio/Mount St. Mary's Seminary of the West
East
Founded in the early 1800s, Mount St. Mary's of the West is the third oldest Catholic seminary in the United States and the oldest Catholic seminary west of the... Read more
Founded in the early 1800s, Mount St. Mary's of the West is the third oldest Catholic seminary in the United States and the oldest Catholic seminary west of the Appalachian Mountains. The present day campus is made up of 76 acres surrounding an impressive granite stone building constructed in 1929. Inside the building you will... 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.
5th Street Gallery
Downtown
5th Street Gallery
Downtown
The 5th Street Gallery is a collaborative of Cincinnati-area artists presenting fine art glass, paintings, ceramics, sculpture, photography, jewelry, floral and wearable... Read more
The 5th Street Gallery is a collaborative of Cincinnati-area artists presenting fine art glass, paintings, ceramics, sculpture, photography, jewelry, floral and wearable arts. Outstanding works of art by members and frequent shows by guest artists make this a must-visit gallery for art lovers. Gallery is located in the lobby of... Read More
Cincinnati History Museum
Downtown
Cincinnati History Museum
Downtown
The Public Landing is the first phase of permanent exhibits to reopen in The Cincinnati History Museum (part of Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal) following the... Read more
The Public Landing is the first phase of permanent exhibits to reopen in The Cincinnati History Museum (part of Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal) following the remarkable restoration work done to Union Terminal. The immersive experience transports visitors back in time to the mid-19th century, to the creak of paddle... Read More
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
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
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.
Nancy and David Wolf Holocaust and Humanity Center
Downtown
Nancy and David Wolf Holocaust and Humanity Center
Downtown
HHC is currently still offering Speakers, Educational opportunities and other programming please visit www.holocaustandhumanity.org for more information. Located at... Read more
HHC is currently still offering Speakers, Educational opportunities and other programming please visit www.holocaustandhumanity.org for more information. Located at Historic Union Terminal, the very site where many Holocaust survivors arrived in Cincinnati to rebuild their lives, The Holocaust and Humanity Center will aim to... Read More
Cincinnati Urban Adventures: Over-the-Rhine Sights & Bites
Downtown
Cincinnati Urban Adventures: Over-the-Rhine Sights & Bites
Downtown
Discover why Over-the-Rhine is Cincinnati's trendiest neighborhood as you delight your senses with beautiful murals, historic architecture, scrumptious food and drink, and... Read more
Discover why Over-the-Rhine is Cincinnati's trendiest neighborhood as you delight your senses with beautiful murals, historic architecture, scrumptious food and drink, and stunning pottery. Other Cincinnati Urban Adventures available: Beyond the River, Jewel of the Queen City,Cincy Uncorked, The Nati in a Nutshell Tour, and ... Read More
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.
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.
Krohn Conservatory
Uptown
Krohn Conservatory
Uptown
Built in 1933 at the height of the Art Deco era, Krohn Conservatory showcases more than 3,500 plant species from around the world. The conservatory changes throughout... Read more
Built in 1933 at the height of the Art Deco era, Krohn Conservatory showcases more than 3,500 plant species from around the world. The conservatory changes throughout the year with special exhibits and programs, including the ever-popular International Butterfly Show where thousands of butterflies are free to fly throughout the... 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 Taft is home to an extensive art collection that... 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 Taft is home to an extensive art collection that includes European and American master paintings, Chinese porcelains, and European decorative arts. See major works by Rembrandt, Hals, Goya, Gainsborough,... Read More
Music Hall
Downtown
Music Hall
Downtown
Located in Over-the-Rhine overlooking Washington Park, Music Hall is home to the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Cincinnati Ballet, Cincinnati... Read more
Located in Over-the-Rhine overlooking Washington Park, Music Hall is home to the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Cincinnati Ballet, Cincinnati Opera, and May Festival Chorus among other local performing arts organizations. Built in 1878 with private money raised from what is believed to be the nation’s... Read More
The Covington Haunted & Historic Tour
South > Riverfront
The Covington Haunted & Historic Tour
South > Riverfront
Starting at the Baker-Hunt House, skilled guides share the controversy, neighborhood feuds and spirits that still haunt the mansions within this idealistic Northern... Read more
Starting at the Baker-Hunt House, skilled guides share the controversy, neighborhood feuds and spirits that still haunt the mansions within this idealistic Northern Kentucky community. Presented by American Legacy Tours.
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.
Riverside Food Tours: Cincy Top Ten Tour
Downtown
Riverside Food Tours: 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 we do it all? We hop aboard the Cincinnati Streetcar (all day pass included). When the tour concludes, you will have enjoyed a satisfying... Read More
Findlay Market
Downtown
Findlay Market
Downtown
Findlay Market is Ohio's oldest continuously operated public market and one of Cincinnati's most cherished institutions. The Market is located just blocks from downtown in... Read more
Findlay Market is Ohio's oldest continuously operated public market and one of Cincinnati's most cherished institutions. The Market is located just blocks from downtown in Over-the-Rhine, a dense historic neighborhood rich in 19th century architecture. Open Tuesday through Sunday, Findlay Market is open year-around with three... Read More
Augusta Art Guild's Gallery
South > Southeast
Augusta Art Guild's Gallery
South > Southeast
The Guild's Mission Statement: "The Augusta Art Guild is an organization of artists who believe there are many visual, emotional and educational experiences that can only... Read more
The Guild's Mission Statement: "The Augusta Art Guild is an organization of artists who believe there are many visual, emotional and educational experiences that can only be perceived through the arts. The Guild feels it is important that our community be a part of that process in order to expand and enrich lives." The City of... Read More
YWCA Women’s Art Gallery
Downtown
YWCA Women’s Art Gallery
Downtown
The YWCA Women’s Art Gallery was established in 1993 to empower local women artists. Although primarily serving the Greater Cincinnati area, the gallery has been proud to... Read more
The YWCA Women’s Art Gallery was established in 1993 to empower local women artists. Although primarily serving the Greater Cincinnati area, the gallery has been proud to host several shows featuring women artists from around the world. As a forum for women’s issues relating to important YWCA programs and services, the gallery... Read More
Clifton Cultural Arts Center
Uptown
Clifton Cultural Arts Center
Uptown
The guiding vision of CCAC is one of a dynamic and collaborative civic hub – a bustling hive of artistic activity and personal expression where people of all ages and... Read more
The guiding vision of CCAC is one of a dynamic and collaborative civic hub – a bustling hive of artistic activity and personal expression where people of all ages and backgrounds, will come and go from morning until evening.
University of Cincinnati
Uptown
University of Cincinnati
Uptown
The University of Cincinnati is one of America's top public research institutions with a student population of more than 40,000. Since its founding in 1819, UC has been... Read more
The University of Cincinnati is one of America's top public research institutions with a student population of more than 40,000. Since its founding in 1819, UC has been the source of many discoveries creating positive change for society, including co-op education, the oral polio vaccine, the first electronic organ, the first... Read More
Robert D. Lindner Family OMNIMAX Theater
Downtown
Robert D. Lindner Family OMNIMAX Theater
Downtown
The newly refinished OMNIMAX Theater with IMAX and Laser in the five-story theater is now open! The new theater is using next-generation laser technology which is a grand... Read more
The newly refinished OMNIMAX Theater with IMAX and Laser in the five-story theater is now open! The new theater is using next-generation laser technology which is a grand upgrade to this beloved Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal classic.
