One Of The Finest Small Art Museums In The Country Can Be Found In Cincinnati's Own Backyard
By Andrea Limke|Published December 07, 2018
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Andrea Limke
Author
A Cincinnati native who has lived in Kentucky for over 10 years, Andrea's heart belongs both in the Queen City and the Bluegrass State. After earning an education degree and working in that field for a number of years, Andrea began to pursue her passion for writing over 6 years ago. Since then she has written for a number of print and online publications, as well as published a children's book.
Cincinnati has many world-class museums that feature everything from science to art to history. These landmarks are well known in the community, but how many of them have you actually visited? One historic destination and museum that all Cincinnatians should experience is the Taft Museum of Art. Located in a beautiful section of downtown, it is one of the finest small art museums in the country and offers something for everyone all year long.
The Taft Museum of Art is located inside a grand house that was built around 1820 and was home to several prominent Cincinnatians. It officially became a museum in 1932.
The steps where William Howard Taft accepted the nomination for US presidency in 1908 now lead into a world-class museum that is filled with European and American paintings, Chinese porcelains, and European decorative arts. And now, just in front of those steps, you'll find a one-of-a-kind fantasy sculpture by Patrick Dougherty, which is free to see, separate from museum admission.
Though fascinating on the outside, you’ll definitely want to head inside to view works by famous artists such as Rembrandt, Hals, and Goya. These pieces are thoughtfully arranged throughout the timeless museum, which reopened in 2004 after extensive renovation and expansion.
No matter what type of art you enjoy, you'll be able to get a taste of it at the Taft Museum. Definitely keep an eye on the rotating exhibitions, as they often feature well-known artists.
The museum is open Wednesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and on weekends from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $12 for adults, but it is always free on Sundays! There are often fun activities for the entire family.
The holidays are a great time to visit the museum for its Antique Christmas display. It makes for a wonderful afternoon of admiring the antique ornaments, toys, and decorations, then grabbing a bite to eat at the cafe.
If you are more interested in the history and tales of the museum than the art, there's much to experience in that realm as well. Sign up for a guided tour or attend events that are held throughout the year to learn about the fascinating things that have happened in this home, as well as a few haunted stories that have originated within its walls.
The Taft Museum of Art is a beloved landmark in Cincinnati and one of the finest small art museums in the country. If you have yet to visit this iconic destination in our city, keep it in mind the next time you have a free afternoon.
The Taft Museum of Art is a historic gem and lovely destination in Cincinnati that stands as one of the finest small art museums in our country. Have you spent time in the adorned halls of the Taft Museum? Share your experiences with us in the comments!
The Taft Museum of Art is located at 316 Pike St., Cincinnati, OH 45202. For more information, visit its website here and follow along on Facebook here.
And for more on the charming cafe located inside the museum, check out our previous article here.
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