In May of 1886, the Cincinnati Art Museum opened to the public and was heralded as the Art Palace of the West. This Ohio museum has since amassed over 67,000 pieces that celebrate over 6,000 years of culture around the world. The first major expansion of the Cincinnati Art Museum was in 1907. Three more subsequent wings were added into the 1930’s and the halls where American, European, and Asian works are exhibited.

  • What expansions and renovations have taken place at the Cincinnati Art Museum?
    • The 1940-1965 era was another time of expansion for the Museum. Lecture halls, the auditorium, and another wing for the remaining pieces of the permanent collection were added, dividing the great hall into two separate floors.
    • A thirteen-million-dollar renovation was undergone in 1993, restoring the architecture to its original grandeur and upgrading climate controls.
    • The Cincinnati Wing was added in 2003 to showcase artifacts relevant to the city’s history.
    • The latest renovations were done in 2013 in the Art Academy Building.
  • How many items are in the Cincinnati Art Museum's collection?
    • By 2003, the museum had acquired over 60,000 items, making it the largest collection of art in Ohio.
    • Today, the museum and the Mary R. Schiff Library contain over 100,000 artworks.
  • Can the Cincinnati Art Museum's collection be viewed online?
    • Yes, museum volunteers have dedicated thousands of hours to creating an online database, allowing visitors to view all 67,000 items through the museum’s website.
  • What does the African Art Collection include?
    • The African Art Collection contains 1,300 pieces relevant to Africa prior to the late 1800s.
    • The collection was acquired by the museum in 1890 and includes modern pieces collected over the last century with high aesthetic appeal.
  • What is featured in the American Painting and Sculpture collection?
    • This collection displays paintings and sculptures by American artists, with a preference for artists who have roots or ties to Cincinnati.
    • Works by Hiram Powers, Henry Mosler, Elizabeth Nourse, and Childe Hassam are included.
    • The American sculpture section is not as large but is known for its high quality.
    • Miniature portraits are also featured in this exhibit.
  • What is included in the Asian Art Collection?
    • The Asian Art Collection contains some of the oldest Asian works found anywhere in the United States.
    • The collection includes over 5,000 artifacts from India, Japan, China, Korea, Thailand, Tibet, and Southeast Asia.
    • Chinese art is the focal point, with over 1,000 items spanning 5,000 years of history, including:
      • Bronze and jade works
      • Neolithic pottery
      • Buddhist sculptures
      • Screen prints
      • Metal wares
  • What does the Classical and Near Eastern Art collection feature?
    • This collection highlights art from the Mediterranean and Near East.
    • Visitors can see stone sculpture, metalwork, wall carvings, and ceramics from Egypt, Greece, and Rome.
  • What is included in the Contemporary Collection?
    • The Contemporary Collection is the only contemporary art exhibition in Ohio.
    • Featured artists include Mark Bradford, Cindy Sherman, and Frank Stella.
    • The collection includes works in many different media.
  • What can visitors see in the Decorative Arts and Design collection?
    • The Decorative Arts and Design collection was among the first artifacts acquired by the museum in 1881.
    • It includes over 7,000 pieces of fine art from the Western world, dating as far back as the 18th century.
  • What is notable about the European Painting and Sculpture collection?
    • The museum is highly acclaimed for its Renaissance masterpieces by artists such as Mantegna and Cranach the Elder.
    • It also features Baroque-period works and a strong focus on 18th-century British painting.
    • The collection includes famous works by Monet and Van Gogh.
    • The Modernism section showcases works by Picasso and Matisse.
  • What does the Fashion Arts and Textiles collection include?
    • The Fashion Arts and Textiles collection contains over 15,000 artifacts, collected since the museum’s founding in 1881.
    • The collection features textiles from famous fashion designers such as:
      • Dior
      • Balenciaga
      • Chanel
    • Couture designs from the past several centuries, along with dolls and jewelry, are also displayed.
  • What is included in the Musical Instruments Collection?
    • The Musical Instruments Collection contains nearly 1,000 musical instruments from all over the world.
    • These pieces span 400 years and represent over 30 cultures.
    • Due to its vast cultural significance, this is considered the most important exhibit in the museum in terms of anthropology.
  • What does the Native American Art collection feature?
    • The Native American Art collection began with donations from community members when the museum officially opened in 1886.
    • Some of the earliest Pueblo paintings are found in this collection.
    • The collection also includes traditional and modern pottery and clothing.
  • When did the Cincinnati Art Museum begin collecting photography?
    • Photography was not collected until 1899, three years after the first photography exhibit at the museum.
    • The collection features photography spanning every invention in the art, dating back to salted-paper prints.
    • 19th-century travel photography is a significant highlight of the collection.
  • What is featured in the Prints and Drawings collection?
    • The collection includes works dating back to the 15th century.
    • 20th-century Japanese works are considered the highlight of this exhibit.
  • Does the museum host temporary exhibitions?
    • Yes, along with the permanent collection, there are several exhibitions put on throughout the year.
    • Some exhibitions overlap and others may be displayed for longer durations.
  • What accessibility programs are available at the museum?
    • The museum offers accessibility programs with interpreters and special docents for families with autistic children or other special needs.
  • What programs are available for adults and university learners?
    • The museum hosts lectures, workshops, tours, and special events throughout each month.
    • Art After Dark provides live entertainment, refreshments, and tours on the last Friday of every month.
    • Additional activities include film nights, corporate team-building workshops, and hands-on interactive art-making experiences.
  • Are there programs for children and families?
    • Yes, the museum offers family programs where younger children can enjoy art with their parents.
    • Teens can participate in peer-led tours and discussions.
    • Summer camps are available every year and are grouped by age.
  • What fundraising events does the Cincinnati Art Museum host?
    • The museum hosts three major fundraisers annually, including the Van Gogh-themed Gala.
    • The event includes a tour through the new Van Gogh exhibit, a gourmet dinner, and a silent auction.
  • Does the museum participate in community outreach?
    • Yes, the museum is dedicated to community outreach and hosts special presentations in schools and lecture halls across the city.
    • The Speakers Bureau is a mobile museum that brings art into the lives of people who may not be able to visit the museum.
  • What dining options are available at the museum?
    • There is a café and a coffee shop inside the museum.
    • The Terrace Café serves food inspired by the museum’s art, with both indoor and outdoor seating.
    • CAM Coffee Bar serves chocolate, desserts, and coffee in the main lobby.
  • Is there a gift shop at the museum?
    • Yes, there is a gift shop near the museum exit that offers art-related gifts for any budget.
  • Where is the Cincinnati Art Museum located?
    • 953 Eden Park Drive, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45202
    • Phone: 512-721-2787

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