Founded in May 1886 and once hailed as the “Art Palace of the West,” the Cincinnati Art Museum is a historic and cultural treasure. Home to over 100,000 artworks spanning 6,000 years of global heritage, it is one of the most comprehensive museums in the Midwest. With a diverse range of permanent collections, robust educational programs, and dynamic exhibitions, it’s a must-visit for art lovers of all ages.

Recommended For

  • Art lovers and history enthusiasts
  • Families, students, and educators
  • Researchers and scholars
  • Couples looking for a cultured date experience
  • Community groups and event planners

Museum Highlights

  • Founded: 1886
  • Collection Size: Over 100,000 artworks
  • Online Access: All 67,000 cataloged items available through the museum’s website

Major Expansions & Renovations

  • First expansion in 1907, with additional wings added through the 1930s
  • 1940–1965: New wings, lecture halls, and the auditorium added
  • 1993: $13 million renovation to restore historic architecture and improve climate control
  • 2003: Opening of the Cincinnati Wing to honor local art and artists
  • 2013: Art Academy Building renovation completed

Collections Overview

African Art Collection

  • Features 1,300 works dating back to pre-1800 Africa, plus modern pieces of aesthetic excellence

American Painting and Sculpture

  • Focus on artists with ties to Cincinnati: Hiram Powers, Henry Mosler, Elizabeth Nourse
  • Includes miniature portraits and high-quality sculptures

Asian Art Collection

  • Over 5,000 artifacts from India, China, Japan, Korea, Tibet, and Southeast Asia
  • Highlights include Chinese bronze, jade, Buddhist sculpture, and Neolithic pottery

Classical & Near Eastern Art

  • Artifacts from Egypt, Greece, and Rome including carvings, ceramics, and metalwork

Contemporary Collection

  • Ohio’s only major contemporary art exhibit with works by Mark Bradford, Cindy Sherman, Frank Stella

Decorative Arts & Design

  • One of the first collections acquired (1881); now features 7,000+ objects from the 18th century onward

European Painting and Sculpture

  • Renowned for Renaissance and Baroque masterpieces, plus 18th-century British works
  • Includes paintings by Monet, Van Gogh, Picasso, and Matisse

Fashion Arts and Textiles

  • Includes 15,000 items from Dior, Chanel, Balenciaga, and others
  • Features couture, textiles, jewelry, and dolls

Musical Instruments

  • Nearly 1,000 instruments representing 30 cultures across 400 years

Native American Art

  • Includes Pueblo paintings, pottery, and traditional clothing

Photography Collection

  • Spans all photographic developments since 1899; known for 19th-century travel photos

Prints and Drawings

  • Includes 15th-century European art and a standout collection of 20th-century Japanese prints

Programs & Events

  • Accessibility: Programs for families with special needs, including interpreters and trained docents
  • Adults & University: Monthly lectures, Art After Dark parties, film nights, and art workshops
  • Families & Children: Family art days, teen-led tours, and age-specific summer camps
  • Fundraisers: Annual Van Gogh Gala with tours, gourmet meals, and silent auctions
  • Outreach: The Speakers Bureau brings mobile exhibitions to schools and community venues

Visitor Amenities

  • Terrace Café: Seasonal menu with art-inspired dishes and indoor/outdoor seating
  • CAM Coffee Bar: Chocolate, desserts, and artisan coffee in the main lobby
  • Gift Shop: Art-themed gifts, books, and souvenirs near the exit

Location & Contact

Plan Your Trip