Taft Museum of Art

The Taft Museum of Art is a work of art in and of itself. Located inside a historic landmark of a building that used to be a private home, Taft now is home to a modest but beautiful collection of fine art. I went to see the Jane Austen exhibit specifically, and was incredibly excited to see outfits worn by actors in book-to-movie adaptations of her works, as well as countless other memorabilia and Austen-themed items for purchase in the gift shop.On top of Austen exhibit, I was delighted to find beautiful works of art scattered across the Taft Museum, which is very Austen-like itself. It is home to a dainty cafe that I was unable to try, but looked delicious and upscale (think: English tea party).Although there are wonderful museums in Cincinnati that come without the price tag, Taft is most definitely worth it.

The Taft Museum is not excessively large but what they have is displayed well, neatly organized and not at all crowded. Paintings, portraits, landscapes, photographs, sculptures and more. It has been open to the public since 1932.The building is the 200 year old house that is the oldest wooden structure in downtown Cincinnati. The Taft family lived here from 1873 and William H. Taft accepted his presidential nomination there from its portico in 1908.The museum is not free most days - general admission is $12 if purchased online, $15 if purchased onsite. Sundays and Mondays are free.[Review 21152 overall - 238 in Ohio - 115 of 2024.]

My cousin and I went to the museum for a women's sporting event which displayed outfits from the 1800s to the 1950s. It was very interesting. The museum is a beautiful place with so much exquisite art. It's a great place to go on a cold winters day

This is a unique and very interesting art museum, located in what used to be the historic home of Anna and Charles Taft, with the latter being the brother of US President William Howard Taft. I learned that William Howard Taft accepted his presidential nomination from the front steps of this house. I believe much of what's exhibited in this museum were a part of the personal art collection of the Tafts, and therefore an interesting glimpse into what they loved. I was most impressed with the Chinese porcelains collection, with some of the most beautiful and uniquely colored pieces that I've ever seen. There was also a really interesting and large temporary exhibit all throughout the museum on sporting fashion for women, displaying fashion and clothing for a variety of sport and leisure, like horseback riding to golfing to shopping and the one I found oddest and most interesting of all... a very scary "bathing" outfit :). Of course, the collection of classic European paintings is very impressive as well. Overall, walking through this art museum feels like walking through a warm and lively home in a different time. Visiting was extra special to me as well because my step-grandmother loved this museum, and was a patron and volunteer docent a couple decades ago. It was cool to see her name on the benefactor wall, preserved after she's gone.

Taft is a big name around these parts, and this multilevel set of buildings carries his name and his likeness is on display inside. There's plenty else to see, but I did note that there was a significant security presence; not only did I enter through some sort of scanner that apparently gave enough information for a security guard to ask me what was in my left pocket, but then on my way out I was told there were seventy-nine people in the building (most listening to a music performance). This level of surveillance is one thing when we're talking about buildings with sensitive information or high-value terrorist targets, but this is an art gallery in Cincinnati. The steady creep of unnecessary and intrusive surveillance is not something I support. I visited the gallery in reluctance, don't know if I'll be back.The art itself included both a set of classic European pieces housed in ornate rooms on the upper levels of the building complex, but also a series of more contemporary pieces by local artists. The exhibitions when I visited were interesting and varied.Various signage was up about creating some sort of outdoor garden space that wasn't open yet when I visited, though the interior of the building is aesthetically pleasing as well.This isn't a huge collection; visiting on Sunday is currently free, but I'm not sure it's something you need to pay for on other days (especially given that there are plenty of quality free art museums in Cincinnati).

Super weird visit today. Came in to see the special exhibit. Bag check guy, fine. No one at the front desk, no problem. Cafe counter person was there, as well as the first docent after the cafe. It was a Sunday free day so we just went up to see the exhibit, the docent at the doors of the special exhibit didn't say much. Seconds into the exhibit, the docent in the room pointed out we didn't have a sticker to allow entry. She explained that these are obtained from the front desk or the gift shop. Totally get it too. The attitude was really weird though, and she said something to the exhibit entry docent as well. But again, not like in a helpful pleasant way. The whole interchange was gross and off putting. We just left and will try again another day, I think it goes on until May. We spent maybe 4 minutes in the building. Do I think it's important to have a sticker? Sure, if the museum finds value in it on free day I'm down. Even writing this it feels weird, but the whole vibe of the team member in the exhibit room was very off putting. That's kind of putting it nicely.

If you like eclectic art, this is a great spot in Cincinnati. Attending the opening of the Nancy Ford Cones exhibit running today through January 15, 2023 is a treat in addition to the regular exhibits. Highly recommend this intimate museum.

I purchase my tickets a few months ago upon learning about the Fashion and Sensibility exhibit. I gathered some friends, we all requested a day off work and we planned a day trip to Cincinnati from Indianapolis. My arrival and welcome to the museum was anything but accommodating. We came through the side door and though the metal detectors then to scan our tickets upstairs. We walked through a dining area that looked a little confusing and finally realized we needed to climb the stairs. Up until that point staff had not directed us, nor explained what was to happen next. As I got up the stairs I heard someone calling for someone. When I finally realized it was me and I heard the word Mask I have to admit I was not understanding. Mask mandates have been gone most places for the past year and the places I had visited in Cincinnati earlier did not require a mask. My friend tried to explain that we would not wear a mask. She has a medical condition and wears an Ionizer instead. I do not have a medical condition but feel very strongly against such policies for myself. Instead of being listened to we were told If we were not happy we could purchase a refund. I have never in my life been asked to leave an establishment. My friend got her refund, however I wanted to stay. I have been looking forward to this for months. I took the mask with me upstairs. Once in the first exhibit I saw another man without a mask so I took it off. I was again approached band offered a mask. I kindly declined. He tried to tell me the policy and I told him I would not wear a mask. It was then that the head of security talked to me. He listened to my concerns. He offered me a refund and said this policy just went to effect on Monday. I kindly replied that I would still like to see the exhibit. I purchased my ticket 2 months ago, I took a day off work, I travelled 2 hours from Indianapolis. In the end he honored my request since I had purchased my ticket in advance. He also allowed my friend to come back in without a mask. He made sure no one else harassed us during our visit. I was thankful for the way he handled things. The experience after this was incredibly enjoyable. All staff were very kind and knowledgeable. I want to make clear I do not fault any staff member for trying to follow policy and do their job. Although it was a horrible experience to be welcomed in the museum in such a way I by no means fault them for the policy. I do not agree with such a policy. If someone wants to wear a mask I encourage them to follow what they are comfortable with. However I want to also be shown the same respect when I choose not to wear one. I have been on the website of businesses who require masks it strongly encourage masks and they have put a banner at the very top listing their policy. I had since checked The Taft museum policy and it was hidden away after several clicks. If I had seen this I would not have visited this establishment and probably saved EVERYONE involved the same embarrassment. Although it worked out in the end and to be honest I thoroughly enjoyed all the exhibits and staff, I do not see myself visiting this museum again. The exhibit was wonderful, but I do not recommend visiting while the mask policy is still in place

Outstanding experience from the moment we arrived! We drove in from Columbus and can't wait to visit again. Staff is friendly and kind. I especially appreciate the reminder emails for our garden tea, timed ticketing, and safety precautions with masking. The policies are clearly given ahead of arrival which made us feel much safer. Thank you!The property itself is stunning and the amount of work in rehabilitation and preservation truly shows. Upon our arrival, the free parking in the on-site garage was full but we were able to find a very close parking meter for 2-hour blocks (we filled twice.) The security guard directed us up to the cafe area and to the gift shop for tea check-in. Tea was delicious and very well planned. Perfect bites and I loved the Taft blend tea. Wouldn't change a single thing and can't wait to come for another tea event. Loved every minute even in the outside heat!!The Jane Austen fashions exhibit was perfection. Beautifully and thoughtfully presented throughout the Taft Museum. I loved the info cards with each piece. The museum has an impressive art collection and the historic home itself is a stunning piece of Ohio history. Thank you for your hard work - it shows!I will edit to include photos soon!*

What a lovely and quaint little house museum. Well, not that little. It's actually a goodly size, and it's been added onto. Heard about the Jane Austen movie costumes exhibit and had to make it to Cincy for that. And it was worth the trip. (Do wish there was a book with all the clothes, but at least I got to see them up close!) The rooms of the home are impressive on their own, and then they are filled with all kinds of artists you'd recognize from any world class museum: Rembrandt, Whistler, Rousseau, Ingres, Sorolla and a whole bunch of others. The back garden looked nice- it was being set up for a wedding, so their event venue business is also doing well. Love gems like this that are a little off the beaten path. Well done.