Taft Museum of Art

The Taft Museum of Art is a hidden gem in Cincinnati. Housed in a beautifully preserved Federal-style mansion dating back to the 1820s, the museum combines rich history with an intimate art experience. The collection includes European and American masterworks, decorative arts, and rotating exhibitions that are always thoughtfully curated. The museum’s size makes it perfect for a relaxed visit—you can enjoy world-class art without feeling overwhelmed. The gardens and grounds are peaceful, and the historical context (Baum, Longworth, Sinton, and Taft family ties) adds a fascinating layer to the visit. Staff are welcoming and knowledgeable, and the museum shop and café make for a nice stop after your tour. Whether you’re a visitor to Cincinnati or a local, this is absolutely worth your time. 📍 Centrally located, easy to access, and a wonderful cultural stop.

A really nice little museum of art in a gorgeous historic home! We visited on a Monday when admission was free. The building itself is a work of art, and each room was dedicated to different themes (mythology, portraits, and the dining room - gorgeous French landscapes!) They also have a rotating exhibit space, indigo quilts the day we visited. There’s a cafe and gift shop on site as well. We spent an hour (little kids don’t love art 😅) but it’s probably good for at least two if you take your time. Definitely worth a visit, and if I lived nearby, I’d definitely stop in from time to time to bask in the all the beauty. Con - no free parking for larger vehicles; we had to find a spot on the street.

Fun free experience to do on Sunday or Monday. The cafe looked lovely but we weren't there to eat. Check out the Rembrandt!

Nice small museum located in a traditional style building. Took us about 1 hours to go through, but you could easily spend more. Entry was 15.00 each. I feel it was a good value.

The museum is in historic building with well preserved or restored decor. The collection is not big but has important artwork by Rembrandt, Goya, Turner, Gainsborough, Corot and others. The portrait of Stevenson by Sargent is amazing. Also, a large collection of Asian and European porcelain. Probably the best Limoges works I have seen.

This was probably the most exceptional small/medium art museum I have ever visited, and I visit a lot of art museums. Even outside of its wonderful Turner watercolor exhibit, it had an ideal Turner to other junk ratio. The entrance murals were really a remarkable surprise, as were the extensive watch and decorate arts displays. The museum really puts its best foot forward with its display choices, and the period room settings make the experience.

Great collection of artwork dating from 1200 to 1800's. The museum was a mansion owned by the Taft family who collected the art.

A beautiful art collection in a historical setting. If you are a fan of local history and internationally renowned artists, this is a must see. There are a couple of days per week with free admission as well.

The Taft Museum is the home of former President Taft and was built in the 1820's. It became a public museum in the 1930's. There are both permanent exhibits and periodic special exhibits plus a small restaurant and gift shop. During this visit the special exhibit was quilts, and more specifically, quilts made with indigo dyed cloth. Indigo was a prized dye years ago many tears ago and entire plantations all over the world were growing and processing the plants. German scientists eventually developed a synthetic indigo dye that replaced the labor-intensive farming process that had been used for centuries. The Taft is a great place to spend some time. Free parking in their garage under the museum. Admission is $15 for adults; $12 for seniors. Sundays and Mondays are free! Closed Tuesdays.

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.

Monday two of my daughters and I met up at Taft museum what a wonderful experience thanks to Rae, security guard on duty she made everything so nice very knowledgeable and strong in her job. Not to mention the food and bloody Mary.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

A very impressive collection for the size of the museum. The curators do a great job of making each room feel unique. I would say it's comparable to the Frick museum in NYC, it almost feels as if you're walking through someone's home. Defintely worth a stop, you could easily spend 2-3 hours here.

One of my favorite places to come during the holidays. Today is family day. The array of antique feather trees is amazing. And, every year the antique displays are different, many on loan from private families. The formal dining room is totally decked out with lovely china and silver. Choirs sang the traditional holiday songs. Although the museum is at no charge today there is a $12 person charge for the Tiffany exhibition

I'd been wanting to visit the Taft Museum of Art for a while. I am so glad I finally did. I went on a Saturday and it was not at all crowded. Sometimes at museums you have to all gather in the same area to look at something but there were only a handful of individuals in the museum. Parking was free, which was awesome. I paid $12 (it was a couple of months ago so I'm not 100% sure) admission which I believe is very reasonable. When you enter the museum through a side door, you enter a small lobby where you purchase tickets. From there, you go through a door that opens up to their cafe. I didn't eat at their cafe during my trip but I have heard good things. I came alone during my trip so I may have taken advantage of this quaint restaurant if I had someone with me. Another reason to come back and visit. In this same space, there is a gift shop. I would say it is comparable to other museum shops in product and price. There is a staircase you ascend to get to the actual museum. I believe they scan your ticket at the bottom. The museum itself has a cool collection. It's not a large collection and can probably all be viewed in a one to two hour time frame. I was hoping to see more elements of the historical home. The main entrance is decorated with huge, beautiful historic murals. I highly recommend reading the information about the murals. There is a lot of cool and interesting history. Additionally, it is exciting to see Cincinnati based artists featured throughout. I think the real star of the museum though is the security guard named Bob. He is an older gentleman with an accent. He took me around the museum and gave me an unofficial tour; showing me his favorite works, giving me background on the house, and showing me the "headless ghost" of the mural. He was so delighted to show me around and you could tell how much he loved working for the museum. His passion radiated. After he showed me around, he moved on to the next visitors. He was so great and I wish I had cash on me to tip him for his tour. I believe the museum has a text system where you can obtain more information about specific works. I did not use it during my visit but next time I plan to take advantage. Additionally, I recommend looking at the timeline and history of the house. It is very beautiful and neat to see how it has changed over the years; including the list of notable figures who lived and visited the home. The outside of the front of the house is very cool to explore. There is a large installation piece on the front lawn that is worth checking out. All in all, I recommend this museum to adults looking for a quiet place to explore.

They have free parking and the museum is free on Sundays. This is a smaller collection than I had hoped but it was still a very good collection. I was impressed by the variety of the collection and including the history of the facility as part of their exhibits. They also feature exhibits that change frequently so there are great reasons to visit again and again. During Covid times they required masks and appointments. It was wonderful and efficient.

I usually get cranky when museum guards talk in galleries. Silence is a great gift to the visitor when staring at a work of art. However, the guards here took me by surprise and were quite engaging as I walked from room to room. I don't know if they were simply bored -- I was one of the few visitors -- and looking for conversation to pass the time but they actually added to my visit. We discussed some of the paintings and a few were eager to show me their favorites. (Personally, I was impressed by Joaquin Sorolla's portrait of President Taft and the Vermeer-like precision of Pieter de Hooch's 'A Woman with a Cittern and a Singing Couple at a Table'.) I'd hang out with these guys for a beer anytime. It really felt like being in a rich relative's house rather than a museum. In fact, I'd change the name to 'Taft House of Art'. There are some very good European old masters and 19th-century American paintings here but I gladly sped by the decorative arts and furniture. One gnawing aspect that reminded me I was in a house is the poor and uneven lighting that made taking photos a challenge that I couldn't win. That won't deter me from visits in the future, though. This museum is a small gem: perfect for an hour or so in downtown Cincinnati.

Lovely museum in the oldest wooden house in Cincinnati. Our first visit and hopefully not our last.

For a small museum created out of the converted historical home of former president Howard Taft, it was a great art quencher in the middle of the city! Filled with primarily the Taft's personal collection, most of the art is historical with a mapped out layout moving from old to newer in art periods. A portion of it does house rotating collections in which case was Western photography when we attended. Lovely older female docents were there providing free tours and were a pleasure for conversation. Great gift shop downstairs as well as what appeared to be a homey cafe. Admission is free on Sundays

This place is great for the whole family! I grew up coming here and I now get to bring my little one. When I was little they offered the best summer camps! I assume they still do. We made a couple different art projects every day which was absolutely heaven for me. The old house is gorgeous and has been very well taken care of. For the most part, you'll see the same set up every time. But small parts are switched out. I visited yesterday for their Antique Christmas display. It was beautiful! They're are known for their German feather trees in particular. Since it was their Holiday Kickoff, they had several things going on. First, entrance to the museum was free. Yay! Second, Santa Clause. Third, hot chocolate and cookies. Fourth, crafts - make your own cards and wrapping paper. Fifth, Carol singers!

While looking for something to do to get out of the house today, my partner and I landed at Taft Museum of Art. You can book tickets/time in advance online which was great for us in planning and there were still same day spots (unlike other places we looked into). I'll give quick quips instead of the long narrative: -felt super safe for Covid. With the timed tickets you feel like you have the whole museum to yourself! Seriously a private tour?! Ok! Masks are required and hand sanitizing stations are spread throughout. -The collection is expansive and so well curated/displayed. Not only the art but the house...including window treatments and carpeting (ok, designer geeking out here) -Stop by the courtyard cafe for lunch or tea- very reasonably priced in a beautiful setting. I recommend the chicken salad! -By far the most attentive and welcoming staff, from the entrance, through the gallery, lunch service and Chris in the lobby. I think we talked/asked questions to everyone Times are hard for the local arts, please go support our treasures while also being socially distanced and safe!

Cafeteria food and service was amazing- I had gazpacho and a caesar salad... The museum is small but the paintings are impressive... Parking was dicey and not easy to find...But the plum room and the green room were stunning

Great small museum! Surprising number of pieces by well-known artists. Right in the heart of downtown in a beautiful old historic home.

Taft Museum of Art is one of my favorite places to visit in Cincinnati. The permanent art collection and the 'visiting' exhibitions are fantastic and worth a visit for anyone who has not been here before. During warmer weather the patio is a nice place to listen to music, when they have guest musicians. The menu is small and limited but we've enjoyed a light lunch here, as well. This was my fourth visit this year and I always enjoy the exhibits. Sunday is free for everyone, including the non-permanent exhibits. This visit I came for another photography exhibition and then checked out the holiday exhibit, Antique Christmas. There was a gentleman there that informed us that he and his wife have been putting on the Antique Christmas exhibit for 17 years. He talked to us about the history of some of the displays and ornaments. It was interesting and informative. The Taft Museum of Art is a beautiful place to visit!

Maybe my expectations are the problem, but since it was the Taft home I expected some original furnishings and it to be somewhat home like? With the exception of a few settees and a donated dining room table, it wasn't furnished at all. Also, let me also say upfront the Impressionists Gallery was what I was most excited to see, and it's closed for renovations. As others have said, the guards some somewhat intrusive. I don't need to have you breathing down my back. And the art just mostly wasn't my thing. I did enjoy the watches, but not the etchings. The Rembrandts were impressive as well, but again....not my thing. They called a cab for us when we left cause the walk was further from the heart of downtown than we expected and we were ready to sit down. Cab never showed, so we ended up walking back anyway. Not the museum's fault, but if I ever went back it would be in a car. I pretty much think this was a one shot deal in any case. Cincinnati has much better museums.

This museum is like a hidden gem on the east side of downtown, it's easy to forget it's there. The museum itself is rather small but the exhibits I've seen here have always been well curated and displayed. The house offers many rooms with paintings and works to view as well. Sometimes they have chamber music downstairs, in a room that is used mostly for receptions. I would check out their website to see what's on display before making a visit http://www.taftmuseum.org/ There is a small parking garage, however the weekends are always the busiest so plan accordingly.

The Taft Museum of Art is yet another historical art gem in the city of Cincinnati! One of the smallest museums in the country as this was the personal residence of Anna Sinton Taft and Charles Phelps Taft, after their deaths they donated their home and personal art collection to the people of Cincinnati. It reopened to the public in 2004 after extensive renovations and features Robert Duncanson murals in the museum foyer, which were discovered on the walls during the renovation, they were previously covered up & thankfully restored back to their original glory. They have a special exhibition room on the second floor, which has had a variety of photography exhibitions over the past few years, right now is Paris Night & Day, Iconic photographs. Stop by on your lunch hour if you work downtown or enjoy their free Sundays to enjoy this Cincinnati classic.

Great way to spend a Sunday afternoon and learn a bit about Cincinnati history. A fantastic date idea. They have a tea service I look forward to trying one day. They also have rotation of exhibits to experience and offer variety. I'll be back before June 2021 to experience the Stewart Weizmann exhibit.

Came here for their open house event which boasted live music, food and drink from local vendors and of course fine art. Thoroughly enjoyed the Ansel Adams exhibit featuring many photographs of western wilderness such as Yosemite (for which I am biased and hold a special place in my heart for). Truly amazing how much thought and time went into a photo prior to digital photography. A very nice, intimate museum right in the heart of downtown Cincinnati. Gotta love it for it's historical significance in this city and an excellent job at putting on a mid week event!

The Taft Museum is located in part within a historic home, which means that each room in and of itself is an impressive work of art. It has been restored beautifully. There is a cafe with a lovely patio, a gallery shop, and a special exhibit gallery. The Taft collection has a range of items, including a number of Chinese porcelains, a watch room, and Limoges enamels. There are large murals painted directly on the walls near the front entrance of the home. More well-known artists whose work is featured includes John Singer Sargent, Whistler, Duveneck, Goya, Gainsborough, and Rembrandt. Special exhibits rotate throughout the year. On my recent visit, it was "Threads of Heaven: Silken Legacy of China's Last Dynasty," and featured some wonderful robes, accessories, and textiles that illustrated the history and cultures that influenced the creation of the silk items. The museum has free parking in a garage around back, and admission is free on Sundays.

Very good museum that displays Mr. and Mrs Taft collections of paintings, jewelry boxes, watches and household items. It houses many significant and interesting paintings. Among them are paintings of Rembrandt and Goya. My favorite collections there were pocket watches and the Limoges porcelain. I found out that one of the reason for the watch and porcelain exhibits, was to educate and show people of Cincinnati the standards to strive for, at a time when factories in Cincinnati were mass producing inexpensive watches and pottery. I believe that people that visit the Taft museum presently continue to be inspired by the impressive museum exibits.

I was really caught off guard by my recent visit. This was not the visit to Taft Museum that it used to be. It is stuffy, clinical and not welcoming. The two security guards watched me (a professional photographer) like a hawk. Folks, I'm in my late 40's. One guard told me I had to secure my camera on my body. Fine. I complied. Within 5 minutes, the next security officer told me I must remove my camera from my body... when I suggested we go meet with the other security officer to get a definitive plan for my camera, he literally walked away from me. I'm disappointed to see all of the other reviews that echo my sentiments...and I'm disheartened to read the reviews about not being child friendly. I have many fond memories visiting this museum during my childhood. Evidently, that is no longer a goal of theirs. I paid as did my family...I will never do it again. As a Cincinnatian, born and bred, I cannot believe this gem, is no longer what it once was. I won't be visiting again. I won't be recommending that anyone visit there, either. On a side note... when I left, I asked for the supervisor who was not there. Well. I was given the name of a woman, who ended up being the gift shop manager. I tried to address the issues at the time of my visit but was denied that option.

Wonderful collection of works. Very helpful, cheerful and knowledgeable staff. Chris was a pleasure to interact with obviously took great delight and pride in his work. Great quiet, contemplative spot.

Mother's Day brunch was horrible! They basically ran out of food and started serving ham and cheese sandwiches. What they did have was not on ice in the 90 degree heat. Yogurt was hot and tasted sour. I've had an upset stomach all day. The Ohio Department of Health should have shut this down. Paid $40 a person!!!!

The Taft Museum of Art has a special place in my heart. Growing up I was very interested in Art and my art teacher told me that the Taft had summer programs that were very hands on and would be perfect for me. So I enrolled and so began my love affair! The museum itself is actually a house therefore all the character, history, and the nostalgia just comes with it unlike other places. The outside is always perfectly landscaped, the even have a luscious beautiful garden out back. The volunteers are crazy informative and very helpful as well. One of my favorite exhibits I have seen there were the antique clock watches. You know the old funny ones you put in your pocket? They were absolute stunning to look at and there were rows and rows of them from all over the world and ranging from different time periods. Once we walked through the exhibit our summer camp leader then created a craft for us where we made our own clock watches and it was SO neat! If you are wanting to actually feel like you are apart of history rather than looking at history I suggest this museum, it has a totally different feel from all the others!

A lovely place to spend the day and see some beautiful things. The café has a lovely selection of teas and the events they hold are a lot of fun. We first discovered this place for the visiting British exhibition, the menu in the café had dishes on theme. The house and setup is so nice and intimate with the art, it really lets you get close, see the detail and the brush strokes. The plaques contain useful details and the house itself is beautiful. I really want all of their furniture.

It looks like the cafe could be a really pleasant place to chill, but this review is limited to the museum, which is . . . a small art museum with a minor collection that is set up and curated as if it were a much better art museum than it is. There were some in situ murals (which are ugly, but perhaps of historical interest), and a few longer pieces of information about Taft and his family's relationship to the collection, but nothing to help you explain to yourself why you were spending your time here. There was a well-curated special exhibit, "Drawn by New York," with a few moderately interesting pieces. That earns the place an extra star.

I went on a Sunday afternoon when admission is free. If I can visit an art museum, especially one with a reasonably large collection, it's fantastic. The whole historical house is perfectly registered to blend the museum with the house it used to be. The permanent collection is beautiful and the temporary British collection was very cool especially with more contemporary art included at the end. I highly recommend checking it out on a Sunday for free.

This small, overpriced musuem has more guards than visitors. You enter through a restaurant, which is uncomfortable at best the staff is decidedly unfriendly and said goodbye to me every time I entered a room, like they wanted me to leave. Spend your time elsewhere, this one's a pass

We held our anniversary party in a tent here. The Taft also catered the event. Wonderful atmosphere, great food and service. I would recommend the Taft Museum to anyone looking for a unique event venue.

Have you ever had something right under your nose and didn't know it? Well, that's my story of the Taft Museum of Art. I live right next door to this place, and walk by it everyday going to work. I look at it; I see people going in; and I sometimes see the nice guard standing outside. But, holy moly, I had no idea what was inside the beautiful home. The home, along with the history of it, is amazing in its self, but the art that permanently resides on the walls just adds to its beauty. It has a small, but very charming, full service cafe (including beer) inside. There is an outside courtyard with tables that is open in the Spring and Summer months so that you can enjoy your lunch out doors if you choose. We were even told that they sometimes have music out there. I would highly recommend visiting the Taft Museum of Art. The admission is $10, but it's free on Sundays. This just makes me wonder what else I'm missing in this awesome city!!

I was so disappointed. I thought this was a museum about President Taft, yeah it wasn't. President Taft family was very big into art and they turned the family home into a art museum. In my opinion, they use the Taft name to bring people. Wasted....

A hidden architectural and artistic treasure tucked away in an eastern part of downtown. I've attended a few art exhibits here and really enjoy the history of the place as well as the great art that is displayed in this museum. I think the TMA is often confused with the Taft Theatre http://www.yelp.com/biz/taft-theatre-cincinnati which is a cool place but certainly not a museum. Check their website http://www.taftmuseum.org/?page_id=196 or give them a call to see if there is a special exhibit or event. I first found out about this place because they had some kind of free photography exhibition. Currently, they are displaying the glamour photography of Edward Steichen. His photos graced the covers of Vogue and Vanity Fair. You might recognize some of the celebrities. The TAM would be a nice place to have a wedding reception or "fancy" party. The courtyard is pleasant and large enough to hold a large amount of people. Oh, the gift shop has a few items for that person on your list who has everything or you are just looking for something unique and possibly Cincinnati themed.

Recently,I returned to the Taft Museum of Art.I spent a delightful day enjoying its Old Master Dutch Paintings,its French Renaissance Painted Enamels,Its French Realistic and Romantic Paintings,its 19th Century Dutch Hague School Paintings,and its 18th Century British Portraiture. Favorite Dutch Master Paintings that day included Rembrandt's"Man Rising From Chair",Frans Hals'"Michael De Wael",Baltazar Vander Ast's"Stillife With Tilted Basket",Gerard Terborch's"Sleeping Soldier",and Jan Steen's"Doctor's Wife". Favorite 19th Century Dutch Paintings included Anton Mauve's"Flock of Sheep",Josef Israel's"Sewing School In Katwijck",and Jan Weissenbruch's"Gray Day in the Hague".Favorite 19th Century French Oil Paintings included Alexandre Decamps'"Slinger",Pierre Etienne Theodore Rousseau's"Pond",and Camille Corot's"Evening Festival with Pan". Favorite British and American Paintings included Richard Bonington's"View Near Mantes",Joseph Mallord William Turner's"Trout Stream"Thomas Gainesborough;s"Wooded Landscape With Milkmaid,Shepherd,and Lovers",American James McNeil Whistler's"At the Piano",and American Frank Duveneck's"Cobbler's Apprentice" I appreciated its Limoges Painted Enamel Works from the 15th Century by Leonard Limousin,Peter Courteys,and Pierre Reymond as well. This cozy art museum in the heart of America's Queen City is a delight.

I wish you could give less because even one is too many! Sunday are free...except they are not! The lady( old bitty ) was so rude to my daughter, I would not have believed it had I not been there! Although the kiddo is 17 she has been to Art Museums in about 20 different states and 8 different countries so the little ol Taft museum has not one thing on any of those. She ( old bitty) could not understand that we didn't care about new costumes from Downton Abby . That is not Art or the art we were looking for. I could go on and on but she and the museum so Not worth it. Also they could not except US money she had no change !?!!! How does that work for a business in this day and age no cash??? Stupid

My friend and I headed to the Taft Museum to view Star Power: Edward Steichen's Glamour Photography. We went on a Sunday, which made it FREE! (bonus!) As you walk into the museum, you need to walk thorough the bistro which is a great marketing idea... all of the food smelled great and made me want to eat it! Unfortunately, the bistro was closing as we arrived... poor timing. The gift shop is on the same level with the bistro. You can peruse the shop as you are waiting for a table or after you've eaten! It's a great idea. We headed upstairs and went directly into the gallery. The pictures were all 8x10 which made them hard to see if crowded. Luckily, the gallery was not too crowded and we could practically put our faces into the pictures! The color of the walls was a great match for viewing the art, and it was set up so you could go through in any direction you choose: backwards, forwards, sideways... anything! We left the gallery and walked behind a tour of the Taft House... they house many artifacts and the house itself is beautiful. It was stillset up for the Christmas show, so since we went in January, it was kind of out of place. I wish we had seen that before Christmas to really get in the spirit. The gallery didn't really go with the house, but you could look at it as 2 different museums almost. Bottom line: If you go to the Taft Museum: make sure you look through the house. It is timeless.

The Taft Museum hosted a SHERO party for women. When a tornado warning was announced as the party was scheduled to begin refused the female guests shelter from storm, told them to wait outside and then cancelled the party. Shameful!!!!

Determined to enjoy all our great City has to offer during the Holidays, we spent yesterday afternoon at the Taft Museum of Art. After lunch and shopping, the museum was a welcome respite from the crowds. Parking is free and easily-accessible. The exhibits of antique Christmas decorations are fascinating, and the architecture of the house always breathtaking. Whether or not you celebrate Christmas, this is a unique display of Americana worth seeing.

We went here last night for a Yelp event. I went as a guest of my daughter. It was our first time to the museum and will definitely go back. They are having a special photographic display of Deguerreotypes from Kansas City. Interesting and beautiful. We took a docent-guided tour which was very informative. They also had short lectures on the subject, as well as an Art Cart with a gentleman explaining the archaic photographic process. They also had a docent led architecture tour. Didn't have time for that, but considering the beautiful home we will be back for it! In addition, since Yelp was holding this event, they had food and drinks under a canopy in the courtyard. Food was prepared by the executive chef at the Taft and was very yummy! Overall a very nice experience and will be back!