Taft Museum of Art

The Taft Museum of Art is an art museum in downtown Cincinnati housed in a Federal-style building from the early 1800s. Its collection features European paintings, Chinese porcelains, decorative arts, sculptures, and period furniture arranged throughout the rooms.

The building was originally constructed as a residence in 1820 and underwent various changes under different owners over the decades. When Charles and Anna Sinton Taft donated their home and collection to Cincinnati in 1927, it became a public museum within five years.

The museum displays murals painted by Robert S. Duncanson, an African-American artist, which can still be seen on the walls today from the early 1850s. These works show the artistic contributions of Black creators during that era.

The museum includes lecture spaces, performance areas, a shop, and a café that were added during a renovation in 2004. Visitors can explore both the historic architecture and the art collection within the intimate setting of a residential building.

William Howard Taft, who would become the 27th US president, accepted his presidential nomination from the porch of this house in 1908. This event remains a striking reminder of how everyday places can become part of presidential history.

Location: Cincinnati

Inception: 1927

Part of: Lytle Park Historic District

Phone: +15132410343

Website: https://taftmuseum.org

GPS coordinates: 39.10250,-84.50333

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:55