by Carol Rucker

Created on: September 13, 2009   Last Updated: April 18, 2011

Eden Park, like the garden from which it takes its name, is a place of beauty and rare delight; and the Cincinnati Art Museum is its greatest treasure of all. Eden Park Drive slices a winding path through trees and flowers, past an Ohio River overlook and Khron Conservatory, with its exotic plants, tropical trees, orchids and the annual Butterfly Show. Stop at manmade Mirror Lake; or continue on to Seasongood Pavilion, where outdoor concerts fill the air with music. Instinct and the path's natural course will urge you to make a sharp left turn; and if you do, it will lead you to Playhouse in the Park and the trendy Mount Adams entertainment district. But turn right instead, and you will find the

Cincinnati Art Museum.

Located at 953 Eden Park Drive, the Museum is a hilltop structure with a columned entrance reminiscent of ancient Greek architecture. During Spring and Summer, the huge gray building is often camouflaged by a bank of trees, but as fall winds blow the leaves to the outer edges of Eden Park, the stately building stands out easily amid the surrounding bare branches.

Family Friendly-

The Cincinnati Art Museum has a history of exhibits and special programs that cater to families. Each month they offer a schedule of events, like Wee Wednesdays, Culture Kids, Art in the Making and Family First Saturdays. These events include stories, scavenger hunts, art demonstrations and more.

For art-curious adults, the museum presents Inside Story and Studio Sunday, as well as chamber music concerts, films, lectures and a Brunch, Art and Music Series. Many scheduled events are free. Some require reservations and a fee. Other events are exclusive to Art Museum Members.

Permanent Exhibits-

You could spend all day enjoying the museum's vast collections of paintings, sculpture, artifacts and other memorable art objects; but before rushing to the upper floors, stop a moment to view the permanent exhibit of Egyptian, Grecian and Roman art just beyond the main entrance. Some of the sculpture, tools and artifacts date back thousands of years.

Throughout the museum you will find decorative art pieces, fashion and accessories, African, Native American and Near Eastern art, as well as paintings and sculpture in every artistic style. With a few exceptions, you may bring your pad and pencil, and sketch your own record of permanently exhibited works created before 1978. Photography of permanent works without lights or tripods is permitted with the same restrictions.

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