The heart of Ohio is in its arts and culture. Immerse yourself in all its offerings during your upcoming visit
Welcome to Ohio’s vibrant arts and culture scene, where creativity thrives and inspiration awaits at every turn. Whether you are drawn to world-class museums, lively galleries spotlighting emerging talent, or intimate studios, the vibrant pulse of creativity permeates every aspect of Ohio’s cultural landscape.
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Art Abound: Exploring Ohio’s Galleries and Studios
Ohio’s museums, galleries, and studios scattered throughout the state offer limitless immersive experiences for their visitors. Cincinnati Art Museum is one of the oldest in the United States, offering free admission to over 67,000 works of art spanning 6,000 years of human history. The Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland is another free museum known for housing the exhibits of rising stars in the field, rotating exhibits three times a year.
The Columbus Museum of Art houses masterpieces by Pablo Picasso and Norman Rockwell, while the Butler Institute of American Art in Youngstown is dedicated to celebrating and preserving our nation’s art and artists. Travel to Dover to experience the masterful wood carvings and eccentric art collections at the Ernest Warther Museum and Garden, a testament to Ohio’s unique artistic tradition.
You could embark on a journey to visit the state’s art studios, where 78th Street Studios in Cleveland is one of the largest concentrations of art studios, galleries, and creative businesses in the state. Watch artists at work at Mosser Glass in Cambridge and Alan Cottrill Sculpture Studio in Zanesville or try your hand at pottery at Hot Pots Pottery in Alliance or Zeber-Martell Gallery and Clay Studio in Akron.
The Magic of Ohio’s Stage Scene
Ohio’s performing arts scene is vibrant and diverse, boasting multiple venues throughout the state. Experience the nostalgia of cinema at the beautifully restored Ritz Theater in Tiffin and the Ohio Theater in Columbus, where you will be awe-inspired by both the performances and the theaters themselves.
The Benjamin & Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center in Dayton is a world-class facility for national and international talent in musicals, comedy, and more. The theater is also home to the Dayton Opera and the Philharmonic Orchestra. Playhouse Square theater district in Cleveland is the largest performing arts center in the nation outside of New York City, with a wide variety of performing arts and educational entertainment options occurring daily.
Smaller theaters offer unique performances throughout the state as well. The Amish Country Theater in Berlin puts on Amish cultural shows and musicals, and even hosts performances from a nationally claimed ventriloquist. In Springboro, La Comedia Dinner Theater offers Broadway-style entertainment alongside a mouthwatering buffet served before the performance.
Journey through Ohio’s Museums: From Sky to Stage
Few other U.S. states have such a diverse offering of museums as Ohio. Home to the first men to take flight and the first man to walk the moon, Ohio is the nation’s hub for the exploration of the skies. A visit to the Armstrong Air and Space Museum, the National Aviation Heritage Area, the National Museum of the U.S. Airforce, or the Center of Science and Industry will satisfy the curiosity of aspiring aviators or astronauts of all ages.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland features immersive experiences that celebrate the world-renowned artists or visit the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton to learn about the accomplishments of football’s greatest legends. For car lovers, a trip to Ohio would be incomplete without stopping by America’s Packard Museum in Dayton, which is home to the largest collection of vintage Packard cars and artifacts. The American Sign Museum in Cincinnati offers a unique glimpse into the art, culture, and history of commercial signs.
Ohio’s Time Capsules: Immersive Historical Site Experiences
Ohio’s rich history comes alive at its historic and heritage sites. Built in 1933, Union Terminal in Columbus was a significant development in the history of transportation. Beautifully preserved in its Art Deco styling, visitors can explore its gorgeous architecture and rich history.
The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center—situated by the Ohio River, the great divide between slave states and free states—shares the stories of those who sought freedom through the railroad and houses special exhibits that promote social justice for all today.
In Cleveland, a must-see site is the House from A Christmas Story and the museum across the street that contains props and memorabilia from the film. The Amish and Mennonite Heritage Center in Berlin allows visitors to explore the heritage items on display and participate in a question-and-answer session with local Amish and Mennonite people. A world of art, culture, and history is waiting to be explored in Ohio, the state that has it all.
For more arts and cultural travel tips or information, be sure to Subscribe to Leisure Group Travel for and Download the June edition for FREE
