Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Taft Museum | Cincinnati's Premier Art Experience
The Taft Museum offers a unique, multi-sensory experience that immerses audiences in spaces to learn, create, and connect within and beyond its walls. Our historic house, built around 1820, houses over 800 works of art, including European and American paintings, Chinese porcelains, and medieval ivory sculptures. We present changing exhibitions in dedicated galleries while maintaining the Duncanson murals, recognized as the most important pre-Civil War domestic murals in the United States. Our mission focuses on connecting people with great art through educational programs like Art for All and Family Fundays. As a National Historic Landmark, we balance preservation with innovation, completing infrastructure projects to protect our 200-year-old building while expanding accessibility initiatives.Our community outreach emphasizes unity and belonging through diverse programming for all ages. Sustainability efforts include energy-efficient lighting upgrades and participation in recycling programs. We maintain transparency through public financial disclosures and hold accreditations from cultural and environmental organizations. Our team of curators, educators, and staff work to make art accessible both onsite and online through virtual collections and digital engagement tools. We remain committed to evolving as a leading arts hub while honoring the vision of our founders, Anna Sinton Taft and Charles Phelps Taft.
Services
Art Exhibitions
Educational Programs
Museum Shop
Taft Caf
Event Rentals
Online Collections
Guided Tours
Community Outreach
Accessibility Services
Curatorial Research
Details
- Year established: 1932
Highlights and features
- We offer access to over 800 works of art in a National Historic Landmark building.
- Our Duncanson murals represent the most important pre-Civil War domestic murals in the US.
- We provide free educational programs serving over 320,000 community members annually.
- Our sustainability initiatives include energy-efficient LED lighting and comprehensive recycling programs.
- We maintain transparency through Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency reporting.
Associations and certifications
- KultureCity Sensory Inclusive Certified Venue
- International Coalition of Sites of Conscience
- Gallery Climate Coalition
Services
Art Exhibitions
Our changing exhibitions feature works from our permanent collection and traveling shows. The Fifth Third and Sinton galleries host major installations while collection galleries showcase rotating selections. Exhibitions range from historical retrospectives to contemporary interpretations.
Educational Programs
We offer free programs like Art for All, Artists Reaching Classrooms, and Family Fundays. These initiatives provide art instruction, school field trip resources, and intergenerational activities. Programs align with state educational standards while emphasizing accessibility for all learners.
Historic Preservation
As stewards of Cincinnati's oldest wooden residence, we maintain original architectural elements including Duncanson murals. Recent Bicentennial Infrastructure Project preserved structural integrity while updating systems. Conservation efforts protect both building and collection for future generations.
Community Outreach
Our outreach initiatives focus on unity and belonging through art. Programs include partnerships with local schools, accessibility accommodations, and special events promoting cultural understanding. We actively seek diverse voices to shape our programming and exhibitions.
Sustainability Initiatives
We implement environmentally responsible practices across operations. Initiatives include LED lighting upgrades, Hefty ReNew recycling program participation, and FSC-certified printing partnerships. Sustainability efforts extend to educational programming and material reuse in art creation activities.
People
Rebekah Beaulieu
Louise Taft Semple President & CEO
Rebekah Beaulieu leads the Taft Museum with over 20 years of museum leadership experience. She oversees strategic direction while maintaining community partnerships and organizational growth initiatives.
Ellen E. Roberts
Sallie Robinson Wadsworth Director of Curatorial Affairs
Ellen E. Roberts directs curatorial operations with expertise in historic collections management. She supervises conservation efforts and exhibition development while maintaining the museum's significant art holdings.
Jill T. McGruder
Board Chair
Jill T. McGruder chairs the board with extensive experience in nonprofit governance. She guides organizational oversight while supporting community engagement and financial stewardship initiatives.
Ann Glasscock
Associate Curator
Dr. Ann Glasscock manages collection research and exhibition development. Her expertise in decorative arts informs educational programming and public interpretation of the museum's holdings.
Perry Ralenkotter
Director of HR & Employee Engagement
Perry Ralenkotter leads human resources with SHRM certification. He develops staff training programs and maintains workplace policies that support the museum's mission and values.
Questions
What makes the Taft Museum unique?
We combine a National Historic Landmark building with significant art collections and Duncanson murals, offering immersive experiences in a preserved 19th-century home.
Are there educational programs for children?
Yes, we offer Family Fundays, school field trip resources, and intergenerational art activities designed for various age groups.
Can I access collections online?
Our online portal provides digital access to over 800 collection works, including high-resolution images and detailed artwork information.
Is the museum accessible?
We maintain accessibility features including lifts to exhibition galleries, sensory-friendly resources, and accommodations for visitors with special needs.
How does the museum support sustainability?
We implement LED lighting, participate in specialized recycling programs, and use eco-friendly practices in operations and educational programming.
Can I host events at the museum?
Our historic spaces accommodate private events with support from our dedicated event planning team for weddings, corporate functions, and special occasions.
