For art afficionados, what’s better than perusing the works of the masters? Studying those masterpieces for free, that is. Beginning on May 17, 2003, the Cincinnati Art Museum will eliminate its general admission charge and will open free to the public. Thanks to a generous gift of $2.15 million from The Lois and Richard Rosenthal Foundation, the endowment is set to coincide with the opening date of the new Cincinnati Wing, which will showcase over 400 objects from the Museum’s collection, including sculpture, painting and decorative arts in 15 newly renovated galleries. The Wing, which will represent 20 percent of the museum’s exhibition space, is designed to tell the history of Cincinnati art from 1788 through the present day and its significance in American art history.
But don’t wait for the Cincinnati Wing’s grand opening to visit the museum. The museum is currently free for admission on Saturdays and hosts a treasure trove of art within its heavy wooden doors. Priceless gems by Van Gogh, Monet, and Gainsborough adorn the walls and special exhibitions such as “Ay-O’s Rainbow Prints” are sure to spark the creative genius lurking within you.
So what are you waiting for? After all, what can be better than free!