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The Vibrant Street Art Scene in Cincinnati

While Cincinnati is home to many architectural marvels as well as several different art museums and galleries, it also features various public art displays throughout the city. In fact, for 5 years in a row, the USA Today 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards has ranked Cincinnati in its top 10 for the “Best City for Street Art” category! Whether you live in a Saint Xavier Park apartment community in Downtown Cincinnati or another location in the Cincinnati area, you may be interested in checking out the public art near you. Keep reading for several ideas about what to see or experience if you are interested in Cincinnati’s street art scene and other outdoor art pieces!

4 Ways to Experience Cincinnati’s Street Art and Other Public Art

In addition to the collections and special exhibits at the city’s celebrated museums and many galleries, residents and visitors alike have abundant opportunities to enjoy art outside. From murals on the exterior walls of buildings to interactive weekend events centered around outdoor installations, Cincinnati’s street art displays and other public art pieces attract and engage audiences of all ages and from across the country. The following highlights ways to make art the focal point of your future plans, including an experience that only happens on one weekend of every other year and one that can be done on a daily basis!

1. Take a mural tour.

For almost three decades, the mission of the nonprofit, ArtWorks, has been “creat[ing] community-based public art that provides career opportunities for artists of all ages.” The results of this nonprofit’s efforts are evident in the public art displays available throughout the city, including outdoor murals such as the Cincinnati Toy Heritage mural and Mr. Tarbell Tips His Hat. For a more guided experience, check out the available tours offered by ArtWorks to view some of Cincinnati’s most popular street art displays. To plan your own tour of the city’s incredible murals, you might use the map provided by ArtWorks and explore the street art scene one piece (or neighborhood) at a time. For suggestions about which works to check out first, Visit Cincy highlights murals like Mr. Dynamite, The Singing Mural, Homecoming (Blue Birds), and Ice Cream Daydream.

2. See a sculpture or several!

From artist-designed bike racks to the pieces that are part of the Art Climb, which is located at the Cincinnati Art Museum, outdoor sculptures and other creative installations are also present around the city. If you regularly frequent the many incredible parks in Cincinnati, then you may have already seen one or more of the sculptures and other artistic or architectural features located in them. In fact, a trip to the popular Eden Park enables you to experience the art in the park itself, as well as sculptures like “Atman” – a piece that’s currently accessible on the Art Climb.

3. Attend BLINK.

In addition to more permanent murals, sculptures and other artistic displays, BLINK, “a biennial celebration of public art and light,” has taken place in Cincinnati since 2017. Featured across dozens of city blocks in both Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky and engaging over 2 million people with its projections onto well-known architecture, light-based displays and more, this event (noted as the “nation’s largest public light and art event”, according to the event’s website) is designed to bring people together and offer inspiration through art.

4. Keep your eyes peeled!

In Cincinnati, you may encounter stunning street art, even if you haven’t intentionally set out to find it. For example, Bolivar Alley (part of the New Lines series from ArtWorks) now includes several pieces, or you may encounter a public stairway near the University of Cincinnati with colorful displays. Whether you are commuting to work on foot or headed to one of the many incredible things to do in the city, opportunities to see Cincinnati’s vibrant street art and other public art attractions might be an unexpected bonus to enjoy!

Exploring Cincinnati’s street art scene and public art pieces not only provides the opportunity to see these incredible works but also to enjoy some time outdoors. As an alternative to a picnic in the park with friends or a more relaxed approach to exercise than your usual hiking trail offers, take advantage of one or more of the ways to experience public art across the city. For assistance finding an apartment in Cincinnati or other nearby locations like Fort Thomas, KY, our leasing experts are here to help! Please contact our team today!