News
Jun 23, 2022 _ news
Restored, Taft Museum of Art Reopens to Public
Local leaders, state representatives, and members of the community recently gathered to cut the ribbon on the newly renovated Taft Museum of Art. Much of the work that was done on the national historic landmark won’t be obvious to the public, but it will be essential in preserving the 200-year-old house another 100 years.
“This is the oldest structure still standing in downtown Cincinnati,” says GBBN’s Andrew Campbell. “It was meant to house people, not priceless artwork, so the team wasn’t surprised that the building envelope wasn’t performing up to the standards of a modern museum. But our investigation made it clear that to protect the Taft Museum for the next 100 years, it needed more than a fresh coat of paint—it needed a serious facelift.”
The galleries in the historic home had been closed for the past year as its façade underwent a comprehensive restoration, which saw its wood siding taken off and restored, board by board. It also received an updated heating and cooling system, fire and security system upgrades, window repairs, foundation restoration, underground drainage improvement, and improved accessibility for all patrons to the front lawn.
“The Taft house has been such an important piece of Cincinnati’s history,” says GBBN’s Director of Arts, Marcene Kinney. “It was not only the place where William Howard Taft launched his presidential campaign, but it has been a historical center of the arts in Cincinnati. We’re delighted to help ensure that it remains an essential place for art in Cincinnati.”
The Taft Museum of Art is marking the bicentennial of its historic home with ongoing celebrations throughout the summer.
To learn more visit WVXU, Cincinnati Business Courier, or watch the Taft Art Museum’s video, Preserving a Landmark.
To learn more about GBBN’s work in the arts, read about Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s Otto M. Budig Theater, Contemporary Craft, Cincinnati Union Terminal, or Cincinnati Ballet’s Margaret & Michael Valentine Center for Dance.
