The house is one of the oldest residential structures in Cincinnati, dating back to 1820.
The Robert S. Duncanson murals are considered the finest extant examples of domestic murals from the mid-19th century.
Charles Phelps Taft, the former owner, was the half-brother of U.S. President William Howard Taft.
The collection contains 16th-century Limoges enamels, representing one of the most important groups in the United States.
The house underwent a major restoration completed in 2004 to return the interior to its 19th-century aesthetic.
The Taft collection was officially opened as a public museum in 1932.
The Taft Museum of Art is housed within the Baum-Longworth-Taft House, a National Historic Landmark constructed around 1820 in the Federal style. The collection features a diverse range of European and American master paintings, including works by Rembrandt, Hals, Goya, and Gainsborough. Visitors can view an extensive assembly of 19th-century American decorative arts, Chinese porcelains, and French Renaissance enamels. The museum is renowned for its original interior murals painted by Robert S. Duncanson between 1850 and 1852. The site operates an on-site cafe and maintains an intimate garden space for guests. It serves as a boutique cultural institution focused on the legacy of Charles and Anna Taft, who bequeathed their art collection and historic home to the public. The museum grounds include a historic carriage house and modern event spaces. It is located at the edge of downtown Cincinnati near the Lytle Park Historic District.
The garden terrace looking back at the Federal-style architecture of the historic home.
Prioritize viewing the Duncanson murals in the foyer before exploring the main gallery rooms.
Check the museum website for rotating temporary exhibitions held in the newer addition.
Dine at the cafe, which is situated in a glass-walled space overlooking the historic garden.
Do not rush through the house; the architecture and interior design details are as significant as the paintings on the walls.
Closed on Mondays.
Maintain a quiet volume; do not touch artwork or the historic wall murals.
