Since its closure in March, the Taft Museum of Art has been interacting with patrons in the digital realm. But they are ready to bring that experience in-person again as they reopen to the public on July 11, with modified hours and COVID-19 safety protocols in place.
“The Taft has been eagerly awaiting the day we can welcome guests back to their Cincinnati home away from home for art, history, and connecting with others,” said President/CEO Deborah Emont Scott in a release. “We will continue to match our passion to serve our community with the needed preparedness and attention to detail to keep our staff, volunteers and visitors safe as we invite them back to the Taft Museum of Art this summer,”
Museum members can take advantage of early admission on Friday, July 10, with hours noon-4 p.m. and a special hour set aside for vulnerable populations 11 a.m.-noon. Otherwise, doors open to the public noon-5 p.m. Saturday, July 11 (vulnerable population hour from 11 a.m.-noon) and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, July 12. Ongoing hours after that will be noon-4 p.m. Fridays, noon-5 p.m. Saturdays and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sundays (11 a.m.-noon will be set aside still on Fridays and Saturdays for vulnerable visitors).
The Taft does have online tickets available, but will be selling tickets in-person as well. All tickets will be marked for timed entry and capacity inside the museum has been reduced to allow for social distancing. First responders will get free Dual/Family memberships for every new or renewed membership during July and August.
Employees and guests will both be required to wear face masks; masks will be available for purchase at admission if you don’t have one. Employees will also undergo temperature checks. Enhanced cleaning and sanitation will take place throughout the museum and sanitizer will be available. Read more about their COVID response at taftmuseum.org/covid-response.
Special bicentennial exhibit Built to Last: The Taft Historic House at 200 will mark the reopening and will exhibit “remarkable artifacts and stories left behind by the home’s residents and other key figures, illuminating the architectural jewel’s 200-year transformation.” Admission tickets include access to the show.
The in-museum cafe will be open for lunch and drinks and they have expanded seating into the garden.
The Taft Museum of Art is located at 316 Pike St., Downtown. More info and tickets at taftmuseum.org.
This article appears in The Summer Guide.
