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Tucked into the southeast corner of downtown is the Taft Museum of Art, housed in a building with connections to Cincinnati’s early history. The museum’s recent expansion and renovation has provided a dream list of just about everything the Tafts could have ever wanted.
With the reopening, it’s time to take another look at the building.
The restoration of the historic Taft house has been like restoring a Dutch master’s portrait. Seen as part of the collection, the home is a study in the evolution of 19th-century decorative arts in America. Visitors to the Taft have the unique opportunity to view a world-class art collection within this intimate domestic setting.
The permanent collection continues to be housed within the main floor rooms of the original Taft house. New lighting finally captures the detail of Rembrandt’s brush-strokes. Entirely reconstructed ceilings now allow modern heating and lighting. Its new colors, patterned carpeting and opulent flowing drapery are far from reserved.
Architect Ann Beha’s addition is smart, respectful and clean. Through materials, massing and detailing, the new wing — which contains offices, a book shop, space for meetings and food preparation and a comfortable space for temporary exhibitions — complements the original 1820s house without competing. While the same simple flat horizontal siding is carried across, windows are the same size yet contemporary.
The building’s forms reflect major interior spaces, highlighted with an off-center pediment. While earlier schemes suggested formal symmetrical wings or a separate pavilion-like building, the final choice was a meandering, less-assuming wing. Though substantial and accommodating, it barely “kisses” a much earlier addition, allowing the original 1820s house to preside.
The open south border allows plenty of sunlight to radiate into the magnolia-dotted gardens and windows, along with views toward the original Taft home. The new main entrance holds a gracious curving stairway to welcome visitors to the historic facility. ©
This article appears in May 19-25, 2004.
