The Contemporary Arts Center (CAC) in downtown Cincinnati, Ohio, has so much to offer for all ages.
I discovered so many community programs offered at CAC that I didn’t previously know about.
My mom was an artist, which has always given me an appreciation of the arts, and we’re so fortunate to have a fantastic arts community in Cincinnati.
This article is written in partnership with CAC. All opinions are my own.
Fun Facts About CAC
Did you know?
- CAC stands for Contemporary Arts Center
- Three women founded CAC in 1939 during the onset of WWII
- CAC is the oldest non-collecting contemporary art museum in America, with exhibitions rotating regularly
- CAC is located in the building designed by Zaha Hadid, and it’s the first American museum building designed by a woman
There’s a good chance you’ll see something new each time you visit CAC because the exhibits change frequently, providing you with an excuse to visit often.
Programming at CAC
I was surprised to learn about all of the ongoing programming at CAC for all ages.
I’d previously attended the One Night One Craft event years ago with friends and had a great time.
More recently, I attended the Thursday Art Play with my friend and her toddler as research for an article about toddler adventures around Cincinnati.
Adult Public Programs
- Artist in Residence – Contemporary artists are invited to set up shop in their brand new Creativity Center Studio in the form of an educational residency
- Co-LAB – This program is designed to collaborate with the public, create change, alter perspectives, and think creatively
- Creative Café – A space where creatives come together to form a familiar community with one another with art-making and conversation, and vendors that display their goods
- One Night One Craft (DIY sessions for grown-ups)
- Creative Writing Project – A series of workshops designed to provide adult writers of all levels with opportunities to explore the art of creative writing
- Sensory-Friendly Mornings – An extra welcoming environment for more sensitive guests. Families can choose from a variety of activities and do them at whatever time they feel most comfortable.
- With Art in Mind – These programs are a comfortable gathering that allows people living with dementia and their care partners to socialize and engage in activities in a safe, welcoming environment
Family Programs
- Art Play – This program uses hands-on art-making activities and yoga to excite and educate kids ages 2-6 and their parents or caregivers.
- Family Festivals – Unique art and science projects geared specifically for families, created by guest artists and educators
School Programs
- CAC School Outreach Program, the longest-running school arts education program in Ohio, is currently in its fifth decade for students in second through twelfth grades
- Educator Workshops, where teachers can earn continuing education credits
Free Teen Programs
These programs serve more than 3,000 local teens.
- Art Prom – Annual event in the Spring
- C-YA Teen Council – A yearlong, arts-focused experience for a select group of students. This program welcomes teens to explore, create, and discuss contemporary art through hands-on workshops, gallery tours, and a large, student-planned event for other teens in the community
- Young Adult Lab – Every Thursday from 4-6 PM, teens can experiment with mixed media materials, make a friend, and create something new! All art supplies will be provided by the CAC.
Admission to CAC in Cincinnati
Admission is $12 for non-member adults ages 19 and up. Children ages 18 and under and those on financial assistance are free.
CAC Membership Benefits
CAC members have many membership perks at the museum and beyond. If you enjoy the arts, the CAC membership pays for itself in savings.
- Unlimited CAC gallery access for named Member(s) — including the Creativity Center and the Sara M. and Patricia A. Vance Education Center: The UnMuseum®
- A Pair of $5 guest tickets per visit
- Membership benefits include free or discounted admission to select museums in Ohio through the Ohio Museum Reciprocal Membership Program ( Example- Toledo Museum of Art, Columbus Museum of Art, The Dayton Art Institute) and across North America through the Reciprocal Organization of Associated Museums ( Example- Grammy Museum in LA, Atlanta History Center, Newfields -Indianapolis Museum of Art, Detroit Institute of Arts)
- Invitations to member-only exhibition previews and select events (up to 4/year)
- 10% off at the CAC Shop
- 20% off gift memberships
- 50% off select programs, lectures, and workshops
- Priority access to select museum events
- Free admission to select family programs
- Discounted parking at Fountain Square North Garage is a flat rate of $7.00
CAC Membership- Cincinnati Downtown Parking Perks
If you visit downtown Cincinnati often, the discounted rate for $7 flat parking at the Fountain Square Garage is worth the price of a CAC membership alone.
Adventure Mom Reader Discount For a CAC Membership
For May, my readers can save even more on a CAC membership.
- 25% off Memberships: Use code “AdventureCAC” at cincycac.org/member
- $10 off Artful Adventure GA tickets: Use code “AdventureCAC” at cincycac.org/artful
Explore the Creativity Center + UnMuseum
The UnMuseum is a wonderful space where guests of all ages can interact with and create art.
It’s one of my favorite gems at CAC.
Many of the art pieces in the UnMuseum encourage play and imagination with art.
Kids will love discovering new elements each time they visit.
The UnMuseum also has a sensory room that’s available for guests who need a calm, quiet space with sensory toys and tools.
Guests can also tap into their creative side by using materials in the Zero Waste Lab for their artistic outlet.
It’s so fun to see how guests use the materials to create their own masterpiece.
You’ll find a lot of art by previous guests on display at the UnMuseum.
Where is CAC located?
Lois & Richard Rosenthal Center for Contemporary Art
CAC is located at 44 E 6th St, Cincinnati, OH. (Corner of 6th St. and Walnut)
Artful Adventure Special Event on June 7th
You help support CAC through the Artful Adventure: A Fundraising Playdate, June 7 from 10 AM- 4PM.
All proceeds from Artful Adventure support CAC’s exhibitions and programs, ensuring CAC remains a lab for understanding ourselves, others, and the world around us through the experience and creation of all contemporary art forms.
Tickets for Artful Adventure
Children ages 2 and under are free, and Adult Member tickets start at just $25.
$10 off Artful Adventure GA tickets: Use code “AdventureCAC” at cincycac.org/artful
What to Expect at Artful Adventure
Enjoy CAC program favorites like Yay! Play! and Artist in Residence (AiR)!
PLUS, so much more, like: family-friendly DJ and dance-party with local radio personality Nat Jones, including a special Pink Pony Club Kids Karaoke; Sisters Tattoo creating temporary tattoo art; community art activations with fan-favorite local muralist Joshua Stout; Cindependent screening Reels on Wheels shorts in the Creativity Center and UnMuseum®; sips from Rhinegeist, and brunch cocktails + mocktails; fun with Cincinnati mascots; interactive donut creation stations with Holtman’s Donuts; Drag Story Time with Brock Leah Spears; Drawing from Scratch with Nytaya Babbitt, all emceed by local personality Kate Mock Elliott!
More Information About CAC
You can find more information about CAC and upcoming events on their website.
