CINCINNATI, Ohio — The New Year is full of new traditions, including exploring museums with families and friends, and this experience is taking people back in time with each piece of art.
The new cube art piece created by Tony Rosenthal is attracting people of all ages to the Cincinnati Art Museum.
It’s part of a nine-story tall Art Climb featuring other outdoor civic and art pieces for Cincinnati residents to enjoy. But it’s the cube that is by far Izabel Peterson’s favorite.
“I like how it spins,” said Peterson. “I think it’s fun especially when kids come up through here.”
Although they haven’t been inside the museum lately, Peterson and her boyfriend come to the Art Climb often.
They live close by and enjoy exercising on the steps.
“We go to [the University of Cincinnati] so we’re here,” she said. “It’s pretty close. Mainly running and sometimes we’ll just come here to walk after class and stuff.”
Right outside the museum is where a colorful Wind Sculpture that was created by British-Nigerian artist Yinka Shonibare is found.
Cincinnati Art Museum Director of Marketing Jill Dunne showed off the piece to Peterson.
Peterson was impressed with the stainless steel and hand-painted glass.
“I love how organic it is and the colors are so starkly contrasting and the white or cream outside of the museum,” she said. “So it’s definitely a focal point of the museum.”
Inside the museum is where the newest Ancient Middle East exhibit is found.
There are hand-made sculptures, paintings and much more. The exhibit is also bigger than before.
“From the times I have been here, it’s been a little more closed off so seeing everything so brightly lit up and open has been awesome,” she said.
The inside of the art museum will be closed between Jan. 3-12 to give staff and volunteers a break. The break is intended for them to focus on their mental health and healing during the pandemic.
The Taft Art Museum will also pause to give staff a break.
In the meantime, the art museum is encouraging people to check out the outdoor and digital spaces.
“It’s wonderful to start the New Year here, a fresh pair of eyes on the new area here at the museum,” she said.
