With this project, the Cincinnati Art Museum sought to engage with its surrounding historic, vital neighborhoods, including Walnut Hills. This effort to activate the museum grounds allowed new and broader access through casual and recreational art interactions outside the walls of the museum.
The Art Climb includes a staircase from the sidewalk near the intersection of Eden Park Drive and Gilbert Avenue and leading up to the front museum entrance. This project opens up the museum grounds, connects the museum to its neighbors, and provides a space to incorporate outdoor artworks. A lighting component guides visitors up the stairs to the museum. At the top of the staircase, visitors have an opportunity to access a large bench where they can enjoy a view of the city. A Cincinnati Metro bus stop is located near the start of the staircase.
Steps and landings span the hill at the Northern corner of the museum’s grounds, around 450 feet from the street to the parking lot. The museum worked with emersion DESIGN and Human Nature for architecture and landscape design for this project. Turner Construction is the construction firm.