Art Climb
Ascend 164 artistic steps at the Cincinnati Art Museum, blending a challenging workout with unique sculptures and city views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful, great for photos
Art Climb
Best Time
Peaceful, great for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ascend 164 artistic steps at the Cincinnati Art Museum, blending a challenging workout with unique sculptures and city views.
"Beautiful views and a great place to relax and/or get some steps in."
👟 Mind the Steps
The Art Climb steps are intentionally uneven for artistic effect; tread carefully.
🚗 Strategic Parking
Park on Eden Park Drive for free access, or arrive early for museum lot spots.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Art Climb Stairway
Cincinnati Art Museum grounds
Ascend 164 uneven steps adorned with sculptures, offering a unique fitness and art experience.
Sculptural Installations
Along the Art Climb and museum grounds
Discover various sculptures integrated into the climb and surrounding areas, adding artistic flair to your workout.

Scenic City Views
Top of the Art Climb and surrounding park
Enjoy panoramic vistas of the city skyline, especially beautiful during early mornings or late evenings.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Climb
Parking & Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Mind the Steps
The Art Climb steps are intentionally uneven for artistic effect; tread carefully.
🚗 Strategic Parking
Park on Eden Park Drive for free access, or arrive early for museum lot spots.
Anyone Have Parking Tips for Art After Dark?
🚶♀️ Extend Your Walk
Combine the climb with a museum visit and a walk around the lake for more scenery.
💪 Fitness Focus
The 164 steps are great for a workout, with sculptures offering unique exercise points.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Mind the Steps
The Art Climb steps are intentionally uneven for artistic effect; tread carefully.
🚗 Strategic Parking
Park on Eden Park Drive for free access, or arrive early for museum lot spots.
🚶♀️ Extend Your Walk
Combine the climb with a museum visit and a walk around the lake for more scenery.
💪 Fitness Focus
The 164 steps are great for a workout, with sculptures offering unique exercise points.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors appreciate the Art Climb for its unique combination of fitness and art, offering a great workout with scenic city views. However, some find the artistic design of the steps to be uneven and potentially hazardous, and wish there was more art integrated along the climb.
"I like the idea of an art walk. This one is good but it could be better. It needs more art along the steps. The stairs are designed to be uneven to look artsier but are hazardous due to their uneven steps."
Albert Ouziel
"Great location for a early morning or late walk or running stairs. Add a walk around the museum and up to the lake for more great scenery and views of the city."
Gregory Sellers
"The steps are beautiful but there is very little art along the way. Adding more statuary would really improve the experience."
Kathy T
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Art Climb is located on the grounds of the Cincinnati Art Museum. You can drive directly to the museum or utilize public transportation. For parking, consider Eden Park Drive for free spots or arrive early for the museum's lot.
Yes, several bus routes serve the area around the Cincinnati Art Museum. Check the Metro bus schedule for routes and times that best suit your travel plans.
Free parking is available along Eden Park Drive, which leads to the stairs. The museum's main parking lot can fill up, especially during events.
The Art Climb is a prominent stairway on the museum's grounds. You can access it from the main museum entrance or from paths within Eden Park.
The Art Climb consists of 164 uneven steps, which may pose a challenge for individuals with mobility issues. The surrounding park areas offer flatter walking paths.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Art Climb itself is an outdoor feature and does not require a ticket for access. You can enjoy the climb and surrounding art installations freely.
The Art Climb is an outdoor feature and is generally accessible during park hours. However, it's best to check the Cincinnati Art Museum's official website for any specific access restrictions or hours.
There is no admission fee to use the Art Climb. It's a public space designed for recreation and appreciation of art.
Yes, the Art Climb can be visited during special events, but be aware that parking may be more limited.
While the Art Climb is on the museum's grounds and features sculptures, it's an architectural and artistic installation rather than a traditional exhibit within the museum itself.
📸 📸 Photography
The top of the stairs offers great city skyline views. The sculptures along the climb also make for unique photo opportunities.
Yes, photography and videography are generally permitted in the outdoor areas of the Cincinnati Art Museum grounds, including the Art Climb.
While generally allowed, avoid intrusive photography that might disturb other visitors. Professional photography or commercial shoots may require prior permission.
Early mornings offer soft light and fewer crowds, while evenings provide beautiful city lights for dramatic shots.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the full stairway and surrounding landscape. A smartphone camera is also perfectly adequate for most visitors.
🎫 💪 Fitness & Recreation
Absolutely! The 164 steps provide an excellent cardiovascular workout. Many visitors use it for stair climbing exercises.
Besides stair climbing, you can incorporate lunges, step-ups, and use the sculptures for bodyweight exercises.
Restrooms are typically available inside the Cincinnati Art Museum. Check the museum's hours and accessibility for the most up-to-date information.
While popular for running, the uneven steps require caution. Be aware of your surroundings and other visitors.
Typically, pets are not allowed inside the Cincinnati Art Museum itself. However, dogs on leashes are usually permitted in the surrounding park areas. Please check local park regulations.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a more relaxed experience, you can opt to walk around the museum grounds and enjoy the outdoor art installations without tackling the entire climb. Combining the visit with a trip inside the Cincinnati Art Museum can offer a well-rounded family outing, with exhibits suitable for various age groups.
💪 Fitness Enthusiasts
For an optimal fitness experience, aim for early mornings or late evenings when crowds are thinner, allowing you to move at your own pace. Remember to wear appropriate athletic shoes and stay hydrated. The uneven nature of the steps adds an extra challenge, engaging stabilizer muscles.
📸 Photography Buffs
Experiment with different angles to capture the scale of the climb and the artistic details. Wide-angle lenses are great for encompassing the entire scene, while telephoto lenses can isolate specific sculptures. Be prepared for varying light conditions and consider bringing a tripod for low-light shots, though be mindful of space on the stairs.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of the Climb: More Than Just Steps
This unique feature encourages visitors to not only focus on their physical exertion but also to appreciate the artistic elements surrounding them. It's a testament to how public spaces can be reimagined to serve multiple purposes, blending recreation, art, and scenic beauty. The climb offers a different perspective on the museum's grounds and the city beyond.
For those looking to combine fitness with cultural enrichment, the Art Climb provides an accessible and engaging option. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or a casual visitor, the climb offers a rewarding experience with beautiful views as your ultimate prize. Remember to wear appropriate footwear and be mindful of the unique step design for a safe and enjoyable visit.
Navigating Parking and Access
A smart alternative suggested by locals is to utilize the free parking available along Eden Park Drive. This option not only saves money but also offers a pleasant approach to the Art Climb via a scenic set of stairs. Another tip is to arrive early if you plan to use the museum's lot or the park loop below the playhouse, as these spots are also in high demand.
Consider the time of day for your visit. Early mornings and late evenings tend to be less crowded, making parking easier and the climb more peaceful. This also provides opportunities for stunning photography with softer light or city lights.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit