Dayton Art Institute

Here for the monthly Jazz Concert in The Cloisters. Always a great show and free to members.
Good crowd good food and drink and great music in a nice setting.
If you want a table for eating, best get here when the doors open at 5. Otherwise, usually plenty of regular seating.

Being used to the large museums of big cities, I was not expecting much, but I was so wrong! This museum rivals those is other larger and more cultural cities. There is an all-​encompassing variety of art from different regions of the world. The special exhibit on American Impressionism was superbly done. It was affordable and very well-​curated. We were too late to take part in the wine and art event that evening, but there is a full calendar of events at this museum that I definitely plan on and look forward to attending

My first visit here was years ago. I saw the terra cotta warriors. There were so many, it made quite an impression on younger me. The museum has changed since then. It’s a great, open space. The best part is the water nymph who is supposed to be in a fountain. Why isn’t she in one now? She belongs there. Don’t miss her.

I felt like an intruder. Upon entering this architectural masterpiece I proceeded to walk down the stairs towards the cultural art. A security guard stopped me to see if I needed help. I thought, «Why would I need help? I just got here.» Well he was implying that I needed to do something else before entering the magnificent Dayton Art Institute. He told me I needed to «check-​in». I need to check in to a public museum because they have an $ 8 suggested donation. I got in free with my student i.d., but my fiancé was asked if he would like to pay the suggested donation. I could only imagine the way they would look at you if you decided not to pay the suggested donation. So we complied. The art museum is much smaller than others that I have visited, but I expected that as Dayton isn’t a very large city itself. The special exhibit downstairs you had to have admission to. We accidentally walked through the exit of it because it wasn’t well marked that we weren’t allowed in that area and another security guard stopped us. Once again asking if we needed help. He explained that we needed to go purchase a ticket to be able to see the exhibit and that we had just entered through the exit. We did have a chance to view the 600 Last Meals by Julie Green and that was worth all of the intrusive feelings I had from the start. I may be biased to Cincinnati Art Museum, but it just didn’t have a lot to offer and was unwelcoming.

Way better than I expected. We went with our two kids. Great exhibits, a neat restaurant/​café that serves beer and wine and a kids experience area. Pleasantly surprised. A real gem in the area. We be back.

Beautiful place!

As previously stated, this gem consistently gets great exhibits that you think would be reserved for larger, more «happening» cities. They just concluded a WONDERFUL glass exhibit, showcasing some lesser-​known Chihuly works and other breath-​taking glass masterpieces. I wish I hadn’t waited to so close to the end of the run, because I’d have loved to see this several times!
There’s definitely something for EVERYONE here, you can take your time and just focus on one region (you could spend a week in their amazing Asian wing!!) or do what we did, and skip around and get a taste of different sections once you’re finished seeing the attraction you came for. It was such a beautiful fall day, and it’s a beautiful setting. This past weekend, they held their super-​popular Octoberfest (hint: if you go, do the satellite parking, otherwise you’ll NEVER find a spot!!) and there are tons of community events going on all year… Something for everyone! We don’t take advantage of this great resource nearly often enough, esp. since moving a bit farther away to Spfld., so will be sure to keep an eye out for future events/​exhibits!

I have mixed feelings about DAI. I did love the Diana exhibit while it was there. Their permanent exhibit is small but the historical items are of some interest. My biggest problem is the «suggested admission.» I appreciate the need for funds, and have no problem making a donation of my own determination. However a de facto required «donation» is a tap-​dance around paying tax on proceeds.
My husband and I wanted to wander a bit and look at the permanent exhibit, but preferred to make a donation afterward rather than before. The two people at the admission desk were clearly affronted that we wanted to walk in without paying first. When we turned to leave they condescended to give us a «one-​time courtesy» visit. We were supposed to put a bright green sticker on our shirts to show we’d gained admission. I was wearing a lace blouse and opted not to damage it with a sticker. By this time we were both so irritated that we left after five minutes.
I haven’t been inclined to return since then. If there were a special exhibit I would go to that but I can’t recommend the permanent collection. The money would be better spent going to a movie, and forget about giving less than the «suggested» amount because you may be treated very poorly.
I hate to give a less-​than-​great review to a museum, but not all museums are awesome.

When the «Diana, A Celebration» exhibit of the life of Princess Diana first started touring America, Dayton’s very own art institute scored an impressive coup by being the only museum in our region to be graced with this exhibition.
I remember standing in awe before her beautiful wedding dress with it’s 25 foot train. Her dress was yellowing with age but it was still very regal. I was deeply moved that this piece of history was right in front of my eyes. I was also sad at the circumstances that led to it being here. Diana was «The People’s Princess» and she had come and gone in what seemed to be the blink of an eye…
And so began my introduction to the Dayton Art Institute.
My curiosity was peaked with this first visit and since then, I’ve made several further visits to explore this superb museum in as many years. The museum is impressive in regards to the collection itself and of the building it is housed in.
This is an art collection befitting a city the size of Dayton. It’s large enough to keep my interest but it’s not overwhelming. The DAI has made acquisitions over the years that now comprise 26,000 pieces of art with every theme: Asian, African, Oceanic, European, American, sculptures, glass, ancient or modern that comprise the permanent collection of art from ancient Egypt to contemporary art.
Rotating exhibits featuring different artists and styles are always on display. The Art Institute does a wonderful job keeping things fresh and interesting. They currently have Objects of Devotion, Medieval English Alabaster Sculptures on loan from the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, England on display. Unfortunately, I did not have time to go through this exhibit, but it does look interesting.
The building itself is a wonderful. 60,000 square feet and well laid out. It is easy to navigate as you are drawn through the building. It is a beautiful example of the Italian Renaissance style. Modeled after a villa in Rome Italy and built in 1930 on the hill opposite downtown Dayton, it was built as a statement that Dayton was a city to be reckoned with in both art and culture.
You should expect to spend at least a couple of hours there. There are two levels with many galleries to get lost in which is the most enjoyable way to visit. You may obtain a map at the admissions counter or do like I do and just wander.
The recently remodeled museum gift shop has a generous amount of unique, quality merchandise. Newly expanded, it’s full of great things that you just don’t find in regular stores. I’d encourage you to consider it for any gifts you might need to buy. You’ll be helping out the museum along with having something special and different to give.
If you need to take a break, there’s the Leo Bistro offering lighter fare such as salads, sandwiches and light entrees. The look of the place is light and pleasant. Service is available tableside but there’s also items available at the counter.
Kudos to the curator, the museum staff and the City of Dayton for a job well done.

A fantastic art museum and as others have noted, a true gem in the Gem City. I highly recommend it and will definitely return.

A decent collection with a few outstanding pieces. The most notable being an Edward Hopper that I never tire of looking at. I have been to several of their special exibits in the past and they have all been excellent. Did not view the latest, a Worhol sports themed bit of nonsense. I didn’t care for the new policy of a suggested donation with a specific price. It very much felt like being charged an admission, which I would prefer that just went to that instead of trying to shame people into paying. The new bistro looked nice, though we didn’t eat there.

Not worth a visit. Their collection is the least interesting I have seen, in 10+ domestic museums. Their iPad tour guides did not work.

The building itself is beautiful. The collection is also impressive, as other reviewers have noted, for a regional museum.
I really wasn’t there long enough to provide an in-​depth review but wanted to add my voice to those who are highlighting this as a great gift to Dayton and to Ohio in general.

The Dayton Art Institute (DAI) has a great mixture of art for any art fan. I grew up in the Dayton area and my first exposure to an art museum was through DAI.
I love walking in the lobby of the museum and the marble floor complimented by the wrought iron handrails.
In the late 80’s the institute acquired the Ponderosa, Inc. contemporary art collection (the steak restaurant chain who’s original headquarters were in Dayton, but now in Texas) which you can find in the main gallery, which has Warhol and a few other notable 20^th century artists.
All glass fans will enjoy the Eileen Dickey gallery of glass right below the main lobby just walk down the stairs from the lobby with a few Chihuly pieces.
DAI has a great Oktoberfest in late September on the outside grounds of the museum, one of the main fundraisers for the museum. You can pick up a special locally made commemorative mug just for the event to fill with special Oktoberfest beer.
I enjoyed the Lightpaintings exhibit by Stephen Knapp the mixture of glass and light just jumped off the wall in the special exhibition gallery in the lower level of the museum, but check out this exhibit fast it closes Jan 6 2013.

I recently leased an apartment near the DAI and have been spending some time there.
Though hard to compare to the truly great museums such as the Met, the DAI has a wonderful collection, supported by a knowledgeable, dedicated staff and wonderful building.

I found myself with a bunch of free time in Dayton, Ohio the other day. Just imagine that for a second. Thankfully my trusty Unilocal app was there to show me the way.
My first stop was the Dayton Art Institute. A stately collection of buildings atop a hill across the river from downtown. On this particular day, there was a line out the door of folks waiting to see the Norman Rockwell exhibit. I would have liked to have seen it, but my entire experience would have been the line to get in, what else can we get into? The answer is quite a bit.
On the bottom level there are galleries filled with art from all over the world. I particularly liked this part. There’s several tiny rooms, I got a little lost.
There are big wings upstairs with European and American art. I kind of rushed through these areas, I did see a lot of nice furniture.
I think you can do the whole place in an hour or two. Certainly worth a look if you live nearby.

The Dayton Art Institute impresses. No question.
I only had a little time to walk through and see what was displayed, buyt it was beautiful. Epically big but each room felt well designed and easy to appreciate. I never felt overwhelmed walking the halls and was happy to just sit and stand for a second.
They seemed to have a nix mix of classic and modern art — a little something for everyone.
What I was really hear for, though, was to watch a film. They were having a movie premier with Emilio Estivez and Martin Sheen with a Q&A after and both parts were fantastic. The auditorium was large and comfortable and the screen was movie-​theatre sized. Afterwards, the Q&A went very well, with the two men could easily be heard throughout the place due to a great sound system. A really fun night all around.
Plus, to top it all off, the museum is completely free. How it can get anything less than five stars baffles me. A great night at a great hidden gem.

Pleasantly surprised! I love going to art museums but when you hear free art museum (save maybe the Smithsonian or Tate), you wonder just how much they are going to have and if its going to be any good. Well, don’t wonder that about here. You will have a great time!
There was a wonderful quality to all of the work exhibited. There was nothing that didn’t fit and their was a good mixture of unknowns to notable artists that it made it a treat to realize you were looking at a Picasso without even realizing it.
I’ve been to some of the top art museums in the world and I think that this one is right up there with them. And its free!!!

We visited this museum a few weeks ago and thought it was «o.k.» The building’s interior is very attractive, although it’s not very large (which isn’t a criticism, and it’s not surprising when considering the size of Dayton). There was a small permanent collection and a few small temporary exhibits, both of which were somewhat interesting. I certainly wouldn’t go out of my way to visit this museum, but we were passing by Dayton and decided to check it out. We were glad there was free admission (which also included free parking), as we really don’t think the museum (would) warrant very much of an admission price.

Free art museum! And its good! Two unexpected characteristics for an art institute found in the city of Dayton.
The museum is located in a beautiful building, housing a collection that is surprisingly large. With some big names in art inside, the museum has sifted through and created a list of what they call «90 Treasures» highlighting particularly special pieces to be found. Also, I have to note that the explanations of each piece that the curators wrote are extremely helpful and informative. Rather than telling you how you should think or feel about each work of art, like some art plaques at museums, these simply give background about the artists, the time periods, and the social implications of each piece during its time. Very well done.
It is worth your time to come check this museum out!