Over The Rhine :: Arts & Play
The roster of arts organizations in Over-the-Rhine is unparalleled in size and caliber within the city. This neighborhood is home to world class orchestras (Cincinnati Symphony and Cincinnati Pops Orchestras) as well as the Cincinnati Ballet, the Cincinnati Opera, two high-quality theatre organizations (Know Theatre and Ensemble Theatre), the Art Academy of Cincinnati, and many smaller galleries. It is also the location of the School for Creative and Performing Arts, a Cincinnati Public School from grades 4-12 (and soon to be expanded to K-12) that offers arts training to its students. Every final Friday of the month, there is a large art-walk, where participants can hop from gallery to gallery to see what’s new and during second Sundays during the summer, the neighborhood hosts a special art and music showcase on Main Street.
The neighborhood park of note is Washington Park, which was created in 1855 and is located across from Music Hall. Originally a cemetery site, the park now features a gazebo-style band stand, sculptures, trees and a playground. For activities, the CRC Over-the-Rhine Recreation Center offers a gymnasium, skating rink, indoor pool, fitness center, game room, teen lounge, study room and art room. The Peaslee Neighborhood Center offers free writing and music classes to disadvantaged children as well as educational daycare programs for children up to age 12.