Perched just two miles above downtown Cincinnati, Walnut Hills is more than a historic neighborhood; it is a tapestry of culture, creativity, and community. Walnut Hills has long been a place where arts, culture, and history intersect in meaningful ways. 

Walnut Hills is a hub for arts and culture. Its streets are full of artists, musicians, writers, and creators. Grassroots venues, galleries, performance spaces, and public art projects fill the neighborhood and celebrate the community’s heritage and creative spirit. From intimate jazz nights at local spots like Caffè Vivace and the ArtWorks studios to the Krohn Conservatory and the Cincinnati Art Museum up the hill in Eden Park, Walnut Hills offers a mosaic of cultural experiences that honor both tradition and innovation.

At the heart of Walnut Hills’ cultural legacy sits a landmark: the Manse Hotel. Built in the early twentieth century and transformed into a premier Black-owned hotel, the Manse became one of the few places in Cincinnati where African American travelers, entertainers, and athletes could rest, socialize, and celebrate during the era of segregation. The Manse’s most surprising contribution to American pop culture came one night in the late 1950s. It was at the Manse that Hank Ballard penned his rhythm-infused anthem “The Twist,” a song that would go on to become a global sensation after Chubby Checker’s cover popularized the dance craze. The twist was not just a dance—it became a cultural phenomenon that crossed racial and generational lines.

To celebrate this legacy and the bright future ahead, Walnut Hills will host 513 in Walnut Hills Day, a community celebration of art, music, and activations on Wednesday, May 13 from 6–9 p.m. at Green Man Park in Walnut Hills. Save the date and join the Cincinnati Art Museum on this special day of fun. Keep an eye open for an announcement—and you may even find a pop-up opportunity to do “The Twist”!