The Rosenthal Education Center (REC)

The REC is open during museum hours.

Special Hours

The REC will close at 5 p.m. on Thursday, April 25.

The REC will be closed on Sunday, April 28 for a private event.

The REC will be closed Tuesday, April 30–Sunday, May 5 for reinstallation.

About the REC

The REC will be closed April 30–May 5 for reinstallation. The REC will re-open Tuesday, May 7 with a brand new theme, featuring an interactive art installation by the 2024 REC Artist in Residence, John Lanzador, titled A Pig-ment of Your Imagination! 

The REC is a space for families to discover the Cincinnati Art Museum’s collection in a fun and safe manner. Open during specific museum hours, the REC is located on the first floor, just off of the Great Hall. The REC has a dedicated interactive space that changes twice a year. Themes for the interactive space are based on the museum’s collection, exhibitions, and elements of art and world cultures.

Unfortunately, we do not have the resources to accommodate school groups at this time. For information about additional opportunities for students and teachers contact us at [email protected].

What’s New in the REC?
Tiny Treasures

Deli–Going to Lunch by Emily Brock tells an intriguing story. It is a tiny, fully stocked deli created entirely of glass! This sculpture stands fewer than 15 inches tall yet includes many details—a jar of pickles smaller than a pencil eraser, a tiny cake on a tiny cake stand, rice-sized ice cubes and an inviting array of glass salads and meats on display in the deli cases.

There is no wonder why Deli–Going to Lunch is a favorite artwork of some of the museum’s youngest visitors. It is tempting to imagine playing inside this miniature scene. Well, now kids can! The REC has reimagined this artwork as a life-sized play space that REC visitors can inhabit. They can also watch a video highlighting the artwork’s tiniest details and visit the Art Bar to create their own tiny artwork inspired by Emily Brock’s artwork.

During the run of Tiny Treasures, kids and families can learn about other miniature artworks in the museum’s collection. Discover a toy sized boat and occupants carved from wood, palm sized netsuke that each tell a different story, and an intricate wax family scene smaller than a Barbie dreamhouse. Enjoy learning more about each through fun, hands-on activities.

Experience Tiny Treasures now through April 28th.

What’s Next in the REC?
2024 Rosenthal Education Center Artist in Residence: John Lanzador

After reviewing an impressive array of proposals from Cincinnati area artists, the museum is thrilled to announce the selection of John Lanzador as the 2024 Rosenthal Education Center Artist in Residence! John loves art and is well-versed in art making across a variety of mediums. He’s fluent in carving, painting, drawing, design, and even working with chalk. John finds inspiration in outsider art, tattoo shops, botanical illustrations, toys, food, pop art, illuminated manuscripts, comic books, and even Mexican lottery bingo cards. He is also an educator, passionate about working for the greater good. John’s resume includes collaborating with ArtWorks of Cincinnati, BLDG, and Visionaries + Voices on community projects, and he’s trained youth apprentices to become part of the vibrant art culture of Cincinnati. His artistic reimagining of the Terrace Café and artist Hunt Slonem’s rabbit wall will open in the REC on May 4, 2024. Stay tuned for more regarding John’s residency and related programming!

REC Volunteers

The Cincinnati Art Museum is seeking weekend volunteers to work in collaboration with museum staff to plan and prepare art projects, assist families and young visitors with art making, and greet visitors. This is a great opportunity to gain museum education experience while interacting and engaging with the community. Educational credit may be available for volunteers depending on the requirements of your university. Please visit the REC Volunteer Page for more information.

The Rosenthal Education Center is made possible through a donation from the Rosenthal Family Foundation.

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