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1912
21c Museum Hotel Cincinnati
Cincinnati, Ohio
609 Walnut Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
Original Property Opened in 1912
Historic Hotels of America member since 2019
art
Situated in the heart of The Queen City, the 21c Museum Hotel Cincinnati was once the esteemed Hotel Metropole. Debuting on New Year’s Eve in 1912, the Hotel Metropole rapidly emerged as one of the city’s most luxurious hotels. Under the ownership of Joseph Thoms and his daughter, the hotel garnered a reputation for its hospitality. About 50 years after the Hotel Metropole had closed, 21c Museum Hotels acquired the building and transformed it into the 21c Museum Hotel Cincinnati. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the 21c Museum Hotel Cincinnati is both an award-winning luxury hotel and a contemporary art museum.
Discover
- Discover the striking Neoclassical Revival architecture of this wonderful historic hotel. During the economic boom of 1912, Cincinnati attorney Joseph Thomas hired Steinkamp and Sons to design this hotel.
- Marvel at some striking features which remain from 1912, including the curving two-story staircase in the lobby and the original mosaic floor tiles paving the lobby and restaurant.
- Admire the beautiful artwork on display inside this wonderful historic hotel. Among the amazing pieces featured within include Austrian artist Werner Reiterer’s enormous, ornate, brass chandelier, which illuminates and animates the surrounding streetscape.
- Learn about the History of the 21c Hotel’s Penguins that have remain part of the Hotel’s permanent exhibition since 2006. They were first debuted at 21c Louisville and 21c founders Laura Lee Brown and Steve Wilson purchased the sculptures after seeing them perched around the city at the 2005 Venice Biennale public art project. People really interacted with the penguins would be seen taking photos with them, taking them to dinner, and even just walking around with them. They became an icon and contributed to the hotel’s mission of making contemporary art more accessible to the public. Over a decade and many hotels later, each 21c has its own flock of Penguins and each are in the color that embody the singular identity of the city. (For those looking to visit them all: 21c Louisville, Red Penguin; 21c Cincinnati, Yellow Penguin; 21c Bentonville, Green Penguin; 21c Lexington, Blue Penguin; 21c Durham, Fuschia Penguin; 21c Oklahoma City, Purple Penguin, 21c Nashville, Teal Penguin, 21c Kansas City, Sky Blue Penguin).
Explore
- Explore the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. This amazing cultural center chronicles the history of slavery in the United States, and the role that the Underground Railroad played in dismantling the institution.
- Visit the William Howard Taft National Historic Site. A U.S. National Historic Landmark, the building once served as the childhood home for the 27th U.S. President and 10th Chief Justice of the United States. It is now a museum that is dedicated to preserving his legacy.
- Travel to the restored home of Harriet Beecher Stowe. Stowe was an iconic figure within the American anti-slavery movement, which she vehemently attacked in her historic novel, Uncle Tom’s Cabin.
Experience
- Experience the artwork of the Cincinnati Art Museum. This amazing venue has over 67,000 distinctive pieces of artwork in its collection.
- Attend a thrilling theatrical performance at the historic Cincinnati Music Hall. Originally opened in 1878, this remarkable venue is home to such acts at the Cincinnati Ballet, the Cincinnati Opera, and the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra.
- Stroll through the historic Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. This spectacular destination is home to countless wildlife exhibits, as well as over 3,000 different species of exotic plants .
Taste
- Taste some Cincinnati-style chili when out exploring the city. Originally Greek in origin, this local culinary classic is uniquely chopped into a fine consistency and is served on such foods like hot dogs and spaghetti.
- Delight in another local classic known as goetta. Historically significant to southern Ohio and northern Kentucky, goetta consists of a delicious combination of pork sausage and oats that have been fried together on a griddle.
- Savor some of Graeter’s ice cream. In operation since 1870, Graeter’s brand of ice cream is celebrated throughout the city for its distinctively dense texture, as well as for its creamy flavors.
FEATURED ACCOMMODATIONS
Featured Offers
Best Available Rate
Book the Best Available Rate at this property on HistoricHotels.org and receive a complimentary one-year family membership (a $30 value) to the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Stay Longer Experience More
The longer your stay, the more you save. Stay 5 or more days and receive:
- Deluxe suite upgrade
- One free room per 5 nights stayed
- Mini fridge and microwave
- 24-hour fitness center access with Peloton bikes
- 10% off gift shop purchases
- $10 mini bar credit per day
- Complimentary wifi and Business Center