Dayton Art Institute Tours

Photo provided by Courtesy of the Office of TourismOhio, www.DiscoverOhio.com
Photo provided by Courtesy of the Office of TourismOhio, www.DiscoverOhio.com
Photo provided by Courtesy of the Office of TourismOhio, www.DiscoverOhio.com
Photo provided by Courtesy of the Office of TourismOhio, www.DiscoverOhio.com


With exceptional special exhibits and an impressive permanent collection, it is easy to see why Dayton’s fine arts museum is such a popular destination.

The Italianate exterior of the Dayton Art Institute is almost as beautiful as the exhibits within. Come see why this site is consistently ranked among North America’s top art museums.

The Dayton Art Institute’s permanent collection encompasses 5,000 years of art history. Browse through the huge variety of art on display, which ranges from ancient Mayan vessels to Monet’s Waterlilies.

The museum is geographically divided into three main sections: the Berry Wing of European Art, the Dicke Wing of American Art and the Patterson/Kettering Wing of Asian Art. Peruse the smaller galleries, where you can find art from around the world.

The gallery is known for its superb temporary and traveling exhibits. When you arrive, check in with the front desk to see what is scheduled on the calendar. Visitors of all ages love the Lange Family Experiencenter. Encourage your children to explore art through interactive displays and appealing exhibits.

Enhance your trip with a free docent-led tour. These experts give fascinating insight into the artwork and artists on display. Rent a tablet from the museum or use your own Wi-Fi-enabled device to take a self-guided tour.

Enjoy a snack in the inviting atmosphere of Leo Bistro, which offers everything from a full lunch to coffee and pastries, with a dinner menu available on Thursdays. After your visit, head to the Museum Store located behind Leo Bistro. Shop for replica sculptures, prints, jewelry made by local artists and other souvenirs.

The museum is open any day of the week except Mondays and major holidays. Enjoy extended hours on Thursdays. The Dayton Art Institute asks visitors to contribute a suggested admission fee, but it is on a donation basis. Note that some special exhibits and events carry a special admission charge. Free parking is available adjacent to the museum.

As you drive into Dayton along the interstate highway, look for the Dayton Art Institute’s distinctive red roof. The gallery is a short walk from the historic downtown area and a 15-minute drive from Dayton International Airport.

Reviews of Dayton Art Institute

4.2
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
31
5 - Excellent 55%
4 - Good
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4 - Good 13%
3 - Okay
17
3 - Okay 30%
2 - Disappointing
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1 - Terrible
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4/5 - Good

Karolyn

We went to a family reunion

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Dayton Art Institute

Marriott at the University of Dayton

Marriott at the University of Dayton

4 out of 5
1414 South Patterson Boulevard, Dayton, OH
Marriott at the University of Dayton
Hilton Garden Inn Dayton Downtown

Hilton Garden Inn Dayton Downtown

3 out of 5
18 W Third Street, Dayton, OH
Hilton Garden Inn Dayton Downtown
Hotel Ardent Dayton Downtown, Tapestry Collection By Hilton

Hotel Ardent Dayton Downtown, Tapestry Collection By Hilton

3.5 out of 5
137 N Main St, Dayton, OH
Hotel Ardent Dayton Downtown, Tapestry Collection By Hilton
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Dayton

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Dayton

3.5 out of 5
305 East Monument Ave, Dayton, OH
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Dayton
AC Hotel by Marriott Dayton

AC Hotel by Marriott Dayton

3 out of 5
124 MADISON STREET, Dayton, OH
AC Hotel by Marriott Dayton
Landing Apartments Dayton

Landing Apartments Dayton

3.5 out of 5
115 W Monument Ave, Dayton, OH
Landing Apartments Dayton
Dayton Vitality Hotel

Dayton Vitality Hotel

4 out of 5
33 E 5th St, Dayton, OH
Dayton Vitality Hotel
Convenient Dayton Vacation Rental Near Downtown!

Convenient Dayton Vacation Rental Near Downtown!

3 out of 5
Dayton
Convenient Dayton Vacation Rental Near Downtown!
Sunny + Spacious Dayton Condo ~ 1 Mi to Downtown!

Sunny + Spacious Dayton Condo ~ 1 Mi to Downtown!

3 out of 5
Dayton
Sunny + Spacious Dayton Condo ~ 1 Mi to Downtown!
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Dayton Art Institute

While visiting the Dayton Art Institute, immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture with live music, theater performances, and exciting festivals. Enhance your experience by exploring day trips and tourist events that showcase the best of Dayton, ensuring a memorable stay filled with artistic and cultural adventures.

Shopping

The closest shopping option is the 2nd Street Market, offering local goods just 1.6km away. For a larger experience, visit Mall at Fairfield Commons, located 12.9km from the Dayton Art Institute, featuring a variety of shops and entertainment for the whole family.

Recreation

At Day Air Ballpark, immerse yourself in the energetic atmosphere of live sports events, just 1.4km from the Dayton Art Institute. For a peaceful retreat, Kettering Field offers serene walking paths and picnic spots, also 1.4km away. Enjoy live performances at the Rose Music Center, 14.5km away, for a night of entertainment.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of motorsports at Kenworthy Motocross Park, located 25.7km from the Dayton Art Institute. For an adrenaline rush, try skydiving with Start Skydiving, situated 30.6km away. Enjoy breathtaking views with a hot air balloon ride from Bella Balloons, 37.0km from the institute.

Nightlife

The nightlife around the Dayton Art Institute offers a vibrant mix of activities. Catch a romantic show at the Victoria Theater, located 966m away, or enjoy family-friendly fun at Scene75 Entertainment Center, 8.0km away. The Dayton Playhouse, 4.8km away, also features captivating performances.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Dayton Art Institute

Whether you're a family looking for outdoor fun or a culture enthusiast, the Dayton Art Institute and its surrounding attractions offer a variety of experiences. Explore urban parks, historic college campuses, and the vibrant art scene, including various art museums. Don't miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and discover the artistic treasures that Dayton has to offer.

  • University of Dayton: This historic university, located 3.2km from the Dayton Art Institute, offers a vibrant cultural atmosphere. Stroll through its picturesque campus, admire its stunning architecture, and soak in the rich history that shapes the community.
  • National Museum of the United States Air Force: Situated 8.0km away, this military museum is a treasure trove for aviation enthusiasts. Explore a vast collection of aircraft and exhibits that highlight the U.S. Air Force's history and contributions, all while enjoying the engaging cultural vibes.
  • Dayton Convention Center: Located just 1.4km away, this event venue buzzes with business energy. Whether attending a conference or exploring the local events, you’ll find a dynamic space that hosts a variety of gatherings throughout the year.

Best time to go to Dayton Art Institute

The best time to visit Dayton Art Institute is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January28.4°F (-2.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February31.3°F (-0.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March41.7°F (5.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April51.6°F (10.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
May62.6°F (17.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June70.3°F (21.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
July73.8°F (23.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August72.1°F (22.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
September66.6°F (19.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October55.0°F (12.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November42.6°F (5.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December34.9°F (1.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Dayton Art Institute

To save money on your visit to the Dayton Art Institute, plan your trip between December and February for lower accommodation rates. Opt for a stay on a Monday for the best hotel deals, and use Expedia to find budget-friendly options by filtering for Eco-certified hotels. Consider bundling your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings. Additionally, explore free activities in the area and use public transportation for cost-effective travel. Always look for discounts and be aware of any additional fees when booking to maximize your savings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Dayton Art Institute are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April to May and July, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Dayton Art Institute is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Dayton Art Institute is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to tailor your options based on your budget, desired location, and the type of hotel you prefer. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at the Dayton Art Institute with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

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Explore a world of travel with Expedia