The city of Akron has been known for a variety of unique features over the years. From being called the center of airship development to the “Rubber Capital of the World”, it has gained attention in many different ways. But the area is also recognized for its local art scene, making it the perfect place for the Akron Art Museum.
As one of the top activities in Akron, the museum is a great place to enjoy paintings, sculptures, and plenty of other types of art. You’ll quickly find out why it’s listed among the most fun Akron amenities.
History of the Akron Art Museum
Even with severely limited funding and almost no personal financial resources, the two founders who started the Akron Art Museum were determined to beat the odds stacked against them. Edwin Coupland Shaw and his wife Jennifer Bond Shaw had big dreams
Getting its start in February 1922, the museum originally was opened in the basement of the local public library. Spanning only two rooms, it remained there until moving to its current location nearly 60 years later.
The Akron Art Museum got a major facelift in 2007 when the 25,478 square foot building had a new addition built which massively increased its size to 88,738 square feet. It has become even more popular since then, hosting a wonderful array of local, national, and international collections.
How to Get to the Akron Art Museum
Akron Art Museum is located right in the heart of downtown Akron, making it easily accessible from any direction
If you’re heading to the museum from a northern city like Cuyahoga Falls, you’ll want to drive over to the OH-8 and head south. In about 3.5 miles, you’ll turn right onto Perkins Street and then take a left to head south on N High Street. You’ll pass the museum and find the John S. Knight Center Parking Lot located on the left.
For anyone coming to the museum from the south, you’ll want to start by heading north up the I-77, merge onto the OH-8, and follow it until you reach E Market Street where you’ll take a left. Follow Market Street to S High Street and take a left. The John S. Knight Center Parking Lot will be passed the Akron Art Museum on the left.
Whether you’re coming from the east or the west, you’ll need to make your way to the OH-18 also known as Market Street. Follow it to S High Street and head south. Pass the museum on the left and find somewhere to park in the John S. Knight Center Parking Lot.
Akron Art Museum Contact Information
- Address: 1 S High St, Akron, OH 44308
- Phone: (330) 376-9185
Best Things to Do at the Akron Art Museum
Long considered one of the top attractions in Akron, the Akron Art Museum is widely known for its incredible artwork, sculptures, exciting events, and more. The museum gathers as many as 6,000 various pieces within its walls all at once, ensuring you could spend an entire day there looking through them.
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With exhibits that cycle out, you’ll consistently have opportunities to see new art and other items, while also reviewing their permanent pieces.
1. Visit Permanent Collections
When visiting the Akron Art Museum, one of the most fun things to do is decide which collection you’ll look at first. Exhibits are separated depending on the type of art or even by the artist. A few of the collections you’ll frequently find there include:
- Abstract Art
- Ohio Artists
- Landscapes
- Minimalism
- Impressionism
- Artists of African Descent
- Pop Art
- Portraits
2. Keep Up with Temporary Exhibits
There are few styles the Akron Art Museum hasn’t featured on its walls since it was first founded. No matter what time of year you decide to visit this great Akron attraction, there is sure to be a theme or gallery that will catch your attention. Exhibits can be cycled out after six months or in as little as two months
You can always keep up with current and upcoming exhibits by checking the museum website.
Some of their past exhibits have included:
- Video game art
- Fairy tale themes
- Features of local artists
- Outerspace
- Planes, Trains & Automobiles
- Metal sculptures
- And so many more
3. Rent Artwork from the Akron Art Library
Right across High Street from the museum is the Akron-Summit County Public Library, which houses thousands of books for local residents to borrow whenever they want. But along with the collection of reading material, the Akron Art Museum has donated its own items for you to check out.
The Akron Art Library allows individuals to rent pieces of art that they can keep in their homes for up to four weeks at a time. This provides a great opportunity for people to change out their home decorations and use for entertaining guests for house parties or other get-togethers.
Choose from a wide variety of artwork from local artists or even well-known pieces from around the world and see how it looks hanging on your living room wall.
4. Get a Souvenir from the Gift Shop
After you’ve enjoyed a great visit to the Akron Art Museum, make sure you stop by the gift shop to pick up a souvenir for yourself or a loved one. The small store sells trinkets and other odds and ends that will help you remember your experience.
On the shelves, you’ll see everything from artwork prints and puzzles to stickers and other branded materials.
Great Places to Eat Around the Akron Art Museum
If you’re looking for a great restaurant near the Akron Art Museum where you can grab a bite to eat either before or after your walkthrough, you’ll find plenty of delicious options. Among the top places to eat in Akron, the restaurant known as Crave is only half a mile from the museum. This classy eatery offers diners a great menu filled with salmon, short ribs, scallops, filets, and so much more.
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Crave, 57 E Market St, Akron, OH 44308 (330) 253-1234
Another top-rated restaurant close to the Akron Art Museum is Diamond Grille, an old-school steakhouse. Try scrumptious plates of filet mignon, prime rib, or Boston strip steak paired with a wide range of seafood dishes.
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Diamond Grille, 77 W Market St, Akron, OH 44308 (330) 253-0041
When to Visit the Akron Art Museum
Open all year round, there is no wrong time to head over for a walk through the museum. They are open throughout the week, except for Mondays when they do cleaning and changing out of exhibits.
Akron Art Museum Hours:
- Open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm
- Open Thursdays from 11 am to 9 pm
- Closed Mondays
What Does the Akron Art Museum Cost?
Although not everyone who visits the Akron Art Museum gets in free, there is no charge for children under the age of 17 years old. Beyond that, they do offer highly affordable rates for an enjoyable visit at any time of year.
Akron Art Museum Prices
- Adults: $10
- Seniors (65+): $8
- Students (with valid school ID): $8
- Adult group tour rate (15 minimum): $9
- Adults w/ Ohio EBT Card: $3
- Children (17 & under): Free
Don’t Miss Out on this Popular Akron Attraction
Are you a fan of art or museums? People living in Akron will absolutely love this fun thing to do in the area. Make sure you take the time to wander through its halls and enjoy the amazing artwork throughout the building.
Learning more about local activities in the area because you’re moving to Akron soon? Krupp Moving has the best Akron movers ready and available to serve you. Call us today at (330) 359-1491 or complete the Request a Quote form on this page for a free moving estimate!
