Lights On, Art Out
The Cincinnati Art Museum is bringing French flair to Eden Park this summer, and the locals are ready. On Friday, July 25, from 5 to 9 PM, the museum hosts its monthly Art After Dark event, this time with a Parisian twist. The theme, “Vive la France,” offers guests an immersive evening that blends art, live music, cancan dancing and a relaxed nightlife atmosphere.
If you have never been to Art After Dark, this is the one to attend. It is free to enter, there is no need to RSVP and the entire evening is designed to let people enjoy the museum in a completely new light.
A Celebration of French Culture
The night’s highlights are full of energy and elegance. Live music will fill the museum courtesy of the Faux Frenchmen, a Cincinnati-based jazz quartet known for blending gypsy swing with classic standards. Their sound pairs perfectly with the atmosphere and helps anchor the French mood throughout the evening.
For something a little more kinetic, Madame Gigi’s Cancan dancers will take the stage for a high-energy performance that evokes the cabaret halls of 19th-century Paris. The choreography is bold and theatrical and the dancers deliver a performance that is as fun as it is rooted in history.
Art lovers can also explore the exhibit “Farm to Table: Food and Identity in the Age of Impressionism,” which explores the role of food and farming in French painting. Docents will offer guided tours throughout the evening. This is a great way to connect visual art with social and cultural themes that still resonate today.
Food, Drinks and French Vibes
The museum’s Terrace Café will be open with food available for purchase. Guests can expect some French-inspired options, though standard favorites are likely to be on the menu as well. Throughout the museum, cash bars will serve drinks so you can sip as you stroll.
The tone of the evening is social and adult-focused. DJs will mix music in various wings of the museum and the entire event encourages mingling, movement and exploration.
Getting There and What to Know
The Cincinnati Art Museum is located at 953 Eden Park Drive. It is accessible by Metro routes 4 and 11. Parking on-site is limited, so early arrival is recommended. If you are coming after 6 PM, consider using a rideshare service or parking in Eden Park or Mount Adams and walking in.
This is not a ticketed event and there is no dress code. Some attendees lean into the theme with vintage or Paris-inspired outfits, but there is no pressure to do so.
Why You Should Go
Events like this do more than fill a calendar. They create space for art and culture to meet people where they are. You do not need to be a museum regular or fluent in Monet to enjoy this evening. You just need curiosity and a couple of hours to spare.
Art After Dark is also a great entry point for people new to the museum. It feels more like a neighborhood gathering than a formal gallery experience. You will find yourself walking through permanent exhibits, chatting in sculpture halls and maybe even dancing near the Grand Staircase. It is Cincinnati culture with a splash of something international.
This month’s event is part of an ongoing series. The next Art After Dark will take place on August 29, with a different theme and new programming.
Final Tips
Arrive before 6 PM to make parking easier and catch the first performances
Take a guided tour to better understand the featured exhibit
Order food early if you plan to eat at the Café
Keep an eye out for special moments like pop-up performances or gallery interactions
Be ready to explore and participate at your own pace
Whether you go for the jazz, the dancing, the wine or the art, Art After Dark delivers something unique. For one night each month, the museum becomes something else entirely. On July 25, that something is a little bit French and a whole lot of fun.