Cincinnati continues to earn national acclaim as a vibrant city for arts, culture and creativity, offering University of Cincinnati students and the entire Bearcats community even more reasons to explore their urban backyard.
The Queen City received top honors in USA Today's 10Best readers' choice rankings for both its vibrant street art and several world-class museums, highlighting destinations just steps from campus with deep UC ties.
Cincinnati was named the No. 2 city for street art in the country by USA Today's 10Best, a testament to the city's dynamic public art scene. From the colorful murals in Over-the-Rhine to the ever-evolving installations across Northern Kentucky, Greater Cincinnati's walls tell stories, spark conversations and bring neighborhoods together.
But the impact of Cincinnati street art goes beyond aesthetics. Recent UC research shows that murals and public art are powerful tools for community development and urban vitality. As part of a major NEA-funded project led by UC's Hyesun Jeong, studies found that street art boosts local pride, supports small businesses, and fosters a sense of belonging.
Findings have shown that murals don't just brighten up a block - they help build stronger, more connected communities in Cincinnati and beyond.
