Dayton Art Institute

Art Changes Lives – Live It at The Dayton Art Institute 

The Dayton Art Institute has been a fixture of downtown Dayton, Ohio for nearly 100 years. Founded in 1919, it is one of the region’s premier fine arts museums. In addition to exhibiting outstanding special exhibitions and an impressive permanent collection of art from around the world, the museum is renowned for its educational programming.

The museum’s permanent collection contains more than 26,000 objects, spanning 5,000 years of art history. The museum galleries display about 1,000 works from the permanent collection.  The Lange Family Experiencenter gallery provides hands-on learning activities for children and families. The Dayton Art Institute presents a diverse selection of special exhibitions throughout the year, as well as smaller focus exhibitions drawn from the permanent collection.

The museum offers workshops and classes for adults and children, as well as family days and Summer Art Camps. The DAI also offers many programs and events throughout the year, ranging from artist lectures to concerts and social events. The museum’s signature events are its Art Ball (held in June) and Oktoberfest (held in late September).

The Dayton Art Institute is located minutes off Interstate 75 in downtown Dayton. Free parking is available and the facility is fully accessible to physically challenged visitors. The DAI Museum Store features unique gifts for art lovers of all ages, and the Leo Bistro restaurant offers lunch throughout the week.

Suggested general admission to The Dayton Art Institute’s permanent collection is $8 Adults; $5 Seniors (60+), Active Military & Groups; and FREE for College Students (18+ with ID), Youth & Children (17 and under), and Museum Members. Some special exhibitions, programs and events may carry an additional admission charge or registration fee.