J. M. W. Turner: Watercolor Horizons

March 1–June 15, 2025 | Sinton Gallery

Happy Birthday, Mr. Turner! Celebrate the 250th anniversary of Joseph Mallord William Turner’s birth by viewing twelve of his watercolors from the Taft Museum of Art and the Cincinnati Art Museum. J. M. W. Turner: Watercolor Horizons is the first exhibition in nearly forty years to bring together the two museums’ luminous works by Turner in this medium. Considered one of Britain’s greatest landscape painters, Turner (English, 1775–1851) was a master of the art of watercolor. A prolific artist and intrepid traveler, he was especially drawn to mountains, alpine lakes, glaciers, river valleys, and the sea, as well as the human presence within these dramatic settings.

Watercolor Horizons features views of Switzerland, Germany, France, England, Scotland, and Italy. The exhibition explores Turner’s skill with a brush on paper through these remarkable landscapes, examples of his innovative techniques, and painting tools from the era on loan from local collections. Because these delicate watercolors are usually kept in storage to protect them from the damaging effects of light, this is a rare opportunity to see these treasures up close and in person.

DAILY ADMISSION FREE SUNDAYS & MONDAYS

Admission is free for Taft members, guests of members with guest pass, military, and youth (17 and under); $15 for adults; $12 for seniors. Includes admission to special exhibitions and the museum’s collection galleries. Sundays and Mondays are FREE!

FREE! Family Fundays

Earth Day Art

Sunday, April 13, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Celebrate Earth Day & J.M.W. Turner's 250th Birthday at the museum! Make upcycled art all day under the tent, join a hands-on workshop with Charlotte Reed of Art Equals, and rock out with School of Rock Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky in the afternoon.

FULL SCHEDULE:

This is a free event! Registration is not required.

Questions? Contact education@taftmuseum.org.

Afternoon Teas

Friday, April 18 | Celebrating J.M.W. Turner's 250th Birthday on British National Tea Day

Seatings at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

Enjoy a delicious assortment of sweet and savory bites alongside a selection of Churchill’s Teas. Museum admission is included with the tea.

$45 Taft members; $55 non-members; $25 children (12 and under). Reservations required. Price includes tax and gratuity. Alcoholic beverages are available for additional purchase.

Please note: the café may adjust service offerings on these days.

GET TICKETS

Questions? Contact welcome@taftmuseum.org.

Joseph Mallord William Turner (English, 1775–1851), Folkestone, Kent, about 1822, watercolor on paper. Taft Museum of Art, Bequest of Charles Phelps Taft and Anna Sinton Taft, 1931.385

SOLD OUT | Curator Tour | J.M.W. Turner: Watercolor Horizons

Wednesday, April 23
Wednesday, May 21

11 a.m.–12 p.m.

Join the museum for a captivating journey through the watercolor works of the British painter J.M.W. Turner with curator, Tamera Lenz Muente. This gallery tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the nuances of Turner's artistic vision, his groundbreaking watercolor techniques, and his impact on the art world.

Admission is free for Taft members, guests of members with guest pass, military, and youth (17 and under); $15 for adults; $12 for seniors. Includes admission to special exhibitions and the museum’s collection galleries. 

Questions? Contact education@taftmuseum.org.