public displays
of art

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STREETSPARK

StreetSpark

StreetSpark, a public art program run through the Fitton Center for Creative Arts, was founded to further the community’s creative identity through exciting murals and other public art projects. The program promotes community awareness and engagement with the arts by creating high quality public art, providing opportunities for local artists, and enhancing the visual appeal of the city. Explore the murals for yourself via this handy downloadable map.

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city of sculpture

City of Sculpture

On August 16, 2000, Ohio’s governor declared and formally recognized Hamilton as “The City of Sculpture.” Following the declaration, the Hamilton, Ohio City of Sculpture non-profit was formed to acquire and maintain public sculptures in the community. Through their efforts, Hamilton now has 55 public pieces. You can explore all of the sculptures through an interactive map by clicking the button below!

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Fire Hydrant Painting

Cruise the city to see if you can find all of our colorful fire hydrants! The hydrant painting program was made possible through a partnership between the City of Hamilton Purchasing, Hamilton Utilities, Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities Employment Works, ViaQuest Foundation, and InsideOut Studios. These painted beauties are a fun find for our visitors and residents.

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galleries

 

Fitton Center for Creative Arts

Their motto is, “Come Curious and Leave Inspired.” The Fitton Center for Creative Arts isn’t just a building – it’s an experience. A non-profit community arts organization that has been a part of the Hamilton community for over 20 years, the Fitton Center offers art classes and workshops open to students of all ages. Stroll through their remarkable art galleries, take in a live performance, catch an old film at their art house style cinema, or reserve one of their diverse venues for your special event.

 

Strauss Gallery at ArtSpace

The Strauss Gallery is a beautiful ground floor space within ArtSpace showcasing the artwork of the residents who occupy the 42 live/work units above the gallery. They have a rotating schedule of galleries, shows, and special events.

 

Inside Out Studio

InsideOut is part studio, part retail space. They provide a supportive studio environment for artists with developmental disabilities, offering individualized attention from staff who are professional working artists, along with quality art materials in many mediums including glass, clay, painting, mosaics, and other mixed media. InsideOut Studio also provides adaptive equipment and teaching methods based on each artist’s specific needs, allowing for the least restrictive environment in the studio. Stop in to find a beautiful piece created by a local artist.

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Let’s go live

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Greater Hamilton Civic Theatre

The Greater Hamilton Civic Theatre ​has been performing community theater in Hamilton, Ohio since 1959. They always have a great list of rotating shows, so check out their schedule below.

 
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Fitton Center for Creative Arts

Make sure to catch one of their many live performances - they have a diverse host of extraordinary musicians, actors, dancers, and other entertainers. Check out their website for upcoming events.

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RiversEdge Amphitheater

Tucked between the Great Miami River and Marcum Park, RiverEdge hosts the award-winning annual free summer concert series, David Shaw’s Big River Get Down, the Hamilton Parks Conservancy event series, and more.

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Miami Valley Ballet Theatre

Miami Valley Ballet Theatre is a regional non-profit ballet company dedicated to the education of students and audiences in the fine art of ballet and other dance forms. The theatre strives to include all dancers in our community and to share the love of dance through ticketed performances as well as through outreach to schools and other groups.

 

 

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History Highlights

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Soldiers, Sailors, & Pioneers Monument

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Monument Cabin

 
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Soldiers, Sailors & Pioneers Monument

The Butler County monument stands on the original site of Fort Hamilton, built by General Arthur St. Clair in 1791 and enlarged by General "Mad" Anthony Wayne in 1792. The monument houses an impressive collection of Civil War weapons and swords. It also has exhibits on 20th century American wars, including military uniforms, military medals, and photographs. The monument maintains records of Butler County residents who served in World War I, World War II, and the Korean, Vietnam, and Gulf Wars. Tours are available Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm. Next to it sits the Monument Cabin, a relocated and restored log cabin from the early 1800s.

 
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Heritage Hall

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MUNICIPAL brew works

 

Heritage Hall Museum

An art deco delight! The beauty of the building is enhanced by its impressive array of stone bas reliefs. The eastern side of the building shows off a mural inspired by beloved Hamilton artist and author Robert McCloskey. A young McCloskey helped model the building, which opened in 1935, when he was only 19. To the east of the building also sits Lentil Park, a lovely little park gifted to the city by the Hamilton Community Foundation for the Foundation’s 50th anniversary legacy gift. The rear of the building, formerly a fire station, now houses Municipal Brew Works, which opened in 2016 and was the first brewery in Hamilton in nearly a century.

 
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Lane library

 
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The Lane Public Library

The historic Lane Library was designed and built by Clark Lane in 1866. He built it to match the architecture of his home, which was located directly across the street. Located at 300 N Third Street, the brick octagon building is a true gem of German Village, and shouldn’t be missed!

 
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tour

 
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Tour the Town, Walk Around

There is no better way to explore our city’s history than to take a self-guided walking tour of the town! Learn all about historic buildings, bridges, businesses, and beautiful homes here in Hamilton via this handy digital passport.

 
 

want to know more about Hamilton’s rich history ?

Visit the Butler County Historical Society!

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the great outdoors

Whether you are looking to work up a sweat or wind down from your day, downtown Hamilton is a great place to get outside and play. Check out our great urban parks, go running or cycling on our recreational trail, or go for a row on the Great Miami River. So many great ways to enjoy the great outdoors in Hamilton.

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Great Miami Riverway

Downtown Hamilton is located within the Great Miami Riverway, a regional destination that includes a 99-mile stretch of river, paved trails, and vibrant communities. The Riverway offers distinct amenities easily reached by foot, car, boat, or bike. Offering a variety of experiences in the heartland of America, all Riverway communities are unique in character but connected in purpose. In a world where we hurry from one thing to another, the Riverway offers a relaxed, welcoming, and connected experience that is all about the journey (and the memories made while exploring our river, trails, and towns.)

Great Miami Rowing Center

Founded in 2017, the Great Miami Rowing Center (GMRC) is devoted to supporting recreational use of the Great Miami River in Hamilton through collaborative infrastructure development and scholarship funding. With rowing as its cornerstone, GMRC encourages use of the river for daily sport, yearly events, and many other types of athletic recreation. This non-profit organization works to aid in the growth and prosperity of Hamilton’s historic downtown, as well as the health and wellness of area residents of all ages and abilities who want to safely use the river for competition, fitness, and recreation.

 
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Bike Trails

Jump right on the bike trail in downtown Hamilton and go for a cruise, run, or long walk along the Great Miami River.

Rotary Park

A lovely green space tucked right in to the heart of the Central Business District. A perfect place to bring a few friends to have lunch or play ping pong or cornhole.

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Marcum Park

Located between North Second Street and the Great Miami River you’ll find Marcum Park, recently named one of the five Great Public Spaces in the United States by the American Planning Association. Kids love splashing around in the sprayground and watching the butterflies in the flower gardens. This is a great place to bring a picnic and spread out in the grass. The park also has multiple sculptures to explore, including “Resurgence” by Jonathan Hils, “Park Place” by Glenna Goodacre, and two by Dale Rogers: “4 People” and “Guitar”.

 
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RiversEdge Amphitheater

RiversEdge Amphitheater has become the prime destination for summer fun due to the extremely popular Annual Free Summer Concert Series. For the past three years, it has also been home to David Shaw’s Big River Get Down, a one-day music festival featuring headliners The Revivalists, whose frontman calls Hamilton his hometown.

 
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Armstead Park

In the center of the Main Street Business District sits the adorable Armstead Park, featuring the well-loved “When It Rains It Pours” bronze water sculpture by Miles Metzger. This mini-park is also home to a gazebo that houses many of the district’s events and happenings and special seating areas to help you get your people watching in. Free public parking is located directly behind the park.

Hamilton’s Urban Backyard

Located in the heart of Main Street, Hamilton’s Urban Backyard is a great place for family and friends to gather to enjoy one-of-a-kind meals from food trucks, amazing drinks, and good music. The casual backyard environment allows Hamiltonians and visitors alike to feel at-home while exploring downtown.