- Attraction: Decorative Arts Center of Ohio
- Location: 145 E Main St, Lancaster, OH 43130
- Industry: Museum
- Website: https://www.decartsohio.org/
Imagine touring world-class art exhibitions inside a magnificently preserved 1835 Federal-Greek Revival mansion where every room tells a story and every exhibit creates lasting memories.
The Decorative Arts Center of Ohio transforms the historic Reese-Peters House into Lancaster’s premier cultural destination, presenting rotating exhibitions that range from Paramount Pictures costume archives to contemporary Ohio artist showcases.
This nonprofit museum has earned recognition as a hidden gem in Ohio’s cultural landscape, offering free admission to exhibitions that rival major metropolitan museums while preserving one of Lancaster’s most architecturally significant buildings.
World-Class Exhibition Program
Rotating Gallery Excellence: Three major temporary exhibitions annually feature diverse themes from historical costumes and Star Trek memorabilia to contemporary Ohio artists and decorative arts traditions. Recent exhibitions have included “Creating the Illusion” featuring Paramount Pictures Archives and “Star Trek & Worlds Beyond.”
Curatorial Expertise: Exhibition curator Anne Kiphen develops thoughtful displays that explore connections between decorative arts and broader cultural themes. Shows like “Shaping Society” examine how manufactured glassware reflects societal values, while “Mod: Visual, Social, Cultural Renaissance of the 1960s” celebrates design innovation.
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Keep Exploring →High Caliber Programming: The museum consistently presents exhibitions that would be at home in major metropolitan institutions, featuring items from prestigious collections like the Paramount Pictures Archive, the Pizzuti Collection, and works by nationally recognized artists.
Educational Depth: Each exhibition includes extensive educational programming designed for children and adults, ensuring visitors gain deep understanding of the featured artists, historical contexts, and cultural significance of displayed works.
Permanent Collection Highlights: The museum maintains impressive permanent displays of period furniture and decorative arts that complement temporary exhibitions while showcasing the ongoing mission to preserve Ohio’s artistic heritage.
Historic Architecture Experience
1835 Mansion Setting: The Reese-Peters House itself serves as a magnificent backdrop for art displays, with original Federal-Greek Revival architecture providing elegant period rooms that enhance rather than compete with exhibited works. The building represents one of Lancaster’s finest examples of 19th-century residential architecture.
Period Room Installations: Permanently installed period rooms demonstrate how decorative arts functioned in daily life during the 1830s-1900s, providing context for understanding how artistic objects served both functional and aesthetic purposes in historic homes.
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Discover MoreArchitectural Preservation: The late 1990s renovation carefully restored original details while incorporating modern climate control and lighting systems necessary for preserving valuable artworks. This blend of historical authenticity and contemporary museum standards creates ideal viewing conditions.
Square 13 Significance: Located on Main Street in Lancaster’s original plat “Square 13,” the building occupies historically significant ground that represents the city’s founding and development. This central location reinforces the museum’s role in preserving Lancaster’s cultural heritage.
Art Education Excellence
Multi-Age Programming: Art classes and workshops accommodate all skill levels and ages, taught by experienced artists who help participants develop creative skills while learning about various artistic traditions. These hands-on experiences complement the exhibition programming.
Community Engagement: The museum serves as a focal point for cultural activities, hosting special events, artist talks, and community gatherings that extend beyond traditional museum programming. Events like “BAM” (bar, art, music) create social experiences around artistic appreciation.
Educational Outreach: Extensive programming for schools and community groups includes specialized tours, hands-on activities, and curriculum connections that make art history accessible to diverse audiences. Pre-visit and post-visit materials support classroom learning.
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Keep Exploring →Research Resources: The museum functions as a center for research and communication about Ohio’s decorative arts, maintaining collections and archives that support scholarly study and public education about regional artistic traditions.
Visitor Experience & Atmosphere
Free Admission Philosophy: Museum admission remains free, making high-quality cultural experiences accessible to all community members regardless of economic circumstances. This commitment to accessibility reflects the museum’s educational mission and community service values.
Intimate Scale Benefits: The mansion’s residential scale creates comfortable viewing experiences where visitors can examine artworks closely without feeling overwhelmed by institutional grandness. Most visitors spend 1-2 hours exploring thoroughly.
Docent Excellence: Knowledgeable volunteers provide detailed tours that explain both the exhibited artworks and the historic building, creating rich educational experiences that combine art appreciation with architectural history. Their expertise and enthusiasm significantly enhance visitor understanding.
Cultural District Integration: The museum anchors Lancaster’s cultural district alongside the Ohio Glass Museum, Georgian Museum, and Sherman House Museum, making it easy to plan comprehensive cultural experiences within walking distance of downtown dining and shopping.
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Discover MoreOther Considerations
Flexible Visiting Hours: Wednesday-Friday 11am-4pm, Saturday-Sunday 1pm-4pm operations provide convenient access while maintaining reasonable staffing costs. The schedule accommodates both weekday and weekend visitors effectively.
Special Events Calendar: Regular programming includes exhibition openings, artist demonstrations, seasonal celebrations, and educational workshops that create multiple reasons to visit throughout the year. These events often feature refreshments and social opportunities.
Group Tour Accommodations: Advanced reservations allow group tours with specialized programming tailored to specific educational objectives or interests. The museum can accommodate various group sizes and customize experiences for different age groups or educational levels.
Membership Benefits: Museum memberships support ongoing operations while providing members with special access to events, exhibition previews, and educational programming. Membership also helps ensure the museum’s continued ability to present high-quality exhibitions.
Parking & Accessibility: Downtown location provides convenient street parking and walking access to other Lancaster attractions. The museum accommodates visitors with mobility challenges and provides educational materials suitable for various learning styles.
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Keep Exploring →Decorative Arts Center of Ohio
📍 145 E Main St, Lancaster, OH 43130
