Take a self-guided tour of stunning public art in NKY’s River Cities.
Check out all the options here.
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COVINGTON, NEWPORT & BELLEVUE
NKY Bourbon Barrel Walk
To celebrate the people, places and passions of Northern Kentucky, businesses and artists were paired up to create 100 custom-painted bourbon barrels.
See them all by taking this self-guided tour that will lead you through the entertainment districts of NKY's river cities, helping you discover fun bars, restaurants and businesses along the way.
NEWPORT, KY
Newport Black History Tour
Newport's history is enriched by the stories of its African American residents. It was the center of education for Black students in Campbell County and has many neighborhoods and buildings that reflect the contributions of their families.
This tour was originally developed by the Northern Kentucky Community Action Commission (NKCAC) as a walking tour. They have graciously allowed it to be adapted for this website.
COVINGTON, KY
Covington Black History Tour
Covington has always had a large, engaged African American population. This tour highlights their history and accomplishments, many of which have been celebrated in the city’s art and architecture.
This tour was originally developed by the Northern Kentucky Community Action Commission (NKCAC) as a walking tour. They have graciously allowed it to be adapted for this website.
NKY
Art in the Libraries Tour
Painted on walls, hung in alcoves and displayed in glass cases, the branches of the Campbell, Kenton and Pendleton County Public Libraries have many examples of art that was created, inspired or donated by Northern Kentucky residents.
The tour is organized by library branch.
COVINGTON, KY
Riverside Drive Statue Tour
These bronze statues of figures from Kentucky history are located along Riverside Drive in Covington’s Historic Licking Riverside neighborhood. As the statue plaque explains, these characters’ “fortunes parallel the Ohio River”. Starting at the foot of the Roebling Bridge, stroll along the riverfront to the confluence of the Licking River with the Ohio. A short walk through the neighborhood and past gorgeous historic mansions will take you to a bonus statue next to the home of the founder of the Boy Scouts of America. Enjoy the tour!
COVINGTON, KY
Riverfront Floodwall Mural Tour
Painted on the floodwall at the foot of the Roebling Bridge are eighteen stunning murals by artist Robert Dafford and his team. The images depict the rich history of Covington, Northern Kentucky and the Roebling Bridge and range from 8000 B.C. to 2008 A.D. These murals were a project of Legacy, a group of young Northern Kentucky leaders. The incredible details depicted in each mural are definitely worth seeing.
COVINGTON, KY
Central Business District Tour
Covington’s Central Business District has a wealth of world-class public art. This busy and vibrant neighborhood has a lot of creative people doing interesting things. This tour will give you a closer look at all these visual treasures.
NKY
"Secret Cincinnati" in NKY Tour
Discover some of the Northern Kentucky locations featured in Kathryn Witt's book, Secret Cincinnati: a Guide to the Weird, Wonderful and Obscure (selections reproduced here with permission from the author).
ABOUT NKY ART TOURS
NKY Art Tours are a project of the Public Arts Network of NKY, an initiative of the Catalytic Fund. This development of this website was facilitated in partnership with ArtsWave and funded by a generous grant from the Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile, Jr./U.S. Bank Foundation.
