Four people walking across the dusty playa of Burning Man toward Black Rock CityBurning Man attendees, also called "Burners," heading toward Black Rock City. PHOTO: Bry Ulrick

Maybe you’re one of the “dreamers and doers,” also known as “Burners,” who’s experienced the art of Burning Man in its original context—out in Black Rock City. That’s the temporary city created every year by those who attend Burning Man in Nevada.

Large paper sculptures from Burning Man illuminated with pink and purple lightDeep Thought by HYBYCOZO. PHOTO: Ron Blunt

Or maybe you’ve seen photos of the jaw-dropping art, mutant art vehicles, jewelry, and costumes that Burners produce and wish you could encounter them in person.

The Cincinnati Art Museum is bringing you that chance this summer!

A Burning Man art car shaped like a dragonTin Pan Dragon by Duane Flatmo. PHOTO: Libby Weiler

No Spectators – The Art of Burning Man, April 26/June 7 – September 2, 2019

This exhibit will open in two stages—Friday, April 26 with additional art added on June 7. In the spirit of the community of Burning Man, the entire exhibit will be free to attend.

No Spectators is a traveling exhibit that debuted at the Smithsonian Museum in Washington D.C. and will arrive at its final stop this October in Oakland, CA, near the place where Burning Man originated, closing in February, 2020.

A freestanding arch that looks like the Arch de Triomphe from Burning Man made of PaperThe Paper Arch, by Michael Garlington and Natalia Bertotti. PHOTO: Ron Blunt

According to Burning Man Project’s Director of Art & Civic Engagement, Kim Cook, “We know that not everyone will be able to participate in the community of Black Rock City, and it is our hope that the museum experience opens doors to new questions about how we all have the ability to express ourselves creatively in the places we call home.”

Elaborately folded paper mushrooms that are more than 12 feet high, illuminated with rainbow light, from Burning Man

Shrumen Lumen by Foldhaus. PHOTO: Ron Blunt

The Cincinnati Art Museum’s Cameron Kitchin—the Louis and Louise Dieterle Nippert Director of the Cincinnati Art Museum—called Burning Man “one of the most influential movements in contemporary American Art and culture.”

Don’t miss your chance to experience this amazing, inspiring, and interactive event! Yes, we said interactive--much of the artwork is based on your participation. One of the pads of Shrumen Lumen causes the mushroom to move when you step on it. There are shows to watch and peepholes to find. Plus, the art will be scattered throughout the museum. You'll have to go on something of an art scavenger hunt to find it all! 

A giant figure of a woman bending slightly backward from Burning ManTruth is Beauty by Marco Cochrane. PHOTO: Ron Blunt

Ideas for Where to Stay for No Spectators - The Art of Burning Man

If you’re visiting NKY and Cincy for “No Spectators,” there are many wonderful hotels and B&Bs within a 10-minute drive from the Art Museum. On this side of the river, the Marriott RiverCenter, the Embassy Suites RiverCenter and The Aloft Hotel offer wonderful riverfront and skyline views. Five minutes from the river, you could choose the boutique hotel, Hotel Covington, recently named the #1 Hotel in Kentucky by U.S. News & World Report. For other listings, check out our Stay page.