Taft Museum of Art

A Federal-style historic house built in 1820, now a nationally recognized art museum. The former home of Charles Phelps Taft (half-brother of President William Howard Taft) and his wife Anna, who donated their art collection and home to the city in 1932.

The Taft Museum of Art is rumored to be one of the most haunted places in Cincinnati, with the spirits of Anna and Charles Taft apparently still keeping watch over their beloved art collection. Annie, as she's known, wears a long pink gown and has been seen by numerous staff members and visitors. The ghosts are said to linger at night, calling people's names, tapping them on the shoulder, and knocking things down in the gift shop. Ghostly sounds of a baby crying have also been heard echoing through the galleries. Most employees have experienced what staff call the "wrath of the Tafts" to some degree, but one employee reported feeling especially targeted from his very first day. The presence in the room was so strong he frantically looked around to see if anyone was watching him, but found no one. The Tafts were passionate collectors who dedicated their lives to assembling their art collection, and it seems not even death can lessen their devotion to protecting it. Cold spots and unexplained footsteps are frequently reported.