Ohio has a deeply rooted arts and culture scene, heavily supported by local philanthropy and historical endowments.
* **Orchestras:** The **Cleveland Orchestra** is widely considered one of the finest symphony orchestras in the world. The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra also holds high national acclaim. * **Visual Arts:** The **Cleveland Museum of Art** (which offers free general admission), the **Columbus Museum of Art**, and the **Cincinnati Art Museum** house encyclopedic and globally significant collections. * **Theater:** **Playhouse Square** in Cleveland is the largest performing arts center in the U.S. outside of New York City, hosting Broadway tours, ballet, and opera. * **Heritage:** The state celebrates a variety of cultural heritages with major festivals, reflecting German, Irish, Italian, and Eastern European roots, as well as a rich African American cultural history, celebrated at sites like the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati.