When I talk about our art museums and say Ohio has an embarressment of riches, I'm not overstating the case. It's amazing how many we have. And it's not just quantity, it's quality.

Let's start at the top of the list. The Cleveland Museum of Art is world class in anyone's book. It's still closed for the massive expansion project. They're still busy with special exhibits and events, though. You can also search for your favorite items in the collection on their website.

I can't say I don't play favorites, but few would disagree with adding the Toledo Museum of Art to the list. That's the Great Hall, with works of the Baroque, in the picture. This one has expanded, too. The new Glass Pavilion displays one of the best collections of glass in the world.

Cincinnati enters the picture with the Cincinnati Art Museum. It's they biggest of the lot, with more than 60,000 items, but quality isn't sacrificed. It's downright superb. If you're interested in the ancient art of the Middle East, they have the only collection of Nabataean art outside Jordan.

Columbus isn't far behind. The Columbus Museum brings back memories of a fine collection. It has to be good. I remember it even when I haven't been to Columbus in more than twenty years. You have time to catch their exhibit of landscapes by Edgar Degas. He didn't only paint dancers well. The show runs until the 21st of January.

Another one of my favorites is a work of art itself. The Allen Memorial Art Museum, at Oberlin College houses on excellent collection in a 1917 Renaissance palace designed by Cass Gilbert.

Finally, Ohio had the first museum dedicated to American art. The Butler Institute of American Art was started in 1919 and they're still ahead of the curve, They have the Beecher Center for new media and electronic art.

Remember, though, the list isn't complete. You'll find more museums all over the state at the "read" link.