Today’s Dayton Art Institute began as the Dayton Museum of Arts; the official letter of incorporation was signed on February 28, 1919. The Dayton Museum of Arts was originally located at the corner of Monument Avenue and St. Clair Street in downtown Dayton. It was housed in the stately Kemper home, which was razed in 1945. The museum began as an art school with a small art collection. In 1927, the name was changed to the Dayton Art Institute to reflect the growing importance of the art school.

Website