By Marilyn Bauer
The Cincinnati Enquirer

For the past 2 1/2 years, the only people to see the inside of the Taft Museum of Art were architects, artisans, construction workers and museum staffers.

On Thursday and Friday, members and friends got a sneak peek at the historic home's $22.8 million makeover. Now, it's everyone's chance to see what's been going on behind the famous façade.

The Museum reopens its doors to the public on Saturday with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony from Cincinnati Mayor Charlie Luken. Attendance is free today and Sunday.

"The Taft Museum has returned from extended vacation," says its director, Phillip Long.

When the museum closed on Nov. 5, 2001, there was much to do. The 1820s Federal-style villa was stripped to its beams and lathing. New electrical systems, climate control, state-of-the-art lighting and plumbing were installed. New carpets and draperies were woven by hand to the specifications of historical documents; provincial wood fireplaces were replaced with carved Egyptian marble mantles more in keeping with the age of the house.

The garden was dug up then replanted and extended over a portion of the museum's new 70-space garage.

To present additional programming, a new three-story wing was added.

A new lobby with a spiral staircase takes visitors to the second level, where the new and old unite: An expanded tea salon with indoor and outdoor seating, along with an expanded gift shop and new facilities, including a special exhibitions space and a performance/lecture hall.