Located at 1028 Scott Boulevard, The Carnegie public library and adjoining auditorium were built in 1904 for a grand total of $85,000 with funds given to the city of Covington by Andrew Carnegie.

The building is an excellent example of the French Renaissance or Beaux-Arts style of architecture, the turn-of-the-century translation of the Classical style found in ancient Greek and Roman buildings. Impediment sculptures by Covington artist J.C. Meyerberg depict Minerva, the goddess of wisdom and invention. She is accompanied by two youth, one representing the useful arts and the other the fine arts. The interior of the original library building is made up of two floors, connected by ornately carved dual winding staircases.  A circular balcony and open rotunda overlook the main floor underneath an impressive amber glass dome.  The adjoining theatre is modeled after a 19th-century French Opera House.


The last day that the Carnegie building served as the Covington Public Library was December 31, 1973. The Carnegie was slated to join the thousands of historical sites being razed to become parking lots or sterile office buildings in the 1970's.


Fortunately, The Northern Kentucky Arts Council saved the beautiful buildings from demolition and in 1971, The Carnegie buildings were added to The National Register of Historic Places. The arts council moved into the old library, and turned it into a non-profit community arts center.

Today, The Carnegie Visual and Performing Arts Center is an award-winning multi-disciplinary arts venue for all ages and provides events, educational programs and art exhibitions to the community. With five art galleries, a new education center and a stunning, newly renovated theatre, The Carnegie is one of the most prominent arts institutions in Northern Kentucky.