The 5 Best Museums In Cleveland

When Cleveland was founded in 1796, its proximity to numerous canals and railroads made it an ideal manufacturing center. As it became a place where many cultures intersected, Cleveland developed a unique culture of its own. Listed below are the museums that best showcase the rich culture Cleveland has to offer.

1. Cleveland Museum of Art

Museum

A diverse collection of amazing artwork

One of the great benefits of visiting the Cleveland Museum of Art is its price: free. The old and new buildings are connected by a stunning atrium, and the museum’s Provenance Café is a lovely spot to get refreshments to break up the tour. It’s a fantastic place to take visitors and truly shows off Cleveland at its best.

Opening hours: Tues 10am-5pm Weds 10am-9pm Thurs 10am-5pm Fri 10am-5pm Sat-Sun 10am-5pm

2. A Christmas Story House & Museum

Museum

A child’s dream come true

Based on the beloved 1983 Christmas film, the Christmas Story House is an interactive museum featuring all sorts of props from the movie, from pink bunny suits and aviator hats to leg lamps. It’s very family-friendly – little ones are allowed to touch everything, unlike in a typical museum. If you want a nice dose of the Christmas spirit, head on over to this museum and dive head first into Ralphie’s world of seasonal fun.
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 10am-5pm Sun 12pm-5pm

3. Cleveland Museum of Natural History

Museum

Cleveland’s first natural history collection

The Cleveland Museum of Natural History is a wonderful planetarium and museum that focuses primarily on prehistoric discoveries (dinosaurs!), fossils, and other geological specimen. The Megalodon exhibit, in particular, is a crowd pleaser, as are the breathtaking gemstone exhibits and life-size dinosaur skeletons.
Opening hours: Mon-Tues 10am-5pm Weds 10am-10pm Thur-Sat 10am-5pm Sun 12pm-5pm