1 Wade Oval Dr, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA

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Phone: +1 216-231-4600

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The Cleveland Museum of Natural History, situated in Cleveland’s University Circle area, is a remarkable destination featuring over four million specimens.

This museum boasts a variety of exhibits such as dinosaur bones, natural gemstones, fossils, and extensive displays focusing on Ohio’s birds, plant life, insects, and archaeology. Additionally, the planetarium provides educational insights into the moon, stars, and the universe.

The Exhibits

Opened in 1920, the Cleveland Museum of Natural History showcases two floors of captivating and diverse exhibits, many of which are interactive. Featured displays consist of reconstructed dinosaur skeletons, a collection of natural gemstones, prehistoric fossils, and a section dedicated to Ohio’s archaeology, particularly the rich history of Native American tribes in the region.

The lower level emphasizes Ohio’s natural history, featuring sections dedicated to birds, botany, insects, and ecology.

The Planetarium

The Shafran Planetarium, a part of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, hosts several 35-minute shows each day. Topics rotate periodically, yet every presentation centers around an engaging current topic in astronomy along with a portrayal of the Cleveland sky throughout the year. Each show is directed by a museum astronomer, who encourages audience participation and questions.

Wade Oval Wednesdays

Throughout the summer months of June, July, and August, the museums surrounding Wade Oval, including the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, extend their hours and offer discounted admissions on Wednesday evenings.

This special event features live music, unique exhibits, and various children’s activities, creating a lively atmosphere for all visitors.

Visiting the Cleveland Museum of Natural History

Conveniently located near the Cleveland Museum of Art and the Cleveland Botanical Garden, the Cleveland Museum of Natural History is easily accessible and offers ample parking nearby.

The museum includes a café, The Blue Planet, which serves full lunch options and snacks, along with an extensive gift shop filled with unique items and souvenirs.

Where to Stay

For visitors looking for accommodations, the Intercontinental Hotel at the Cleveland Clinic is less than a mile away, providing elegant lodging and a comprehensive range of services. Alternatively, the charming Glidden House, a historic bed and breakfast inn, is a cozy option just around the corner.

Where to Eat

The museum’s café offers a selection of sandwiches, light lunches, and snacks. Furthermore, within walking distance, visitors can find the courtyard café at the Cleveland Museum of Art and Mi Pueblo, a reasonably-priced Mexican restaurant located on Euclid Avenue at 116th Street.