Cleveland Museum of Art | Cleveland

The Cleveland Museum of Art (CMA), located in Cleveland, Ohio, is one of the premier art museums in the United States. Known for its comprehensive and diverse collection, it offers free general admission and a world-class cultural experience for visitors.

Overview

Founded in 1913 and opened in 1916, the Cleveland Museum of Art is situated in the University Circle area, a cultural hub in Cleveland. The museum's mission is to create transformative experiences through art, for the benefit of all the people forever. Over the decades, it has earned a global reputation for the quality of its collection, its curatorial excellence, and its role in education and scholarship.

Collection

The museum holds more than 63,000 works of art spanning over 6,000 years, representing the arts of Asia, Europe, the Americas, and Africa. Key highlights include:

Egyptian and Near Eastern Art: Statues, stelae, jewelry, and ceramics from ancient civilizations.

Greek and Roman Art: Sculpture, coins, and decorative arts from the classical period.

Medieval and Renaissance Art: Illuminated manuscripts, altarpieces, and armor.

Asian Art: Especially strong in Chinese and Japanese paintings, ceramics, and sculpture.

Islamic Art: Intricately detailed manuscripts, metalwork, and textiles.

European Paintings and Sculpture: Works by artists such as Caravaggio, El Greco, Rubens, Van Gogh, Monet, and Picasso.

Modern and Contemporary Art: Paintings, installations, and multimedia works from the 20th and 21st centuries.

American Art: From early colonial portraiture to mid-century abstraction and beyond.

Photography and Prints: A large and historically important collection.

Architecture

The museum’s architecture blends classic and contemporary elements. The original 1916 building is neoclassical, designed by Hubbell & Benes. A major expansion was completed in 2013 by architect Rafael Viñoly, which added modern galleries and a large central glass atrium that connects the museum’s various wings. This atrium serves as a gathering space and hosts various community events and performances.

Special Exhibitions

In addition to its permanent collection, the CMA organizes major temporary exhibitions throughout the year. Notable recent and upcoming exhibitions include:

Takashi Murakami: Stepping on the Tail of a Rainbow (May 25 – September 7, 2025): This show features over 100 works by Murakami, known for his blending of pop culture and fine art. The exhibition explores themes of trauma, memory, and transformation, often in response to events such as the atomic bombings and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Picasso and Paper (December 8, 2024 – March 23, 2025): This exhibition includes nearly 300 works that showcase Picasso’s innovative use of paper through various media including drawing, collage, and sculpture. Tickets are required for entry.

Juxtaposition and Juncture in Korean Modern and Contemporary Art (March 21, 2025 – April 1, 2026): This exhibit explores the creative dialogue between Korea’s artistic heritage and its modern interpretations.

Landscapes by Arnold Chang: A Retrospective and Recent Acquisitions (March 8 – November 9, 2025): A comprehensive overview of Chinese-American artist Arnold Chang’s career, highlighting traditional Chinese painting techniques with modern sensibilities.

Educational Programs and Digital Initiatives

The museum is deeply committed to education, offering a wide range of programming including lectures, guided tours, workshops, and school outreach. It also launched the Open Access initiative, which provides free, unrestricted access to thousands of high-resolution images of artworks in the public domain. These can be downloaded and reused without restriction, making the CMA a pioneer in digital art access.

Community Engagement

CMA actively engages with the community through festivals, family days, film screenings, and performances. The museum’s initiatives promote inclusivity and accessibility, ensuring that art is available to everyone regardless of background.

Visiting Information

Hours:

Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Wednesday and Friday: 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Closed on Mondays

Admission:

General admission is free.

Tickets are required for special exhibitions and some programs.

Location:

11150 East Boulevard, Cleveland, OH 44106

Parking:

Available in the museum’s parking garage on Jeptha Drive. Visitors can pay for parking online when reserving tickets for special exhibitions or upon arrival.

Conclusion

The Cleveland Museum of Art is not only a cultural landmark of Ohio but a world-class institution that combines a rich collection, innovative programming, and a commitment to accessibility. Whether you are a casual visitor, a student, or a scholar, the CMA offers a compelling and enriching experience for all.