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Cleveland Museum of Natural History

4.5

·6k reviews·Cleveland, United States

Explore ancient fossils, native wildlife, and cosmic wonders at the newly renovated Cleveland Museum of Natural History.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekends (for residents)

Free admission for locals!

CrowdHigh

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Cleveland Museum of Natural History

Best Time

Weekends (for residents)

Free admission for locals!

CrowdHigh

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore ancient fossils, native wildlife, and cosmic wonders at the newly renovated Cleveland Museum of Natural History.

4.5

(6k reviews)

"WOW! The exhibits are so interactive and entertaining for kids and adults alike."

TIP

🎯 Free Resident Weekends

Cleveland residents get FREE admission on Saturdays & Sundays! Proof of residency required.

🚗 Smart Parking Options

Try street parking near law/business schools to avoid garage fees.

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.5 · 5,643 reviews

Type

Museum

Address

1 Wade Oval Dr, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA

Website

cmnh.org

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Dinosaur Hall

Exhibition Hall

Roar with excitement among towering dinosaur skeletons and ancient fossils. A must-see for all ages!

Wildlife Center

Outdoor Area

Meet rescued native Ohio animals like bald eagles and coyotes in a naturalistic outdoor setting.

Planetarium Shows

Planetarium

Journey through the cosmos with captivating shows, including special Pink Floyd experiences.

Nature Photography Gallery

Second Floor Gallery

Marvel at stunning, award-winning nature photography that captures the beauty of the natural world.

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Planning Your Visit

Free Admission Days

Score free admission to the Cleveland Museum of Natural History on Saturdays and Sundays if you're a Cleveland resident! It's a fantastic way to explore the newly renovated exhibits without breaking the bank. Check their website for residency verification details.

Parking Smarts

While the museum's garage has hourly rates, savvy visitors suggest street parking near the law and business schools. You might find a free spot there, saving you some cash for souvenirs or planetarium tickets.

Best Times

When

Weekends (for residents)

Why

Free admission for locals!

Crowd

High

When

Weekday mornings

Why

Fewer crowds, more space

Crowd

Low

When

Planetarium showtimes

Why

Unique cosmic experiences

Crowd

Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Cleveland Museum of Natural History! #foryou #foryoupage #fyp #cleveland #dinosaur #otter #history #museum #tourism #ohio #animals

@port_man_dough

194 likes • 7.2K views

🎯 Free Resident Weekends

Cleveland residents get FREE admission on Saturdays & Sundays! Proof of residency required. +1

🚗 Smart Parking Options

Try street parking near law/business schools to avoid garage fees.

The Cleveland Museum of Natural History has been named one of the most beautiful in the world, and could possibly be granted an even higher distinction from the prestigious Prix Versaille. Tap the link in our bio for the details. // 📹➡️ @joshduke.cle, cleveland.com // #ClevelandMuseum #NaturalHistoryMuseum #Architecture #PrixVersailles #Design #Beautiful #Cleveland #Ohio #Art #sustainabilty

@clevelanddotcom

1.2K likes • 21.2K views

Happy #InternationalMuseumDay! Here’s a few things that just make sense at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History…🤌🤌 #thingsthatjustmakesense #museumday #museumsadvocacy #naturalhistorymuseum #gocmnh

gocmnh

1.1K likes • 15.6K views

🎟️ Book Planetarium Tickets Online

Planetarium tickets are cheaper online, though still a bit pricey. [^Reviews]

✨ Interactive Exhibits

Engage with hands-on displays perfect for kids and curious adults. [^Reviews]

Take a look inside the newly transformed Cleveland Museum of Natural History, now open to the public after a decade-long, $150M renovation. 🦕 With a stunning 375,000-square-foot campus, a 14,600-square-foot Visitor Hall, completely reimagined exhibits, and over 2 acres of outdoor visitor areas, the museum invites visitors to experience science and nature in a whole new way. @gocmnh #GreaterCL...

greater_cle

1.6K likes • 36.4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Free Resident Weekends

Cleveland residents get FREE admission on Saturdays & Sundays! Proof of residency required. +1

🚗 Smart Parking Options

Try street parking near law/business schools to avoid garage fees.

🎟️ Book Planetarium Tickets Online

Planetarium tickets are cheaper online, though still a bit pricey. [^Reviews]

✨ Interactive Exhibits

Engage with hands-on displays perfect for kids and curious adults. [^Reviews]

📸 Photography Exhibit

Don't miss the impressive nature photography on the second floor. [^Reviews]

What Travellers Say

4.5

(6k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Cleveland Museum of Natural History's extensive renovations, highlighting its interactive exhibits and engaging displays that appeal to both children and adults. The Wildlife Center and photography gallery are frequently mentioned as highlights. However, some find the planetarium seating suboptimal and the general admission price a bit high for the overall experience, with a few missing the older museum's traditional dioramas.

"This is my first visit since the remodel and all I can say is, WOW! The exhibits are so interactive and entertaining for kids and adults alike. The 3D movie was entertaining and the wildlife area is fantastic! My only complaint is the planetarium. While the planetarium show was great and the presenter was awesome with answering questions after the program, the seating was a major drawback. I seem to recall planetarium that had seating in a circle so everyone could have the best view of the show. Now, the chairs are in rows and one needs to occasionally crane their neck to see what is happening (when sitting in the 3rd from back row all the way to the side). Apparently the middle back is the best view but those are quickly taken. I have to believe there is a better way to arrange the seating so everyone has a good view while also being comfortable."

Kelley Kauffman

"Great place for a family fun! You even get a outdoor adventure with seeing bald eagle, owls, cats, coyotes. Very surprised to see outdoor adventure.
Employees are extremely kind and helpful. There is a cafeteria and souvenir shop, they also offer hands on area for kiddos, and classroom settings. What is equally exciting is the mini art gallery of photography.
Get ready to spend a fun filled day. Highly recommend."

Kristin L

"This is a very nice and clean museum. I believe they just redid it or some of it. I think it would be more enjoyable with kids. My favorite parts were the animals, although I think some of them shouldn’t be held in captivity… especially in Cleveland when the temperatures can get extremely hot. I also enjoyed the gallery on the second level. They have some awesome photography on display. I wish we were staying in Cleveland longer to enjoy the Pink Floyd music in the planetarium 😍 tickets are cheaper to buy online, although they still aren’t cheap. I think the price is a little high for what you’re getting."

Katie Robb

What People Like

Modern, interactive exhibits

Engaging for all ages

Stunning photography gallery

What People Dislike

Planetarium seating

General admission price

Missing old dioramas

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The museum is located at 1 Wade Oval Drive, Cleveland, OH 44106. It's easily accessible by car and public transportation. Many visitors opt for street parking near the law and business schools to save on garage fees.

There is a parking garage on site with hourly rates. Alternatively, street parking can often be found near the law and business schools.

Yes, the museum is located in University Circle, which is well-served by RTA bus lines. Check the RTA website for specific routes and schedules.

Maps are typically available at the information desk upon arrival. You can also often find digital maps on the museum's official website.

Parking validation policies can vary. It's best to check with the museum directly or look for signage in the parking garage for any available discounts or validation programs.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

General admission prices can vary. However, Cleveland residents can enjoy FREE admission on Saturdays and Sundays. It's recommended to purchase tickets online in advance, especially for planetarium shows, as they can be cheaper. +1 [^Reviews]

Yes, Cleveland residents get free admission on weekends. Discount tickets for planetarium shows are often available when purchased online. +1 [^Reviews]

Museum hours can vary by day and season. It's always best to check the official Cleveland Museum of Natural History website for the most up-to-date operating hours before your visit.

Yes, tickets are generally available for purchase at the museum. However, buying online in advance is recommended, especially for planetarium shows, to secure your spot and potentially get a better price. [^Reviews]

Yes, the museum offers various membership levels that provide benefits like free admission, discounts, and special event access. Check their website for details on Cleveland Museum of Natural History membership options.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Don't miss the impressive Dinosaur Hall, the interactive Wildlife Center featuring native Ohio animals, the captivating Planetarium shows (including Pink Floyd!), and the stunning Nature Photography Gallery. +3 [^Reviews]

Absolutely! The museum features many interactive and hands-on exhibits that are perfect for children, making it a great family-friendly destination. [^Reviews]

The planetarium seating is arranged in rows, and some visitors find that seating in the middle back offers the best view. However, these seats are popular and fill up quickly. [^Reviews]

Yes, the museum boasts over 2 acres of outdoor visitor areas, including the Wildlife Center where you can see native Ohio animals. [^Reviews]

The museum offers a variety of hands-on and interactive displays designed to engage visitors of all ages, from fossil digs to science experiments. [^Reviews]

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, the museum has a cafeteria where you can purchase food and drinks. [^Reviews]

Policies on outside food and drinks can vary. It's advisable to check the museum's guidelines or contact them directly to confirm.

Being located in University Circle, there are numerous dining options nearby, ranging from casual cafes to more upscale restaurants.

📸 📸 Photography

Generally, personal photography is allowed for non-commercial use. However, flash photography may be restricted in certain areas to protect exhibits. Always check for posted signage.

Yes, the museum features an impressive nature photography gallery on the second floor, showcasing stunning work from talented photographers. [^Reviews]

The Dinosaur Hall, the Wildlife Center, and the modern architecture of the renovated Visitor Hall are all great spots for memorable photos. +2