Our History,  The Beginning

In the 1830s, Cleveland’s first natural history collections were housed in a small wooden building on Public Square. Its two rooms were crowded with animal specimens, earning it the nickname “the Ark.”

The gentlemen who frequented the Ark had a passion for the natural sciences. The Cleveland Museum of Natural History was founded in 1920 in the spirit of this group.

We Are Still Making History

Today, the Museum is considered one of the finest institutions of its kind in North America. Its mission emphasizes scientific research, conservation and education.

The Museum offers an extraordinary visitor experience. Permanent exhibits of special interest include the 3 million-year-old human ancestor Australopithecus afarensis, known as “Lucy,” and the 150 million-year-old Haplocanthosaurus delfsi, one of the most complete mounted sauropods on display anywhere in the world.

The Museum also features a planetarium, observatory, discovery center, live animal shows and a wildlife center and woods garden highlighting native Ohio flora and fauna, including bobcats, river otters and birds of prey. Traveling exhibitions, lecture series and public programs are offered frequently. Amenities include the Museum Store, Blue Blanet Café, outdoor picnic tables and on-site parking.

Behind the scenes, curators work in 11 natural science disciplines. Their research helps inform the Museum's many educational programs. Outside Museum walls, the Natural Areas Program protects more than 4,000 acres of rare habitat in Northern Ohio.

The Museum is located in the heart of University Circle, just five miles east of downtown Cleveland. It is open daily, except for major holidays, and is accessible for those with physical challenges.