A Bold New Chapter for the Cleveland Museum of Natural History
On December 12, 2024, the Cleveland Museum of Natural History held its official ribbon-cutting ceremony—marking the start of our Grand Opening and the beginning of an extraordinary new era.
In the days that followed, the Museum welcomed thousands of visitors to experience our stunning $150 million transformation for the first time, revealing an innovative model that redefines the museum experience. The transformed Museum invites you to embark on a journey through the wonders of science and nature—from the origins of the Universe to the awe-inspiring story of life on Earth.
Spanning over 375,000 square feet, with more than 2 acres of outdoor spaces and entirely reimagined exhibits, the Museum’s remarkable new design connects cutting-edge science with the natural wonders of Northeast Ohio and beyond.
The Museum appreciates the generous support from community members, corporations, foundations, and government grants that has helped to make this transformation a reality. Learn more about our Transforming the World of Discovery campaign.
Watch Our Grand Opening Video:
Natural History in the National Spotlight
The Museum was honored to be featured by a number of local and national media outlets, providing an inside look at our transformation. Explore a few of the highlights below.
A Vision to Inspire and Connect
At the heart of this transformation is a vision to inspire you to connect more deeply with the natural world. Designed by DLR Group, the Museum’s architecture reflects Northeast Ohio’s rich geological history, with flowing white forms inspired by the glaciers that carved the Great Lakes. This approach—architecture as an expression of the natural world—reinforces the Museum’s mission to foster your sense of wonder and discovery.
Visible sustainability measures throughout the Museum's new architecture, such as the rainwater capture feature on our new exterior, also help to spark conversations about sustainability. These carefully-designed features also helped the Museum to achieve the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) v4 BD+C NC Platinum certification, becoming the first museum in the United States to do so.
Telling the Story of Life
The reinvented Museum offers a fresh way to experience the story of life on Earth, moving beyond the timeline-and-discipline-based approach museums have traditionally used to organize objects and specimens. Designed in collaboration with G&A, the new exhibits instead tell a cohesive story of life on our planet—and place you at the center of the experience.
Through immersive installations, hands-on interactives, and engaging case studies, you’ll explore the interconnectedness of all living things and the essential link between human health and the health of the planet. Dynamic displays, combined with active research and the latest scientific insights, ensure that you’re always encountering something new and relevant.
A Museum for Our Future
This transformation is about more than just the building—it’s about creating a space where you can engage with science in a meaningful way, garnering information that's relevant to your daily life. Throughout the galleries, you have opportunities to interact with Museum experts, ask questions, and witness the latest scientific discoveries. By connecting you to cutting-edge science, the Museum aims to spark your curiosity, deepen your understanding, and inspire you to see the world with fresh eyes.
Another aim of the Museum's transformation is to inspire all to understand how our health and the health of our planet are inseparable. Insightful exhibits throughout the galleries encourage you to consider humanity's impact on the environment—motivating all to be a voice for the planet and become informed stewards of the natural world.
Experience the Transformation
The Museum's transformation invites you to explore, connect, and be inspired. Every visit offers the opportunity for new discoveries, encouraging you to chart your own path inspired by your curiosity. Come see how the Cleveland Museum of Natural History is redefining the way we understand the natural world and our place within it.
Plan your visit today and experience a story billions of years in the making—one that’s waiting for you to discover!
