At the Museum | Cleveland Museum of Natural History

In December 2024, the Museum will reveal the most dramatic transformation in our more than 100-year history—including completely reimagined exhibits, immersive experiences, and innovative programming. As we finalize our transformation, limited space in the Museum is open to self-guided groups. If you are hoping for a longer visit, you may wish to schedule a guided program with our Education staff.

Guided programs are conducted primarily in the Museum’s classrooms, featuring demonstration materials, opportunities for critical observation of real objects, and interaction with the Museum instructor.

We are excited to announce the opening of the redesigned Smead Discovery Center—Presented by PNC. Designed for ages 7 and under, this hands-on learning center offers many activities for young children, including a play area for babies and toddlers. We welcome school groups in second grade and younger with chaperones. Space in the Discovery Center is limited and first come, first served.

SCHEDULING

Fill out this form or email eduinfo@cmnh.org. Phone availability is limited: 216.231.8002

COST

Title 1 schools in Ohio receive free Museum programming in all modes of delivery. Free programming and bus vouchers are first come, first served while grant funding lasts.

Self-Guided Groups

$10/student in grades preK–12 ($200 minimum for groups of fewer than 20 students)
$12/college student

Guided, Planetarium & Live Animal Programs

$15/student in grades preK–12 ($300 minimum for groups of fewer than 20 students)
$16/student in grades preK–12 for two programs in the same day ($320 minimum for groups of fewer than 20 students)

Travel Reimbursement

Thanks to generous support from donors, the Cleveland Museum of Natural History is pleased to announce the availability of school travel-reimbursement vouchers for Title I schools. Let the Museum make your field trip more affordable with bus vouchers up to $250.

Vouchers are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
This opportunity is limited to schools whose student enrollment participating in the National School Lunch Program for free and reduced meals is 40 percent or greater.
For qualified schools that have requested and been approved for a travel-reimbursement voucher, the Museum will reimburse up to $250 per bus for teachers bringing at least 20 students. Bus vouchers will not be approved for groups with fewer than 20 students.

If you qualify and are approved for the use of a transportation voucher by the Museum, you will be required to submit a Request for Payment Form, along with a copy of the invoice from your transportation company within 60 days of the date of your program. The Museum will reimburse for the cost of the bus up to $250.

If the cost of a single bus exceeds that amount, your school will be responsible for covering the additional cost. The Museum will not reimburse for bus travel without an invoice detailing the travel fees and date of travel. The Museum will provide you with the Request for Payment Form as well as a W-9 so that the Museum can issue a check. Invoices received more than 60 days after a program will not be reimbursed. To request a transportation voucher, please complete an online Program Request Form or call 216.231.8002 with questions.

CONFIRMATION / CANCELLATION

You will receive a confirmation prior to your program. Please check for accuracy. To avoid a cancellation fee, all cancellations must be made at least one full calendar week prior to the scheduled program. A cancellation fee will not be charged if the class is canceled due to weather. Program availability is limited due to construction. Scheduling in advance is recommended.

PAYMENT

Purchase orders are the preferred form of payment. Paying through use of a purchase order allows for a faster check-in at the front desk. We also accept checks and credit cards (Visa, MC, AmEx). Payment for programs is required no later than 30 days after the program.

Please note that the Museum is cashless; students should not bring cash for Museum Store or Origins Café purchases.

CHAPERONES

For programs at the Museum, we require 1 adult for every 10 students. Teachers and chaperones are admitted without charge up to 1 adult for every 5 students. Additional adults will be charged at the same rate as the student. Museum memberships and other discounts are not valid for instructed or self-guided visits.

ARRIVAL PROCEDURES

Plan to arrive 15 minutes early to allow time for check-in. For instructed morning programs, please do not plan to arrive early to tour the Museum. If you arrive late, the length and content of the program may be altered as needed to fit with the day’s schedule.

LUNCH

School groups wishing to have lunch during their visit will be assigned a time and an indoor location to eat. Please let us know if you are planning to eat during your visit so we can schedule accordingly. When the weather is nice, school groups are welcome to eat outside on Wade Oval or at the picnic tables by Steggie (near our Wade Oval Entrance).

PARKING

Bus drivers will be directed to nearby parking. A drop-off area is available near the Museum.