The museum's collection of medieval art is considered one of the finest in the United States, particularly its holdings of Byzantine and Gothic works.
The institution was founded on the principle of being free for all time, a mandate established by its founders in 1913.
The 1916 original building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The museum holds a significant collection of prints and drawings, including rare works by Dürer and Rembrandt.
The ArtLens Wall is one of the largest touch-screen displays in the world, stretching 40 feet across.
The collection features the Guelph Treasure, a group of medieval goldsmith works that represent a pinnacle of religious art.
It houses a rare collection of Cambodian Khmer sculpture, considered one of the most important outside of Cambodia.
The museum archives document the history of art collecting in the Midwest since the early 20th century.
The atrium’s floor uses the same white marble as the original 1916 building, sourced from the same Vermont quarry.
The Cleveland Museum of Art (CMA) houses a globally significant collection of over 61,000 objects spanning 6,000 years of human history. The museum is renowned for its medieval European art, Asian sculpture, and extensive textile collection. Its central feature is the Ames Family Atrium, a 39,000-square-foot glass-enclosed space that connects the original 1916 Beaux-Arts building to modern wings designed by Rafael Viñoly. The collection includes notable works by Caravaggio, Monet, Picasso, and Warhol. CMA serves as a major research center and maintains a comprehensive art library accessible to the public. The facility integrates digital technology through the ArtLens Gallery, allowing visitors to interact directly with high-resolution digital representations of the collection. The museum's grounds encompass Wade Park, featuring integrated outdoor sculptures and landscaping. It operates as a non-profit institution dedicated to educational outreach and scholarly exhibition.
The Ames Family Atrium from the mezzanine level provides a clear view of the architectural integration between the old and new wings.
Use the ArtLens app to sync with the digital wall and save your favorite pieces during your visit.
Check the daily program schedule upon arrival for guided tours or gallery talks that rotate throughout the week.
Visit the Ames Family Atrium at different times of day to experience how natural light shifts across the space.
Trying to see the entire permanent collection in a single visit, which can lead to fatigue given the expansive floor plan.
Closed on Mondays and major holidays.
Photography is permitted for private use without flash; food and drink are strictly prohibited in the galleries.