FAQ
What’s so great about this museum?
Object-for-object, the Cleveland Museum of Art has one of the finest collections in the world. The museum’s collection is spectacular in quality but moderate in size (a mere 43,000 objects), effectively presenting the “cream” of what the largest museums display. From the visitor’s perspective, this means more of the museum can be experienced in a typical visit. The collection is comprehensive and exceptionally balanced, primarily because it was built piece-by-piece by the museum’s professional curatorial staff rather than in large chunks by gift or bequest.
What does it cost to get in and why?
Nothing, because that’s our mission. General admission to enjoy the museum’s great permanent collections is always free. Special exhibitions usually have an entry fee, with tickets available at the museum box office. Early in its history, the museum’s leaders committed the institution to a policy of free general admission in order to welcome the broadest possible public and to encourage deeper appreciation through repeated visits.
Why are the streets all so curvy?
Perhaps because this used to be a very mountainous area.
How will I know the museum when I see it?
Its elegant white marble neoclassical south façade is reflected in a lovely lake called the Lagoon, visible from Euclid Avenue, and the other three sides sport an interplay of striking horizontal stripes in buildings designed by Marcel Breuer and Rafael Viñoly.
What else is there to do within walking distance?
The Cleveland Museum of Art is located on a pretty (and WiFi-enabled) park called Wade Oval, around which a number of other institutions are situated, including the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, the Cleveland Botanical Garden, the Western Reserve Historical Society and Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum, the Cleveland Institute of Music, and the Cleveland Institute of Art (alma mater of Viktor Shreckengost and a host of other influential designers and artists). All of these are within a five-minute walk. Within ten minutes on foot are Severance Hall, home of the Cleveland Orchestra, and most of the campus of Case Western Reserve University including the Peter B. Lewis Building of the Weatherhead School of Management, designed by Frank Gehry.
Why should I come to Cleveland?
Cleveland is a mid-size town with major-city cultural assets, a mixture of old-world charm and 21st-century innovation, and big-league sports teams that occasionally almost win championships. A system of lovely parks rings the city and there’s a great big lake that stretches all the way to Canada. Dining options cater to every taste and tend to be relatively easy on the budget, and quality live music options abound, from classical recitals to raucous rock and roll in clubs where musicians love to play. And the people are friendly.
Can I take photographs in the galleries?
Yes, you make take photos for personal use as long as you do not use a flash or tripod, with a few notable exceptions: works in special exhibitions or on loan to the museum and works made after 1900 may not be photographed due to copyright restrictions.
Can I sketch or copy works of art in the galleries?
Yes, sketching with pencils is permitted in the permanent collection. The requirements for a permit are as follows: Application form completed and signed; suitable photo ID (either driver's license or passport); and a separate permit is required for each piece to be copied. Strict guidelines must be followed.
Cell Phones
Other museums ask you to silence your cell phones. Our building takes care of that for you! However, we’ve located some areas in the building where reception can be found (and you won’t disturb other guests, either). Look for "phone zones" on visitor guide.
Can I have wedding pictures taken at the museum?
No special event photos are allowed inside the museum. However, the Fine Arts Garden near the museum's south steps is a public park, and the museum does allow wedding photos and small stand-up ceremonies there on a first-come, first-served basis (the site is very popular during wedding season). No reservations are accepted and no permit or notice is required. Be aware that the museum is currently under renovation and construction and the south entrance is blocked by a construction fence, which may affect its suitability as a romantic backdrop. Groups are limited to 100 people or less. You may bring up to 10 chairs for the disabled or the elderly. Please do not stick anything into the ground. There are no electrical outlets available. Finally, please have an alternate location in mind in case of inclement weather.