Cleveland’s location — perched where the Cuyahoga River empties into Lake Erie — made the city a major metropolis, and it remains a destination for indulging in sports, art, and music at various museums. From movie props to ancient statues and historic cars to rock stars’ costumes, there’s an abundance of museums in Cleveland that cater to a diverse range of interests.

Many museums are situated on the east side, in or near University Circle. Below are key destinations to immerse yourself in culture and history.

Cleveland Museum of Art

Address: 11150 East Blvd, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA

Phone: +1 216-421-7350

This museum, endowed by the city’s leading industrialists in 1913, remains one of the most visited art museums in the country. Its collection of nearly 45,000 items spans from ancient Egyptian art to Pop Art of the late 20th century. Notably, the armor room, which dates back to 1916, includes intriguing pieces like chain mail and medieval weapons. Moreover, the museum houses one of the largest art libraries in the nation.

Cleveland Museum of Natural History

Address: 1 Wade Oval Dr, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA

Phone: +1 216-231-4600

The museum has been celebrating its centennial since 2020, serving as an essential educational destination. Its mascot, “Steggie,” a stegosaurus sculpture, has become a popular selfie spot. Inside, visitors can explore dinosaur bones from 225 million years ago and an impressive collection of nearly 4,000 human and primate skeletons. Additionally, the museum features a planetarium and the stuffed remains of Balto, the famed rescue dog.

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Address: 1100 E 9th St, Cleveland, OH 44114, USA

Phone: +1 216-781-7625

Huey Lewis famously remarked that “the heart of rock ‘n’ roll is still beating in Cleveland.” This iconic museum, designed by I.M. Pei, opened its doors in 1995 and serves as a repository for invaluable rock memorabilia, including costumes and instruments. With a radio show broadcast from the site and frequent artist lectures and concerts, it serves as an inspirational hub for music lovers.

A Christmas Story House

Address: 3159 W 11th St, Cleveland, OH 44109, USA

Phone: +1 216-298-4919

This house, used for the beloved holiday film “A Christmas Story,” opened for tours in 2007 after being expertly restored. The property features period memorabilia and interactive elements for visitors. A museum across the street showcases various costumes and props from the film, making it a nostalgic stop for fans of all ages.

Lake View Cemetery

Address: 12316 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA

Phone: +1 216-421-2665

This “outdoor museum” encompasses 285 acres and is the final resting place for notable figures like President James Garfield and billionaire John D. Rockefeller. Visitors can explore the stunning Wade Chapel featuring intricate mosaics and Tiffany windows, enhancing their historical journey.

Cleveland History Center

Address: 10825 East Blvd, Cleveland, OH 44106-1703, USA

Phone: +1 216-721-5722

The Western Reserve Historical Society has been chronicling Cleveland’s history for over 150 years. At the Cleveland History Center, visitors will find a new permanent exhibit, “Cleveland Starts Here,” alongside a collection of historical automobiles and the iconic Euclid Beach Park carousel.

Baseball Heritage Museum

Address: 6601 Lexington Ave, Cleveland, OH 44103, USA

Phone: +1 216-789-1083

Opened in 1891, this museum commemorates the history of baseball in Cleveland. Formerly home to the Cleveland Spiders, League Park played a pivotal role in sports history for decades. Today, it houses exhibits dedicated to the history of the Indians and features lesser-known tales from the Negro Leagues and Caribbean baseball.

Children’s Museum of Cleveland

Address: 3813 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44115-2503, USA

Phone: +1 216-791-7114

Once a mansion for the city’s elite, the Children’s Museum now offers engaging exhibits that stimulate creativity and learning. Children can enjoy interactive displays ranging from art rooms to water tables, fostering socialization and imaginative play.

Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland Money Museum

Address: 1455 E 6th St, Cleveland, OH 44114-2566, USA

Phone: +1 216-579-2000

Situated inside the Federal Reserve Bank downtown, the Money Museum provides an educational dive into finance and the history of currency. Visitors can learn about money evolution, test their skills at identifying counterfeit bills, and even pose with a giant dollar bill.

International Women’s Air & Space Museum

Address: 1501 N Marginal Rd, Cleveland, OH 44114, USA

Phone: +1 216-623-1111

Located in Burke Lakefront Airport, this museum highlights the achievements of women in aviation and space exploration. Exhibits feature historical artifacts and tell the stories of influential figures such as Amelia Earhart, celebrating their legacies and contributions to aeronautics.