The Cleveland Museum of Art is one of the most fulfilling museums in Ohio with many things to do planned for locals and visitors throughout the year. Established in 1913 'for the benefit of all the people forever,' the Cleveland Art Museum features a fantastic permanent collection exhibited over three floors. Also included in the museum are alternating special collections, education and research and a museum store where visitors can pick up a souvenir or two. There are also planned events, which include lectures, tours, films, performing arts and music.

The permanent collection of the Cleveland Museum features more than 40,000 objects for visitors to contemplate. The collection offers art in different mediums including textiles, sculptures, photographs, drawings and paintings. Some of the origins of artist roots stem from Africa, Greece, Rome, India, South East Asia, China, several Islamic countries, Japan and Korea.

A particularly interesting special collection at the Cleveland Museum of Art is American Art. It includes 116 photographs spanning from 1850 to 1960. It interprets the development of photography over the years as well as the evolution of a nation all wrapped up in one exhibit. More than 60 artists are represented in the photography exhibit including Paul Strand, Helen Levitt and the iconic Ansel Adams.

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The Cleveland Art Museum is situated amid the cultural hub of the city called University Circle where there is a long history of museums and galleries. The museum is better known for collections such as pre-Columbian, European and medieval Asian. Popular exhibits among visitors include medieval weaponry and armor, their African mask collection and the mummies. The Cleveland Museum houses art from some very famous artists as well including Monet, Picasso, Michelangelo, and Van Gogh.

If you're visiting the museum during good weather, be sure to take a walk around the well-kept, beautiful grounds. When walking around the grounds there are several statues and an attractive fountain to enjoy as well. Many wedding parties choose to have their photos taken at the Cleveland Museum and you'll see many if the weather is nice. The museum is peaceful and quiet inside and out. The better times to go remain earlier in the morning and later in the afternoon although the museum does not tend to get overwhelmingly crowded. There is also a cafE offering food and drinks for visitors.

The Cleveland Art Museum has a website offering directions from many cities such as Akron, Lorain and Youngstown. If you're in the city, transportation is available by bus and the Cleveland Museum is located only five miles east of downtown in University Circle. Hours of operation are Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00am to 5:oopm and Wednesday through Friday from 10:00am to 9:pm. Note that the Cleveland Museum is closed on Mondays. Besides the fantastic collection the museum has procured, admission is free!

If interested in art take, some time out to visit the Cleveland Museum of Art and leave some extra time to stroll around University Circle. The district holds numerous yearly art festivals and jazz concerts are often held on the grounds of the museum in the summer time. While in the area stop in for a walk around the beautiful Cleveland Botanical Garden and round out your day with a great evening meal in the area.