At the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, we believe that discovery starts with you. Explore our exhibits, meet our wild animals, take a hike, join a class—all while creating meaningful memories.

We make science relatable by cultivating your curiosity. When you visit the Museum, you’ll have the opportunity to delve deep into the past in our dinosaur hall, discover the outer reaches of the Universe in Shafran Planetarium and experience natural wonders in outdoor galleries. Children can experience hands-on learning in Smead Discovery Center, where the motto is "please touch!" Traveling exhibits bring the world to Cleveland with an ever-changing variety of new subjects to explore.

Beyond the Museum campus, we protect more than 6,400 acres through our Natural Areas program. Each preserve harbors at least one unique natural community, including hardwood forest, Lake Erie island, fossil dune ridge, marsh, swamp and glacial wetland. Together, these areas represent the remarkable biological diversity that was once widespread throughout the region, and now serve as educational and scientific resources. Our naturalist-led hikes and classes provide access to a wild Ohio you may never have imagined.

The Museum is also a leader in sustainability through our GreenCityBlueLake Institute.

Our mission
To inspire, through science and education, a passion for nature, the protection of natural diversity, the fostering of health and leadership to a sustainable future.