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5 Jaw-Dropping Reasons To Revisit The Cleveland Museum Of Natural History After Its $150 Million Transformation

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The Cleveland Museum of Natural History (CMNH) has undergone a historic, $150 million transformation that has fundamentally reinvented the visitor experience. As of late 2024, the major public-facing aspects of this massive expansion are officially open, debuting new wings, reimagined iconic exhibits, and a fresh focus on the connection between human and planetary health. Visitors returning today, December 19, 2025, will find a museum that is virtually unrecognizable from its previous iteration, offering a dynamic, modern journey through 4.6 billion years of Earth's history, from the cosmos to cutting-edge conservation science. This unprecedented reinvention, which began years ago, successfully aligns the museum's architecture with its world-renowned research and collections, ensuring that Cleveland remains a premier destination for natural science enthusiasts. The new design emphasizes transparency, bringing previously behind-the-scenes research labs and collections into view alongside the public galleries, creating a truly immersive and educational environment.

The Historic Transformation: A New Era for the Cleveland Museum of Natural History

The Cleveland Museum of Natural History, originally founded in 1920, has long been a pillar of the University Circle neighborhood and a global center for scientific discovery. The recent $150 million transformation project, designed by Fentress Architects and DLR Group, represents the museum's most significant expansion in its over 100-year history. This multi-year endeavor culminated in a grand opening celebration in December 2024, unveiling a stunning new campus that is both architecturally impressive and deeply committed to sustainability. The core mission of the CMNH remains rooted in exploring the natural world and the evolution of humankind, but the new facilities are designed to present this knowledge through a modern, interactive lens. The museum now aims to reveal the "inseparability of our health and the health of our planet," with insightful exhibits encouraging a deeper understanding of conservation and human impact.

Quick Facts & Biographical Entities

  • Founded: 1920
  • Location: University Circle, Cleveland, Ohio
  • Transformation Cost: $150 Million
  • Grand Opening (Major Phase): December 2024
  • Key Artifacts/Entities: "Lucy" (Australopithecus afarensis), Balto (famous sled dog), Dunkleosteus terrelli (giant armored fish), Haplocanthosaurus (sauropod dinosaur), Dr. Donald Johanson (discoverer of Lucy).
  • New Wing Named: Larry Sears and Sally Zlotnick Sears Wing.

Unveiling the New Iconic Galleries and Exhibits

The heart of the revitalized CMNH experience lies in its completely reimagined exhibit halls. The transformation was not merely an expansion but a total overhaul of how the museum's priceless collections are presented. Visitors can now embark on a seamless journey through time, starting with the origins of the universe and moving through the evolution of life on Earth.

1. The Stunning New Visitor Hall and Iconic Trio

The first area to greet visitors is the spectacular new Visitor Hall, a community space designed to be open and welcoming. This hall serves as the new central hub and prominently features three of the museum's most beloved and iconic specimens, all of which have deep ties to Cleveland's history and research: * "Lucy": A cast of the famous *Australopithecus afarensis* hominid, whose 1974 discovery by former CMNH curator Dr. Donald Johanson revolutionized our understanding of human evolution. * Balto: The preserved body of the legendary Siberian husky sled dog, famous for his role in the 1925 serum run to Nome, Alaska. * Dunk: A magnificent model of *Dunkleosteus terrelli*, the massive, armored prehistoric fish whose fossils are often found in the Cleveland Shale.

2. The Reimagined Kirtland Hall of Vertebrate Paleontology

For dinosaur and fossil enthusiasts, the completely reimagined Kirtland Hall of Vertebrate Paleontology is a must-see. This space has been given a "spectacular new lease on life," presenting the fossil record with profound new depth and clarity. The hall now features immersive displays that allow visitors to interact with the 4.6-billion-year history of our planet. The museum’s iconic sauropod dinosaur, *Haplocanthosaurus*, has received an updated mount, showcasing the enormous scale of prehistoric life. Additionally, the museum highlights its foundational work in paleontology, including the discovery of the *Nanotyrannus* theropod skull. The new layout aims to connect the ancient past directly to modern scientific research being conducted at the museum.

3. The Vibrant Smead Discovery Center

The Smead Discovery Center has been revitalized into a vibrant, hands-on learning environment specifically tailored for children and families. This center focuses on interactive exhibits that encourage curiosity and exploration across various natural science disciplines, from geology and biology to anthropology. It serves as a crucial component of the museum's educational outreach, ensuring that the next generation of scientists is inspired by tactile, engaging experiences.

What’s New in 2025: Temporary Exhibits and Future Focus

Beyond the permanent transformation, the CMNH continues to offer fresh content and experiences throughout 2025, solidifying its commitment to dynamic and relevant programming.

Upcoming 2025 Exhibits

Visitors can look forward to several exciting temporary exhibitions that showcase the breadth of natural history and its intersection with culture: * Telescopes Exhibit (September – December 2025): An exciting tour around the globe highlighting humanity’s largest and most sophisticated telescopes, offering a cosmic perspective on our place in the universe. * ROCK OF AGES: The Evolutionary Art of Derek Hess (November 2025): A unique exhibit that blends the worlds of evolutionary science and contemporary art, featuring the work of renowned artist Derek Hess. The museum's new focus on the interconnectedness of human and planetary health is woven throughout all its programming. This emphasis on conservation science, climate change, and biodiversity loss ensures that the CMNH remains a relevant and vital institution for addressing the most pressing issues of the 21st century. The new design even incorporates principles of sustainability, reflecting its commitment to the environment it studies. The Cleveland Museum of Natural History’s $150 million transformation is not just a facelift; it is a reinvention. By bringing its world-class collections into stunning new spaces, highlighting beloved entities like Lucy and Balto in the spectacular Visitor Hall, and dedicating itself to cutting-edge research, the CMNH has secured its place as a leading global institution for natural science for decades to come. A visit today offers a truly fresh, modern, and profound journey through the wonders of our world.
cleveland natural history museum
cleveland natural history museum

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