Things to see in Cleveland
Attractions
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum
The term 'rock and roll' was coined by a Cleveland disc jockey in 1951 and it was largely for this reason that Cleveland became home to this institution dedicated to it. When the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum opened in 1995, it was already emblematic of the city's revival. Designed by the renowned architect I M Pei, the attraction celebrates the American pop-cultural institution of rock music by honouring its popular and influential performers, producers, songwriters and disc jockeys. Various exhibits, films and displays explore nearly all aspects of rock and roll - from the roots of the genre in folk music, blues and country music to a large variety of rock and roll artefacts.
Address: , 1100 Rock and Roll Blvd, Cleveland,Telephone: +1 216 781 7625.
Opening times:
Daily 1000-1730 (Wed until 2100).
Website: http://www.rockhall.comAdmission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Great Lakes Science Center
The Great Lakes Science Center is one of the largest science museums in America. Rather than feature three or four major exhibits, this science centre offers over 340 interactive exhibits, covering a very wide variety of themes, including meteorology, aquatic environments, the planet earth, pollution, sports and music. It focuses on science as it applies to Cleveland in particular - situated as it is on Lake Erie. There is also a children's area and an OMNIMAX theatre.
Address: , 601 Erieside Avenue, Cleveland,Telephone: +1 216 694 2000.
Opening times:
Mon-Sat 1000-1700(May-Aug), Tues-Sat 1000-1700 (Sept-Apr), Sun 1200-1700.
Website: http://www.glsc.orgAdmission Fees:
Yes.
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Cleveland Botanical Garden
Founded in 1930, the Cleveland Botanical Garden is the oldest civic garden in America. Its 4 hectares (10 acres) of meticulously kept greenery includes eleven different types of garden - Japanese, herb, rose, inspirational, terrace, gateway, children's, therapeutic, topiary, woodland and perennial. The amazing Eleanor Armstrong Smith Glasshouse includes a vast greenhouse with recreations of two of the world's most fragile ecosystems, the sun-baked spiny desert of Madagascar and the misty cloud forest of Costa Rica, as well as an extensive library, a cafe and gift shop and other visitor services.
Address: University Circle, 11030 East Boulevard, Cleveland,Telephone: +1 216 721 1600.
Opening times:
Tues-Sat 1000-1700 (Wed 1000-2100), Sun 1200-1700.
Website: http://www.cbgarden.orgAdmission Fees:
Yes.
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Cleveland Museum of Natural History
The Cleveland Museum of Natural History imaginatively brings to life the natural sciences. Disciplines celebrated include archaeology, astronomy, botany, cultural anthropology, paleobotany and zoology. Among its most celebrated features are the Reinberger Hall of Earth and Planetary Systems, where geology and astronomy are integrated, allowing visitors to touch volcanic rock or experience the rumbling of an earthquake, and the Shafran Planetarium and Astronomy Exhibit Hall. The museum also houses an extensive collection of gemstones.
Address: University Circle, 1 Wade Oval Drive, Cleveland,Telephone: +1 216 231 4600.
Opening times:
Mon-Sat 1000-1700 (Wed 1000-2200), Sun 1200-1700.
Website: http://www.cmnh.orgAdmission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Steamship William G Mather Museum
The Steamship William G Mather Museum is a living relic of Cleveland's historic role in the Great Lakes steel industry. Built in 1925, the bulk freighter plied the waters of the Great Lakes, supplying coal and ore to Cleveland's steel yards. In 1980, the ship was taken out of active service and, since 1990, has been this floating museum, restored to bring to life the everyday lives of its crew.
Address: , 305 Old Erieside Avenue, Cleveland,Telephone: +1 216 621 2400.
Opening times:
Tues-Sat 1100-1700, Sun 1200-1700 (Jun-Aug); Sat 1100-1700 Sun 1200-1700 (May, Sep-Oct).
Website: http://wgmather.nhlink.net/Admission Fees:
Yes.
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Western Reserve Historical Society Museum/Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum
This museum combines a glimpse into Cleveland's past, a research and genealogy library and a record of the city's prominent role in the transportation industry with more than 200 cars on display. The museum also provides visitors a peak into life along Millionaire's Row by offering a tour through its Hay-McKinney Mansion located next door.
Address: University Circle, 10825 East Boulevard, Cleveland,Telephone: +1 216 721 5722.
Opening times:
Tues-Sat 1000-1700, Sun 1200-1700.
Website: http://www.wrhs.orgAdmission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Founded in 1882, the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is the seventh oldest in the United States and home to thousands of animals representing seven continents. The zoo has an outdoor area covering 66 hectares (165 acres) and an indoor area covering 0.8 hectares (2 acres). Exhibits include a Northern Trek, featuring bears, Siberian tigers, sea lions and reindeer, an Australian Adventure, with koalas, snakes, kangaroos and wallabies, and the Primate Cat and Aquatics Building, which houses animals including gorillas, lungfish and cheetahs. One of the zoo's most famous exhibits is the Rainforest, an indoor area that presents the delicate animal and plant life of the disappearing tropical rainforests.
Address: , 3900 Wildlife Way, Cleveland,Telephone: +1 216 661 6500.
Opening times:
Daily 1000-1700.
Website: http://www.clemetzoo.comAdmission Fees:
Yes.
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Cleveland Museum of Art
Known for the breadth and quality of its collection, the Cleveland Museum of Art opened in 1916. The collection covers 5,000 years of art history, including genres such as Arms and Armour, Medieval and Islamic Art, 19th-century European Painting, American Painting and contemporary Art and Photography.
Address: University Circle, 11150 East Blvd, Cleveland,Telephone: +1 216 421 7350.
Opening times:
Tues-Sun 1000-1700 (Wed & Fri 1000-2100).
Website: http://www.clevelandart.orgAdmission Fees:
No
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Tourist Offices
Positively Cleveland
Address: Suite 100, 334 Euclid Ave, Chicago, 44114Telephone: +1 216 875 6680 or +1 800 321 1001.
Opening times:
Mon-Sat 0900-1800.
Website: http://www.positivelycleveland.com/Cleveland’s tourism agency strives to make every visitor to Cleveland feel welcome. If stopping by the visitors centre in person doesn’t appeal to you, you can email a Cleveland concierge ambassador at CLEConcierge@destinationcle.org.
Tourist passes
The Cleveland Plus Pass allows admission to 10 major attractions as well as offering other discounts in the region. You can buy a two-, three- or five-day pass online from Positively Cleveland’s website.
