C Cleveland

Saturday, November 7, 2009

Today I wanted to share with you one of my favorite places to visit in town. The Cleveland Museum of Art. The museum was founded in 1916 and includes over 40,000 works from around the globe. It's one of the nation's top museums and offers educational programs, film festivals and family events to benefit the community. The lagoon and front steps are a favorite backdrop for wedding photos. Best of all, admission is still free.



It's currently undergoing a $350 million dollar renovation that began in 2005 and will be completed in 2012. The renovation will expand the museum to almost 590,000 square feet which is 200,000 more than it was before.





Here are some of my favorites.


The Armor Court


Cast of Rodin's "The Thinker"


On March 24, 1970, a bomb irreparably damaged the Cleveland Museum's version of Rodin's The Thinker. The bomb itself had been placed on a pedestal that supported the enlargement and had the power of about three sticks of dynamite. The museum decided to leave the statue in it's current condition instead of creating an entirely new cast as this was one of only ten casts that was cast and patinated by Rodin himself.


Albert Bierstadt


Pierre Auguste Renoir


Buddhist Tabernacle, late 1100's


Don Eddy


Claude Monet



Casket, Byzantium, 11th century

Gerrit van Honthorst

George Bellows


The new east wing, architect Rafael Vinoly



17 comments

  1. Hey Chrissy! I am totally gobsmacked by these photos; I've never hear of this place but now I want to visit it real bad. My jaw dropped when I saw the Armour Court; the natural light on the exhibits must be amazing. If you're ever in the mood to show a semi-literate Brit round, I'd be honoured. Indigo

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  3. I know this is criminal, but I hate Monet! Apart from that though, great post and when I strike it lucky and win the lottery this will be on my to-do-list..

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  4. The Armor Court is beautiful. I can't believe admission is free - what a great treasure.

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  5. Nice Chrissy! Lucky to have such a treasure in your hometown. Anna I don't care to much for Monet either.

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  6. You really have a treasure there. Amazing things to see & a building that is old & new at the same time. I love the open air feeling of the new wing but also the old part gives an air of history & legends.
    I think everyone should go to their closest museums once in awhile to see the current exhibits.

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  7. I love museums because you go at your own pace and they never are boring.

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  8. I'm so jealous. We have two small museums here in Jax, FL. I take my boys when they have free admission. Tuesdays are always free at The Cummer Art Museum sponsored by The Players, but the art is very limited. I think we may have to plan a side trip to Cleveland next time we visit the in-laws in Cincinnati.

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  9. Nicely done. You have good taste, my good woman.

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  10. Isn't admission to all American museums free of charge?

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  11. Nice post, Chrissy! I'll tell ya, between you and Kathryn I'm always either pushing my brain, or rolling on the floor. It's all good! Thanks for an upgrade to First today-

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  12. Nice! I love museums. You'll have to do a revisit blog in 2012.

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  13. @Indigo Wrath,
    Yes, we are quite fortunate to have it. Come on over. I would be happy to give you a tour!

    @Anna,
    I know, I'm not a huge Monet fan but I do love this one.

    @Travel Girl,
    Yes, the Armor Ct is at the top of many people's lists. And yes, free!

    @Mark Price,
    Yes, we are very lucky.

    @Collette,
    I agree. People would appreciate them so much more than when we were kids and got dragged there

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  14. @Secretia,
    Yes! Something for everyone.

    @adrienzgirl,
    Oh, you should stop up!

    @R. Jacob,
    Thank you. :-)

    @Mia,
    Unfortunately, no. This museum is next door to the Museum of Natural History and that one has an admission charge.

    @Cynica,
    Thanks! Glad you liked it.

    @C. Andres Alderete,
    That's a great idea. I'll have to update as they progress.

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  15. I don't know whether ever been to Phildelphia, but that first shot looks exactly like the rear entrance to our museum - it's uncanny!!

    I'm LOVIN' these Sunday Cleveland tours. You're city is simple gorgeous!

    The piece by Gerrit van Honthorst took my breath away!

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  16. Thanks for a look somewhere I have never been and probably won't ever have a chance to go.

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  17. Absolutely gorgeous! I have to tell you though, I just moved from Cincinnati to Orlando and nothing, not even the awesomeness that is this museum, could compel me to come back to Ohio. Florida is so nice.

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