By Breanna Mona
Are you there, art and culture? It’s us, former museum-goers.
It’s been a while…
With rules changing what feels like daily, you may be wondering which of your favorite Northeast Ohio museums are open, what new hours and procedures are safely in place and, of course, if there are any new exhibits you should know about.
Don’t worry, we did the digging for you. Keep reading to learn how to get reacquainted with your old favorites or give that NEO staple an overdue visit.
Cleveland Museum of Natural History
Exhibit: Ultimate Dinosaurs
Meet the elusive dinos from the Southern Hemisphere. These bad boys evolved separately from the dinosaurs we’re already familiar with. You’ll get to mingle with the likes of the “Giganotosaurus” — T. Rex’s hefty cousin. This exhibit features real fossils, full-size reconstructions and augmented reality. Now through Oct. 4.
Museum Hours
Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Friday – Saturday: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Accommodations
Staff and guests are temperature-checked before entering the museum and are required to wear a mask. Single-flow traffic is now implemented throughout the building, with staff helping visitors keep a safe social distance. For now, the Smead Discovery Center, Shafran Planetarium and high-touch exhibits are closed. Walk-up admissions and walk-up member visits are not accepted at this time.
Details: cmnh.org, 216-231-4600, 1 Wade Oval Dr, Cleveland
The Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland
At this time, the museum has closed its doors to keep visitors safe. The staff has been busy digging through archives, however, and are examining new perspectives on current shows.
MOCA throws an occasional virtual watch party and continues to share what local art lovers are creating from home. Check out their Facebook and Instagram pages to join the conversation and stay tuned about re-opening.
Details: mocacleveland.org, 216-42-8671 11400 Euclid Ave, Cleveland
The Cleveland History Center
Exhibits
Stokes: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future
Originally opened at the History Center in 2017, this exhibit honors Mayor Carl B. Stokes and his brother, Congressman Louis Stokes, and has been developed as an extension of their legacy of leadership, advocacy and action.
Electric, Steam or Gasoline | The Past, Present & Future of Alternative Power Modern automobiles like the Chrysler Portal concept are contrasted against its initial 1900 counterpart (back when electric cars were in their glory days). Discover how companies like Chrysler and Tesla are utilizing tools from history to rework the future.
Hours
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. with the first hour reserved daily for at-risk visitors.
Advance timed tickets are required for all guests with the final ticket sold at 3 p.m. Tickets are available at cletix.com.
Accommodations
Increased sanitization, enhanced cleaning protocols, physical distancing signage, touch-free experiences and timed-entry have all been put in place.
Not ready to visit? History at Home is a digital resource page available on the Cleveland History Center website — and it’s brimming with cool material to sift through from your sofa.
Details: wrhs.org, 216-721-5722, 10825 East Blvd, Cleveland
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Exhibit: It’s Been Said All Along: Voices of Rage, Hope & Empowerment
This powerful new exhibit showcases how musical artists have long used the power of rock and roll to address racism. This exhibit takes you through captivating musical moments of rage, hope and empowerment through the lenses of influential African American photographers Chuck Stewart, Bruce Talamon, Bob Douglas and more.
Some highlights include political anthems like Public Enemy’s “Fight the Power,” N.W.A.’s jacket echoing the significance of their single “F*ck tha Police,” Aretha Franklin’s Valentino dress worn during her first appearance at Radio City Music Hall, where she belted out “Respect” — which went on to be hailed as an anthem for both the Civil Rights and Women’s Liberation Movements.
Hours
Daily: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Early access is available at 10 a.m. for teachers (Mondays), vulnerable fans (Tuesdays), Rock Hall Members (Saturdays) and healthcare workers (Sundays).
Accommodations
Hand sanitizing stations are located throughout the building, masks are required of both staff and guests as well as temperature checks before entering. Tickets must be purchased in advance online, with limited capacity ticketing structure to ensure reduced volume, safe social distancing.
Details: rockhall.com, 216-781-7625, 1100 Rock and Roll Blvd, Cleveland
The Cleveland Museum of Art
Exhibits
PROOF: Photography in the Era of the Contact Sheet
This free special exhibit has been extended through Nov. 29. Featuring over 180 works, this collection includes pieces from Clevelanders Mark Schwartz and Bettina Katz and showcases a wide range of photographers from the second half of the 20th Century. You’ll see key works by guiding figures like Diane Arbus, Richard Avedon, Harry Benson, Harry Callahan, Robert Frank, Philippe Halsman, Irving Penn and Albert Watson, as well as Schwartz’s friends Arnold Newman, Larry Fink and Emmet Gowin.
Gold Needles: Embroidery Arts from Korea
This exhibit honors anonymous female artists and their imaginative creations that prevailed over the conventions of the patriarchal Joseon society. Through spectacular examples of embroidery and patchwork, this exhibit delves into Korean embroidered artwork as tools of empowerment to conquer social and cultural constraints.
Now through Oc. 25
Second Careers: Two Tributaries in African Art
This exhibit examines the links between historical African art and contemporary practices through the museum’s impressive African collection and loaned works — objects from nine cultures in Central and West Africa like male and female masks and figures, a masquerade costume, a hunter’s tunic and a prestigious throne. These objects are set against large-scale installations, photographs, sculptures by six prominent contemporary African artists.
Nov. 1, 2020 – March 14, 2021
Hours
Tuesday, Sunday: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. are reserved for seniors and immunocompromised individuals.
Tuesday – Sunday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Accommodations
Temperature checks and face coverings are required. Enhanced daily cleaning protocols and antibacterial solution stations are safely in place, as well. Tickets must be reserved and will be scanned at the door (there are no on-site ticket sales at this time). Tickets for the parking garage can be purchased in advance during the time of ticket purchase, or guests can pay the parking garage fee on-site using a credit card.
The café, restaurant, museum store and coat check are closed for now.
Home Is Where the Art Is: For those who want to soak in artwork from home, CMA is providing digital resources that allow guests to connect remotely while social distancing protocols stay in place. Home Is Where the Art Is offers plenty of online resources and activities so you can dig into the museum’s collections virtually. Check out the special virtual events and programs as well.
Details: clevelandart.org, 216-421-7350, 11150 East Blvd., Cleveland
Akron Art Museum
Exhibits
Akron Art Museum gathers work from 1850 to today. The collection has over 6,000 objects and features fascinating works by a slew of artists spanning across the globe, including glass, sculpture, photography, paintings, digital art and more.
The Akron Art Museum’s modern and contemporary galleries are now open, but there are no special exhibits for now.
Hours
Thursday: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Friday – Saturday: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Accommodations
You must register for a timed ticket before visiting. If you don’t have internet access, you can call 330-376-9186 and select option “0.” No need to print out tickets or show a QR code when arriving, just give the front desk your name.
Guests must now arrive through the main door on High Street and exit through terrace doors. The staff is masked and guests are asked to mask up, as well. Hand sanitizer is available throughout the building and galleries have been structured to create a one-directional flow through the spaces. At this time, there is no food, drink or coat check available and the museum is currently cash-free, as well.
Details: akronartmuseum.org, 330-376-9185, 1 S. High St, Akron
Great Lakes Science Center
Exhibit: Body Worlds Rx
This new anatomical exhibit explores the human body and the staggering effects of disease. The exhibit’s specimens compare healthy organs to diseased organs, peeling back the curtain of disease’s physical toll on the human body.
When: Now through Jan. 3, 2021
Science Center Hours
Tuesday – Saturday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Accommodations
Hand washing and sanitizing stations are located throughout the building and certain exhibits have been altered to reduce touch. Air circulation and filtering for the HVAC system have been increased, regularly swapping inside air with outside air. Along with reduced guest capacity and a new requirement for buying tickets in advance online, all guests and staff are temperature-checked and required to wear masks. Increased cleaning procedures also take place throughout the day and after closing — including “fogging style” sanitizing treatments.
Learning Lab Program: This new program supports working parents who need safe daytime childcare for their school-age children as school districts adapt to the pandemic. Parents can register children for as many days of the week as needed, and children are able to do virtual schooling from the Science Center in a structured, safe environment, where social distancing, masks and handwashing are required.
Details: greatscience.com, 216-694-2000, 601 Erieside Avenue, Cleveland
Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage
Exhibits
The museum was saddened to shut their doors from March through mid-August but is pleased to announce that the digital programming that was put in place post-pandemic will continue for guests who would like to visit from home. The re-opening of the museum in late August did not include a special exhibit, but the addition of an exhibit called “The Interactive Biography of Stanley Bernath” is underway.
Hours
Sunday, Monday, Tuesday
10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m.: The Interactive Biography of Stanley Bernath + Self-guided Museum Tour
10 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m.: Self-guided Museum Tour Only
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.: Drop-in shopping hours at the Museum Store (no reservation required)
Accommodations
Masks are required for entry and temperature checks along with health screening questions take place at the door. Signage throughout the building reminds visitors to keep social distancing in place. Tickets must be purchased in advance online or by calling.
Details: maltzmuseum.org, 216-593-0575, 2929 Richmond Road, Beachwood
MAPS Air Museum
Exhibits
This aviation museum is operated by the Military Aviation Preservation Society; an all-volunteer, non-profit organization committed to educating the public about the history of military aviation. The museum is home to exciting educational displays and a collection of artifacts, interactive exhibits and historical archives in its own library.
Hours
Tuesday: open only for seniors (60 and over) and those with documented health or immune system issues as well as their immediate family members.
Thursday – Saturday: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Accommodations
Masks are required and may be purchased in the gift shop for $1. Signs and arrows have been placed around the museum to direct safe traffic flow. Interactive displays are closed for now and many displays are now behind barriers to prevent touch. Tours of the restoration area are on hold for now. Guests are encouraged to call before visiting to ensure hours have not been changed due to COVID-19 updates. A virtual tour of the museum is available on their website, if you’d rather visit from home.
Details: mapsairmuseum.org, 330-896-6332, 2260 International Pkwy, North Canton
Baseball Heritage Museum
Exhibits
Check out the new 1920s World Series installation that highlights the Cleveland Baseball Club’s quest for a championship. The museum is also celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the conception of the Negro Leagues.
Ask about their growing digital programs, too. The museum has implemented a digital learning outreach program that focuses on baseball skills.
Hours
Wednesday, Friday, Saturday: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. and by appointment
Accommodations
Continuous sanitization practices and hand-sanitizing stations have been added. Temperature checks for staff, social distancing, and masks are all required. The first hour of the day is devoted to the high-risk population.
Admission is free and reservations are not required.
Details: mapsairmuseum.org, 216-789-1083, 6601 Lexington Ave, Cleveland
Museum of American Porcelain Art
Exhibits
Thought to be the first museum of its kind, this new, free museum inhabits a 26-room mansion built in 1928 — a designated Ohio Landmark and on the National Register of Historic Places. It’s devoted to preserving and promoting the American strand of the porcelain arts, an art form which began in Han Dynasty China and boomed in continental Europe and Great Britain.
Boehm Collection
Check out the special section of the museum that showcases the molds that Boehm used to create his work and discover how the more complex pieces needed dozens of individual molds.
Hours
Small tours can be scheduled by appointment only until public hours resume in the future.
Accommodations
Masks are required and groups are limited to 10 guests per appointment/tour.
Details: americanporcelainart.org, 216-223-7024, 645 Mayfield Rd, South Euclid
PSST…
While we are doing our best to ensure information is up-to-date, there is a chance some exhibits or hours may change due to precautions concerning the coronavirus. We recommend checking with museums shortly before making your visit.
Breanna Mona is an entertainment and lifestyle writer whose favorite museum is the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Long live rock!
Photo: Untitled, Jua Kali Series detail, Tahir Carl Karmali, The Cleveland Museum of Art
Photo courtesy Cleveland Museum of Art
