Cleveland Museum of Natural History, Cleveland

The Cleveland Museum of Natural History, situated in the cultural hub of University Circle, about five miles east of downtown Cleveland, is a premier institution dedicated to research, education, and the development of natural history collections. Founded in 1920 by Cyrus S. Eaton, the museum's roots stretch back to the 1830s when Leonard Case Sr. began a taxidermy collection, later continued by his sons Leonard Case Jr. and William Case. The collection, which started in a building called the Ark and moved to Case Hall in 1876, evolved into a full-fledged museum that found its permanent home in University Circle in 1958.

Over the decades, the museum expanded its focus to encompass a broad range of disciplines, including anthropology, archaeology, astronomy, botany, geology, paleontology, wildlife biology, and zoology. Its extensive collection of over four million specimens reflects this diversity. One of the museum's most notable contributions to science is the discovery of "Lucy," the famous Australopithecus afarensis hominin fossil, by then-curator Donald Johanson.

Today, the museum is undergoing a significant renovation and expansion project, which began in June 2021. Designed by the DLR Group, the project includes the addition of a new visitor hall, lobby, and exhibit wing, along with extensive upgrades to existing facilities. A new entrance opened in December 2022 and the entire project is scheduled for completion in December 2024, two years ahead of the original timeline.

The Cleveland Museum of Natural History is not just a repository of scientific knowledge; it also plays a vital role in the preservation of natural areas, managing several sanctuaries. With facilities such as the Ralph Mueller Observatory, Murch Auditorium, and the Shafran Planetarium, the museum continues to be a leading center for scientific research and public education.