History, Renovation, & Expansion

The Cleveland Museum of Art

At the turn of the 20th century the great cities of America sought to cultivate artistic culture and civic pride by forming public collections of art, often enshrined in massive structures in the neoclassical style, like the original building of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

The Cleveland Museum of Art was incorporated in 1913 and opened to the public on 6 June 1916. The white Georgian marble Neoclassic building that was the original museum was designed by the Cleveland firm of Hubbell and Benes and was built at a cost of $1.25 million.

Three more structures were added to the original building to keep pace with the growing collection and program initiatives. In 1958 on 4 March the museum's first addition was completed, doubling the size of the museum and enclosing its outdoor garden court. The second addition to the museum was opened in 1971, containing special exhibition galleries, classrooms, lecture halls, and the education department. A third addition to accommodate the museum's extensive library, as well as 9 new galleries, was completed in 1983.

A Masterpiece in the Making

The Cleveland Museum of Art has begun a $258 million renovation and expansion project, designed by internationally renowned architect Rafael Viñoly. The Cleveland Museum of Art has become the canvas for a visionary renovation and expansion project.

When complete, the CMA will be bigger and better than ever, putting us in a position to serve future generations. Please join us in this most exciting time in our history as we extend and enhance our mission as a great art museum for all people. We look forward to seeing you soon.

More Information on the current renovation and expansion.