The Art of Tea

CMA Class

Tags For: The Art of Tea
  • Class
  • Ticket Required

On Sale for Members: Thursday, May 7, 2026

On Sale for General Public: Saturday, May 9, 2026

Sunday, May 31, 2026, 2:30–4:00 p.m.
Sunday, June 7, 2026, 2:30–4:00 p.m.
Sunday, July 26, 2026, 2:30–4:00 p.m.
Amanda Mikolic, Instructor, Art Historian
Location:  Banquet Room
Ticket Required

About The Event

Join us for a fascinating journey through the history of tea—a beverage that helped shape the world. Legend tells us the first cup was drunk by the emperor of China around 2700 BCE. From its early roots, tea spread across Asia, became associated with Buddhism, and inspired traditions such as the Japanese tea ceremony. When tea first reached Europe, it was considered a luxury item, affordable only to the wealthy, who imported it at great cost. The British Empire and its far-reaching territories played a large role in the rise of tea’s importance and consumption around the world. From a luxury item to the working-man’s drink, tea was considered a civilized beverage. This presentation also explores tea’s role in the Americas, the politics of taxation, and the Boston Tea Party.

Held in the museum’s banquet room, this immersive class also features an afternoon tea–inspired menu with a selection of teas, plus savory and sweet small bites. Led by art historian Amanda Mikolic, this event promises to be both educational and delicious!

Please note, the small bites may include meat, dairy, and gluten. 

For questions, please contact adultprograms@clevelandart.org.
 

Ticket Prices

Additional discounts may apply. Member benefits vary depending on level.

Sponsors

All education programs at the Cleveland Museum of Art are underwritten by the CMA Fund for Education. Principal support is provided by the Martha Holden Jennings Foundation, Dieter and Susan M. Kaesgen, and Gail C. and Elliott L. Schlang. Major annual support is provided by Brenda and Marshall Brown, Mrs. Martine Kowal, Eva and Rudolf Linnebach, Medical Mutual of Ohio, the Edwin D. Northrup II Fund, the Reinberger Foundation, Shurtape Technologies, and the Kelvin and Eleanor Smith Foundation. Generous annual support is provided by Gini and Randy Barbato, the M. E. and F. J. Callahan Foundation, Dr. William A. Chilcote Jr. and Dr. Barbara S. Kaplan, Char and Chuck Fowler, the Giant Eagle Foundation, Linda Harper, the late Marta and the late Donald M. Jack Jr., Susan LaPine, Bill and Joyce Litzler, the Logsdon Family Fund for Education, Sarah Nash, Courtney and Michael Novak, William J. and Katherine T. O’Neill, the Pickering Foundation, William Roj and Mary Lynn Durham, Suzanne Cushwa Rusnak and Jeff Rusnak, Ellen and Lowell Satre, in memory of Dee Schafer, Betty T. and David M. Schneider, the Sally and Larry Sears Fund for Education Endowment, Roy Smith, Paula and Eugene Stevens, the Trilling Family Foundation, Jack and Jeanette Walton, and the Womens Council of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

    The Cleveland Museum of Art is funded in part by residents of Cuyahoga County through a public grant from Cuyahoga Arts & Culture.

    Education programs are supported in part by the Ohio Arts Council, which receives support from the State of Ohio and the National Endowment for the Arts.