Learn about the origins of life and the wonder of the universe at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. Among the museum’s most popular exhibits you will find Lucy, the world’s oldest human skeleton, and an enormous dinosaur skeleton known as Happy. Marvel at the breathtaking colours of the gemstone exhibit, take a trip through the stars in the planetarium, and meet the bobcats and eagles of the museum’s wildlife enclosure.
Founded in 1920, the Cleveland Museum of Natural History owes its existence to the businessman and philanthropist Cyrus S. Eaton. Now the museum houses more than four million specimens, and is considered to be one of the leading natural history museums in the United States.
Start your journey through time at the Reinburger Hall of Life, where you can learn all about the formation of the universe. Touch a volcanic rock, and use interactive computer programs to create your very own rocks. The geological theme continues at the Wade Gallery of Gems and Jewels, which has around 1,500 gemstones on display – including such crowd favourites as diamonds, rubies, and emeralds.
Head to the Kirtland Hall of Prehistoric Life to meet the museum’s star attraction, an ancient human skeleton by the name of Lucy. Around 40 percent of Lucy’s bones were found and preserved, and at 3.2 million years young, she continues to steal the show. This hall is also home to a 21-metre (70-foot) dinosaur skeleton known as Happy, one of very few sauropods on display anywhere in the world.
Space aficionados will enjoy a visit to the Schafran Planetarium, but don’t forget to stop by the Wade Gallery to see a moon rock that was collected by one of the Apollo missions in the 1960s. The Discovery Center downstairs houses a range of hands-on features, including a birdsong piano. You will also find an extensive exhibition dedicated to the geology and wildlife of the Ohio area. Continue outside to the Wildlife Center and Wood Garden, which is home to eagles, deer, and bobcats among other animals.
The Cleveland Museum of Natural History is open every day of the year except for major public holidays. There is a fee for entry. The museum is located in University Circle, just 8 kilometres (5 miles) east of downtown Cleveland, and it is easily accessible by bus or rapid train. Parking is also available.
