The main cultural hub of Cleveland is an historical area packed with museums, restaurants, concert halls, and more not to mention a splendid botanical garden.
Cleveland’s University Circle is the cultural heart of the city, an atmospheric area filled with beautiful buildings that have fascinating histories. Pay a visit to the fine Glidden House or to Severance Hall, home of the Cleveland Orchestra, then spend some time with the masterworks of European painters at the Cleveland Art Gallery. Go for a calming stroll through the Cleveland Botanical Gardens, or take the kids to see the well-resourced Children’s Museum.
Almost all of Cleveland’s major museums, medical institutions, and university buildings are located within the 222 hectares (550 acres) of the University Circle. The area gained its name in the 1880s, when the Western Reserve University relocated there. A number of other grand institutions were added in the early 20th century, and the Circle quickly became the cultural centre of Cleveland.
Learn about the history of the region at the Western Reserve Historical Society, which is housed in 20th century mansions. Take a journey yet further back in time at the Cleveland Natural History Museum, a wide-ranging institution dedicated to the flora, fauna, and geological history of the region. Make sure you see the dinosaur skeletons and the human skeleton named Lucy, one of the oldest ever discovered.
Music fans will enjoy a visit to the Cleveland Institute of Music, where more than 500 concerts are held each year. Nearby Severance Hall, meanwhile, is home to the Cleveland Orchestra and is also a fine building to take a tour around. Visual art takes pride of place at the Cleveland Museum of Art, whose top-rate collections of European Impressionist and Asian art deserve a lengthy exploration.
Head to the Botanical Garden to see a stunning diversity of flora, including a rainforest landscape populated by butterflies. In the centre of the Circle you will find Wade Oval, home to many of the city’s favourite festivals as well as free Wednesday concerts from June through to August. Recharge from a busy day’s sightseeing with a drink or a meal at one of the various cafés, bars, and restaurants that line the University Circle.
Situated to the east of the Cleveland town centre, University Circle is easily accessible via the city’s regular bus or light rail service. A free bus travels around the circle, allowing you to shuttle between the various attractions without paying a cent. Metered parking is available at numerous garages.
