The best museums in Cleveland in September 2025

These are the top 20 best museums in Cleveland, United States, ranked by their rating and popularity in 2025. Click a museum for more information about the museum, including visitor information, exhibitions and reviews.

For a complete overview of museums in Cleveland, their exhibitions and discount cards & passes, see our overview page with all museums in Cleveland.

Looking for the best museums in Cleveland? These are the best ones:

  1. Ss William G. Mather1

    Ss William G. Mather

     Cleveland, OH
    The SS William G. Mather, a retired Great Lakes bulk freighter, is now a museum ship in Cleveland, Ohio. It is one of only five such museum ships in the Great Lakes region. This historic vessel, which once transported cargo such as ore, coal, stone, and grain to ports throughout the Great Lakes, has been meticulously restored and is now open to the public for exploration and learning.
  2. Uss Cod Submarine Memorial2

    Uss Cod Submarine Memorial

     Cleveland, OH
    The USS Cod is not just a piece of history, but it is also a national historic landmark. It has been preserved as a memorial museum ship and is permanently moored in Cleveland, Ohio. The submarine is open to visitors every day from May 1 to September 30, offering a unique opportunity to explore a piece of naval history.
  3. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame3

    Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

     Cleveland, OH
    The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum is a significant institution located in Cleveland, Ohio, USA. Its primary purpose is to collect and document the history of the most renowned and influential rock and roll musicians, producers, and other figures who have significantly influenced the genre. The museum offers a comprehensive insight into the evolution of rock and roll, making it a fascinating destination for music enthusiasts.
  4. Cleveland Metroparks Zoo4

    Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

     Cleveland, OH
    The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is situated on the southern outskirts of Cleveland, in the northeastern part of Ohio's Cuyahoga County. As a member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the zoo adheres to high standards of animal care and conservation.
  5. Cleveland Museum of Natural History5

    Cleveland Museum of Natural History

     Cleveland, OH
    The Cleveland Museum of Natural History is situated approximately eight kilometers east of downtown Cleveland, Ohio. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists visiting the city and provides a unique opportunity to explore the rich history and diverse collections of the museum.
  6. House from a Christmas Story6

    House from a Christmas Story

     Cleveland, OH
    The A Christmas Story House is a museum and attraction located in the Tremont neighborhood of Cleveland, Ohio. This 19th-century Victorian house was used for the exterior and some interior scenes of the 1983 film A Christmas Story. The house has been restored and renovated to appear as it did in the film, both inside and outside, making it a unique destination for fans of the movie.
  7. Cleveland Museum of Art7

    Cleveland Museum of Art

     Cleveland, OH
    The Cleveland Museum of Art, located in Cleveland, Ohio, is a highly esteemed institution in the realm of American fine arts and archaeology. It is one of the wealthiest and most reputable museums in the country, boasting a financial endowment of $755 million and attracting approximately 700,000 visitors annually.
  8. Main Branch Cleveland Public Library8

    Main Branch Cleveland Public Library

     Cleveland, OH
    The Cleveland Public Library, established in 1869, is a comprehensive library system that includes the Main Library located on Superior Avenue in downtown Cleveland. In addition to the Main Library, the system also comprises 27 branches scattered throughout the city, a mobile library, a Public Administration Library housed in City Hall, and the Ohio Library for the Blind and Physically Disabled. This extensive network of libraries offers a wide range of resources and services to the public.
  9. USS  Cod9

    USS Cod

     Cleveland, OH
    The USS Cod, registered in the National Register of Historic Places on January 14, 1986, is now a national historic monument. It is preserved as a commemorative museum ship and is permanently moored in Cleveland, Ohio. The submarine is open to visitors every day from May 1 to September 30, offering a unique opportunity to explore a piece of naval history.
  10. Greater Cleveland Aquarium10

    Greater Cleveland Aquarium

     Cleveland, OH
    The Greater Cleveland Aquarium is a unique attraction located in the historic FirstEnergy Powerhouse building on the west bank of the Cuyahoga River in Cleveland's Flats district. This location not only offers a fascinating array of aquatic life but also provides visitors with a glimpse into the city's rich industrial history. The aquarium is easily accessible and is a great destination for families, tourists, and locals alike.
  11. Great Lakes Science Center11

    Great Lakes Science Center

     Cleveland, OH
    The Great Lakes Science Center is a museum and educational facility located in downtown Cleveland, Ohio, United States. It offers a variety of exhibits that document the features of the natural environment in the Great Lakes region. The facility includes both permanent and traveling exhibits, a cafe, meeting spaces, and an IMAX Dome theater. The center is funded by the citizens of Cuyahoga County through Cuyahoga Arts and Culture, grants, funds, and corporate and individual gifts.
  12. Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland12

    Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland

     Cleveland, OH
    The Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland, also known as moCa, is a unique contemporary art museum located in Cleveland, Ohio. It holds the distinction of being the only contemporary art venue of its kind in Metropolitan Cleveland, making it a unique destination for art enthusiasts and tourists alike.
  13. International Women's Air and Space Museum13

    International Women's Air and Space Museum

     Cleveland, OH
    The International Women's Air & Space Museum (IWASM) is located in Cleveland, Ohio. It is dedicated to preserving the history of women in aviation and space, and documenting their ongoing contributions. This museum provides a unique opportunity to learn about the significant roles women have played in these fields.
  14. Children's Museum of Cleveland14

    Children's Museum of Cleveland

     Cleveland, OH
    The Children's Museum of Cleveland, also known as CMC, has a rich history dating back to 1981. It is situated in the Midtown neighborhood of Cleveland, Ohio, making it easily accessible for visitors. The museum's location in a vibrant neighborhood adds to its appeal for tourists.
  15. Steamship William G. Mather Museum15

    Steamship William G. Mather Museum

     Cleveland, OH
    The SS William G. Mather, a retired Great Lakes bulk freighter, is now a museum ship located in Cleveland, Ohio. It is one of only five such museum ships in the Great Lakes region. This historic vessel offers a unique insight into the maritime history of the area and the important role that freighters played in the region's economy.
  16. Cleveland Botanical Garden16

    Cleveland Botanical Garden

     Cleveland, OH
    The Cleveland Botanical Garden, a significant landmark in the city, was established in 1930. It is situated in the University Circle neighborhood of Cleveland, Ohio. This location is known for its rich history and cultural significance, making it an interesting place to visit for tourists.
  17. Maltz Performing Arts Center17

    Maltz Performing Arts Center

     Cleveland, OH
    The Milton and Tamar Maltz Performing Arts Center at Temple–Tifereth Israel is a significant historic arts and religious venue. It is located on the campus of Case Western Reserve University, on the border of Hough and University Circle at Silver Park in Cleveland, Ohio. The center can accommodate up to 1200 people, making it a substantial venue for various performances and events.
  18. The African American Museum in Cleveland18

    The African American Museum in Cleveland

     Cleveland, OH
    The African American Museum in Cleveland, Ohio, is a significant cultural institution founded in 1953 by Icabod Flewellen. The museum is located in a historic Carnegie Library building that is over a century old. This establishment is dedicated to educating the public about the positive contributions of African Americans to global cultures and aims to dispel distorted portrayals of black people.
  19. Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland19

    Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland

     Cleveland, OH
    The Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland is housed in a 13-story high-rise building, standing 203 feet tall. It is located at the intersection of Superior Avenue and East 6th Street in downtown Cleveland. The building, completed in 1923, was designed by the Cleveland-based architectural firm Walker and Weeks. Its exterior design is reminiscent of an Italian Renaissance palazzo and is adorned with Georgia pink marble, adding to its aesthetic appeal.
  20. Western Reserve Historical Society20

    Western Reserve Historical Society

     Cleveland, OH
    The Western Reserve Historical Society (WRHS) is a historical society based in Cleveland, Ohio. It operates the Cleveland History Center, which is a collection of museums located in University Circle. The society was founded in 1867, making it the oldest cultural institution in Northeast Ohio. The focus of WRHS is on the history of the Western Reserve, and it celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2017.

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