CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Cleveland Museum of Art is open once again after shuttering its doors more than three months ago due to the pandemic.

What You Need To Know


  • The Cleveland Museum of Art reopens with a sold-out event

  • New COVID-19 safety protocols include temperature checks and required face masks

  •  You must reserve tickets in advance

  • "Home is Where the Art is" will continue online

Social distancing and safety are now at the forefront at CMA, but preserving and sharing art and culture remain the focus.

“I teared up when I walked through the door today,” said Paul Janos, a visitor. He says he’s been to the Cleveland Museum of Art hundreds of times. He came early on June 30 to be one of the first inside on reopening day, which was a sold-out event.

“I love the architecture. I love the sense of culture, the quiet, the coolness in hot days, warm in winter. It’s just a great destination to be not closed in my house,” said Janos.

Director and President of the Cleveland Museum of Art Bill Griswold is thrilled to be back in action. He says some new displays are out and other exhibits have been expanded, reinstalled, and reimagined.

“This is one of the largest, comprehensive, encyclopedic art museums, with art from every period and every medium from all over the world in the United States,” said Griswold.

Just days before the closure in March, a local philanthropist couple donated more than 100 pieces of art. The work is valued at more than $100 million, meaning Joseph and Nancy Keithley gave the largest gift to CMA in decades.

“For the very first time, visitors are going to be able to see some of the extraordinarily important works of art that the museum received just a few months ago,” said Griswold.

The over a century old museum now has new COVID-19 safety protocols in place, such as temperature checks and face covering requirements. Only 500 people are allowed inside each day. A number leaders estimate is well below capacity, even with social distancing in mind.

“It’s the right thing to do, just absolutely need to protect our heritage by protecting each other,” said Janos.

For now, there are no on-site ticket sales available. Reservations must be made in advance online and “Home is Where the Art is” will continue online for a virtual CMA experience.

During phase one of the reopening plan, the coat check, the restaurant and cafe, water foundations, and the museum store will all remain closed.