”Cleveland, the city of light! The city of magic!”
Do you know why Randy Newman said this about Cleveland? No? Neither do we. We found this quote online and thought it would be a great way to start the ultimate blog post about Cleveland’s must-see and do summer arts experiences. (If you discover why Newman said this about Cleveland, let us know.)
Randy Newman is a musician, not an art critic. But we think he might have been onto something when he called Cleveland the city of light and magic. Because there really is something special about the Land, especially when it comes to the arts.
The Land has a plethora of fantastic natural sites, parks, and outdoor spaces to explore, as well as historical structures and sites and early 20th-century buildings. It offers a dynamic arts and cultural scene with vibrant museums, theaters, and grass-roots performance halls where you may discover something new time after time.
Must-See and Do Indoor Arts Adventures in the CLE
Indoor doesn’t have to mean stifling or boring. In Cleveland, there are plenty of indoor art experiences that are sure to delight and inspire.
Great Lakes Science Center
The Great Lakes Science Center is one of the premier museums in Cleveland. The Cleveland Science Center features the NASA Glenn Visitor Center, which serves as a gateway to hundreds of hands-on exhibits, temporary shows, and the Cleveland Clinic DOME Theater. There are also daily science demonstrations, seasonal camps, and more at this facility that utilizes a wonderous array of modern technology to bring STEM subjects to life.
Visit Great Lakes Science Center today to plan your visit.
Cleveland Museum of Art
”My education in the arts began at the Cleveland Museum of Art. As a Cleveland child, I visited the museum’s halls and corridors, gallery spaces, and shows over and over. For me, the Cleveland Museum was a school of my very own – the place where my eyes opened, my tastes developed, my ideas about beauty and creativity grew.” – Agnes Gund.
Agnes Gund is one of America’s most accomplished arbiters of modern art, well known for her philanthropic works and advocacy for racial justice. The Cleveland Museum of Art is one of the most respected art museums in the world, and it’s definitely a must-see for anyone visiting the city. With over 63,000 works of art spanning more than six millennia, there’s something for everyone at the CMA.
Just make sure you leave time to explore the museum’s beautiful outdoor sculpture garden, which features works by artists such as Henry Moore, Isamu Noguchi, and Alexander Calder.
Must-See and Do Outdoor Arts Adventures in the Land
Indoor life is great and all, but there’s nothing like getting out and about in the fresh air to really appreciate Cleveland’s natural beauty.
Cleveland Cultural Gardens
The Cleveland Cultural Gardens is one of the region’s finest and oldest attractions. Both Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and East Boulevard in Rockefeller Park are lined with over 40 distinct cultural or national group gardens, each one designed and cultivated by a different community organization.
The gardens are dedicated to world-famous individuals who have significantly contributed to human culture. Symbolic sculptures are tributes to sacred monuments from other countries can also be seen in the gardens.
In addition to the gardens, the attraction also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including summer concerts, festivals, and art shows. One World Day, a celebration of multiculturalism, is held each year on the last Sunday in August. If you’re a Cleveland local or just visiting, you can’t miss the chance to experience the Cleveland Cultural Gardens, especially in the summertime.
Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens
Stan Hyett was an Akron industrialist and one of the founders of Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. From 1912-1915, he commissioned architect Warren Manning to design his family estate in Akron, Ohio, which would come to be known as Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens.
The estate is now a National Historic Landmark and one of the largest private homes in the United States. This historic 65-room Tudor Revival Manor House is open to visitors, with guided tours of the manor house, which is furnished with original family belongings and artworks. It features a variety of unique elements, such as a Gothic Revival Conservatory, Gate Lodge, and approximately 70 acres of artistically landscaped grounds and formal gardens.
The Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens is one of Northeast Ohio’s most popular visitor destinations, and it’s easy to see why. The estate is a beautiful example of early 20th-century architecture and design, and the gardens are simply gorgeous. If you’re in the Cleveland area, make sure to add Stan Hywet to your list of must-see attractions. Visit from April – December for public tours.
The Cleveland Summer for Arts 2022
With so many art exhibits, music concerts, dance performances, and other cultural events planned during the summer months in Cleveland, it’s a no-brainer that the arts scene here is the place to be. The newly formed Assembly for the Arts has brought artists, nonprofit organizations, and innovative enterprises together to support and celebrate the arts.
Assembly for the Arts has big plans for the summer of 2022, which they call the Cleveland Summer for Arts. The mission of Assembly for the Arts is to convene, coordinate, and collaborate with everyone who lives and works in Greater Cleveland to strengthen and support those in the region who create, present, experience and appreciate all forms of arts and culture.
The 78th Street Studios will be hosting a variety of events throughout the season, including an art fair, live music performances, and dance parties. Of course, THIRD FRIDAY is always a big night at the 78th Street Studios too!
And that’s just the beginning! Other highlights include Lighthouse Immersive, the home of immersive Van Gogh and Banksy exhibitions; the CAN Triennial, a citywide celebration of contemporary art; and so much more.
Stay tuned for more information about Cleveland’s must-see and do summer arts experiences. In the meantime, start planning your trip to the Land! We can’t wait to see you.
