Cleveland Museum of Natural History Transformation

A dinosaur skeleton in an exhibition hall with people walking and viewing the exhibit in the large space with white walls, light tile flooring

Inspired by the Water that Shapes Our World

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Project Location

Cleveland, OH

Client

Cleveland Museum of Natural History

Area

182,000 SF

Project Type

Museum

The Cleveland Museum of Natural History has been a pillar of science, education, research, conservation, and community engagement since 1920. Supporting the museum鈥檚 goal to address the impacts of humans on our natural world, our design of several phases of renovation and an iconic addition transforms the facility into an actively sustainable building.

New, renovated, and reorganized exhibit spaces expand programming and improve visitor circulation with connections to nature to enhance the outdoor experience. The design re-imagines the presentation of world-renowned collections and labs by relocating these previously behind-the-scenes spaces alongside exhibits, giving visitors a glimpse into the inner workings of science research. Inspired by the institution鈥檚 commitment to sustainability and its relationship with surrounding bodies of water and the glaciers that formed the region鈥檚 geology, alluvial shapes define and create a single and continuous form that unifies current and previous additions. We are providing architecture; interiors; electrical, mechanical, and structural engineering; acoustics; audiovisual; information transport; life safety & security; lighting; and theater technical design services.

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Exterior of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History showing lush grass and large windows

Modern building with a cone shaped tower surrounded by landscaping

Exterior of the Cleveland Museum of Natural history showing a wall of windows with a white awning

Interior view of a gallery hallway, white striped dimensional ceiling design with a dinosaur skeleton

View of a double story seating area from above showing multiple tables with chairs

Room with Andy Warhol art filled with people sitting on benches and wandering the room

View of a gift shop with a tree sculpture with a large bird on a branch

Museum cafeteria filled with tables and chairs with a lunch line

Museum gallery filled with people with white walls and large glass area

press
The New York Times

New Museum Design Changes How We View Science

The New York Times features our renovation and expansion of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History 颅颅鈥� the largest transformation in its 104-year history.聽The updated facade mimics the flow of a glacier.

Concept for Cleveland Museum of Natural History Expansion, 2 section building with curved white roof, large sculpture center

press
cleveland.com

Design for Natural History Museum Evokes Glaciers and Waters of Great Lakes

海角社区's design solution for the Cleveland Museum of Natural History expansion and renovation is a modest, achievable, and regionally appropriate approach.