Posts with tag 'Museums'

Ever since the first fossils were discovered, they have fascinated people around the world by providing a glimpse into what life so many years ago. Our knowledge of the past has been shaped by the many fossils discovered around the world. With National Fossil Day coming up on the second Wednesday of October, now is the perfect time to discover the amazing world of fossils. Whether you're in Columbus, Northeast Ohio, or Cincinnati, there are tons of great places to explore fossils around Ohio.

Cincinnati Museum Center Dinosaur Hall

1301 Western Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45203

Do your kids love dinosaurs? Trick question – of course, they do! The Cincinnati Museum Center is home to a variety of fascinating, family-friendly museums, including the Dinosaur Hall, where kids can learn all about the prehistoric creatures that once roamed Ohio. The Dinosaur Hall exhibit is home to 6 massive, nearly complete dinosaur skeletons, displayed in all of their glory. There are a variety of interactive elements that make it easy to learn more, and the museum showcases mostly specimens from the late Jurassic period. Many of the fossils on display here are part of ongoing scientific research, with new discoveries being made regularly.

Trammel Fossil Park

11935 Tramway Dr., Sharonville, OH 45241

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Located just outside of Cincinnati, Trammel Fossil Park is one of the few places in Ohio where you can dig for your own fossils and take them home. The park is located in 10 acres of land, which has never been disturbed by development, and was donated by a local family. It's one of the safest, most accessible places in Ohio to dig for fossils, and there are tons of specimens in excellent condition to be found here. Trammel Fossil Park is a popular place for school field trips and a great place for families to visit anytime.

Oakes Quarry Park

1267 E. Xenia Dr., Fairborn, OH 45234

With a central location between Columbus and Cincinnati, Oakes Quarry Park surrounds a historic limestone mine filled with natural beauty. The mining activities here helped expose many of the fossils that were once buried deep underground, and the entire park is filled with trails that make it easy to explore every corner. While you're searching for fossils, you're also likely to see a variety of birds and other wildlife in a thriving natural habitat. Just be sure to collect only fossils from designated fossil collection piles, which can be found throughout the park.

Cleveland Museum of Natural History

1 Wade Oval Dr., Cleveland, OH 44106

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For kids and adults alike, there are few better places to learn about ancient animals than the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. The museum has been celebrating historic finds for more than 100 years, with an extensive selection of exhibits on creatures from Ohio and points far beyond. Families with kids will love exploring the Smead Discovery Center, which has a variety of exhibits geared toward kids age 10 and under. The Cleveland Museum of Natural History is currently undergoing a large renovation, which will add new exhibits and re-imagine existing ones. But don't worry, the museum will be open throughout the construction project, and there's plenty to see no matter when you visit.

Akron Fossils & Science Center

2080 S. Cleveland Massillon Rd., Copley, OH 44321

Just outside of Akron, you will find the Akron Fossils & Science Center, which was recently voted as the top children's museum in all of Northeast Ohio. There are two separate branches of the facility, one dedicated to hands-on science experiences for all ages and one focused on the creation of the universe. There's also an outdoor park with even more learning opportunities. Your admission grants access to all three areas, along with guided tours for each area. There are tons of opportunities to get hands-on with fossils while learning from a talented team of educators with a variety of backgrounds.

American Museum of Natural History Dinosaur Gallery at COSI

333 W. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43215

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Ever wonder what it would be like to see a young T. rex walking across the plains of Ohio? The Dinosaur Gallery at the Center of Science & Industry features a six-foot-long model of a T. rex that walks in place, and that's just the start of what you'll find here. There are exhibits on a wide variety of dinosaurs, featuring fossils that have been beautifully preserved and plenty of educational information on each fossil. There's also a full-size, climbable model of an ancient Oviraptor nest and a 100-million-year-old piece of fossilized amber, which has an ancient feather preserved inside.

Caesar Creek State Park Spillway

8570 OH-73, Waynesville, OH 45068

One of the best places to dig for your own fossils in Ohio, the Caesar Creek State Park Spillway is home to a vast collection of fossils from the Ordovician period hundreds of millions of years ago. At that time, the entire area was covered by a large inland waterway and was home to a thriving coral reef filled with aquatic species. While the inland sea and reef are long gone, many of the fossils from that time period are still around to be discovered in the present day. Before you start hunting for fossils, make sure that you stop by the visitor's center to get a permit, which is available free of charge and comes with some handy guides for collecting and identifying fossils.

Orton Geological Museum at Ohio State University

155 S. Oval Mall, Columbus, OH 43210

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The Orton Geological Museum is located on the historic Ohio State University campus, filled with fossils and other incredibly interesting exhibits. There are frequent talks from fossil experts from the Ohio State University faculty and other experts from around the world. If you can't make it to the museum in person, there are also some great digital programs available for free. This year, there's a unique digital exhibit on Ohio fossils, put together in honor of National Fossil Day. Best of all, the digital exhibits are free to view whenever you want to see them.

Can You Dig It?

Ohio is one of the best states for fossil hunting. Which destination will you investigate first?

Nothing gets done halfway in Ohio. Whatever your interests may be, you can indulge them to your heart's content. Immerse yourself in outdoor activities, cultural pursuits, and more at these popular destinations around Northeast Ohio, Columbus, and Cincinnati.

Immerse Yourself in Nature:

Hocking Hills State Park

19852 OH-664, Logan, OH 43138

Mother Nature shows off all her glory at Hocking Hills State Park, with six distinct areas showcasing a full range of features. The most popular area is Old Man's Cave, named for a hermit who once lived on the grounds and is buried beneath the main recess cave. Activities in the park include hiking, fishing, and rock climbing. If you want an extended stay, there are campgrounds and cottages along with a main lodge. Park hours are 7 a.m. - 9 p.m. daily and admission is free.

Immerse Yourself in Art: 

Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit

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Millions of viewers around the world have enjoyed the thrilling Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit, and this amazing sensory experience is headed to Cleveland. Gain a new perspective on classics such as Starry Night when you see them projected across 500,000 cubic feet. The background soundtrack adds another element as you wander past the moving images, noting each detail. Adding to the glamorous atmosphere is the secret location at a historic Cleveland venue, which will be announced shortly before opening day. Immersive Van Gogh runs from Thursday, September 9 through Sunday, February 6. Tickets are for specific showtimes from 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. and price is $50.

Immerse Yourself in Freedom:

National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

50 E. Freedom Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202

The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center's location on the banks of the Ohio River has special significance. The mighty Ohio marks the physical and symbolic dividing line between Southern slave states and Northern free states. Taking inspiration from stories of the Underground Railroad, the Center is dedicated to keeping the spirit of freedom alive with permanent and special exhibits. Displays such as the Slave Pen, an actual structure recovered less than 60 miles from the Center, bring the realities of that era to life and underscore the heroic sacrifices made in the name of freedom. The Center is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Admission is $15 for adults and $10.50 for ages 3-12, with tickets good for specific times.

Immerse Yourself in Air and Space History:

National Museum of the United States Air Force

1100 Spaatz St., Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH 45433

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People's fascination with flight dates back to the ancient Greek myth of Icarus. Get amazing insight into America's distinguished aviation history at the National Museum of the United States Air Force. A dozen galleries feature actual aircraft and other memorabilia from specific eras in aviation, including World War II, Cold War, and the space race. Memorial Park honors the sacrifices made by men and women of the Air Force, such as those missing in action during the Southeast Asia War. Museum hours are 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily and admission is free for all visitors. 

Immerse Yourself in Theme Park Fun:

Cedar Point

1 Cedar Point Dr., Sandusky, OH 44870

With 18 world-class roller coasters, Cedar Point is already well-known to thrill-seekers as "America's Roller Coast." But you don't have to be an adrenaline junkie to have a fun-filled time at this amusement park that's been entertaining visitors for 150 years. There are dozens of rides to fit any tolerance level, as well as an 18-acre water park with activities for all ages. Add live entertainment, shopping, and food and beverage, and there's never a dull moment. Visit the website for schedule and hours. Tickets start at $49.99, with add-ins and season passes available.

Immerse Yourself in Rock 'n' Roll:

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

1100 Rock and Roll Blvd. (E. 9th St.), Cleveland, OH 44114

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The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame denotes Cleveland's prominent place in pop culture history. Designed by famed architect I.M. Pei, the distinctive glass pyramid  celebrates music with an incredible assortment of artifacts, exhibits, videos, and interactive displays. In addition to the permanent collections, the Museum hosts a number of limited-time exhibits. Make your own music in the Garage, a fully supplied studio where you and your friends can hold an impromptu jam session. Visit the website for current hours and prices. Advance ticket purchase is required. 

Immerse Yourself in Island Life:

Kelleys Island

Kelleys Island, OH 43438

As you check out the seemingly endless attractions on Kelleys Island, you'll find it hard to believe this lively spot measures just over four square miles in size. Visit the museum to get some background on the island's history, such as Inscription Rock, which is carved with Native American symbols that date back to 1200 A.D. Art lovers will head to the gallery and adjoining sculpture garden, while sporting types can swim, golf, or scuba dive. Scheele Preserve, Lilac Walk, and North Pond are popular spots to take in the island's natural beauty. Don't miss Glacial Grooves, the number one destination on the island, created by the same glacier that formed the Great Lakes and Lake Erie Islands. 

Put-in-Bay

South Bass Island, OH 43456

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Dubbed the "Key West of the North," Put-in-Bay is a convenient getaway for a day or a weekend. In the past, the island has served as home to Native American tribes as well as the naval squadron of Commander Oliver Hazard Perry during the War of 1812. Today, people take the quick 18-minute ferry ride to explore Stonehenge Estate, paddleboard and parasail on the bay, visit the Lake Erie Islands Nature and Wildlife Center, and tour Crystal Cave at Heineman Winery. 

Immerse Yourself in Amish Country:

Ohio Amish Country

6 W. Jackson St., Millersburg, OH 44654

Ohio Amish Country offers a unique opportunity to experience the daily life of another culture. Tour an Amish home or view a working farm from a horse-drawn wagon. Kids love Madhrikan's Theater of Magic, a 90-minute show of spectacular illusions that includes audience participation. A number of local families open their homes to share authentic meals with visitors for a once-in-a-lifetime treat. Bargain hunters can shop till they drop for incredible buys at thrift shops, flea markets, and antique malls. You'll probably find that one day just isn't enough, so plan to spend the night at one of the charming inns or B&Bs in Holmes County.

What a Day for a Daydream

If you could immerse yourself in one activity for an entire week, what would you choose?

Who's ready to explore a world of art? November 9th is National Go to an Art Museum Day, and art museums all around Ohio are calling your name! Whether you're close to Columbus, nearby Northeast Ohio, or living in Cincinnati, we encourage you to head to these fascinating art museums in Ohio.

Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland

11400 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44106

The ever-changing Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland has a history of developing the city's cultural landscape. It was one of the first museums in the area to display works from artists like Andy Warhol, and they continue to feature innovative works from emerging artists. MoCa Cleveland reopened in October and invites visitors to gaze at their current exhibits from artists Nina Katchadourian, Paul Ramirez Jonas, Martin Creed, and Margaret Kilgallen.

The Cleveland Museum of Art

11150 East Blvd., Cleveland, OH 44106

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The Cleveland Museum of Art was founded over a century ago for the "benefit of all the people forever." Since then, it's been renovated and expanded to enhance and engage the Northeast Ohio art community. Today, you can view their current exhibitions dedicated to Korean, Chinese, and Latin American artists. Music lovers will enjoy the special Behind the Beat series, which celebrates the legacy of music at the museum, which can be viewed and heard online.

ARTneo, The Museum of Northeast Ohio Art

1305 W. 80th St. Suite 016, Cleveland, OH 44102

Those who love art but wish to appreciate regional work rather than globally curated collections should head to ARTneo, the Museum of Northeast Ohio Art. Located in Gordon Square, this unique museum showcases artists from past and present who called Northeast Ohio home. Plan your visit ahead of time, as they're currently open by appointment only. If you can't find an appointment that works for you, consider heading to their free open house event at 78th Street Studios on Friday, November 20th. These Third Friday events have been voted the Best Arts Event in Cleveland.

Columbus Museum of Art

480 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43215

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The Columbus Museum of Art is open and ready to welcome art lovers back. Among their many wonderful pieces, they host the world's largest collection of artworks from local artists, including George Bellows and Aminah Brenda Lynn Robinson. Spend hours browsing their permanent collection and latest exhibitions or take part in one of their creative events in-person or online. Although the Columbus Museum of Art is closed on Mondays, which is National Go to An Art Museum Day, you can browse their collections online from home to help plan your visit.

Wexner Center for Arts

1871 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43210

The Ohio State University is home to acclaimed athletics and academics, but many don't know that they also house a fantastic art center. The Wexner Center for the Arts is an on-campus laboratory for advancing contemporary art. As one of the most dynamic contemporary art programs in the country, it showcases its students' works throughout exhibition space. These exhibits feature art in every medium, with many showcased indoors and outdoors. There are five interesting exhibits on display during National Go to an Art Museum Day to provide you with a memorable visit to OSU that requires no tailgating.

Otherworld

5819 Chantry Dr., Columbus, OH 43232

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If you're looking for one of the most unique art experiences in Columbus, head to Otherworld. This 32,000 square-foot immersive art experience in Chantry Square takes you through dozens of rooms. Some display large-scale artworks while others offer mixed-reality playgrounds or secret passageways. Over 40 artists have contributed to this tech-infused space, creating a truly other-worldly experience for art lovers and anyone who loves an immersive experience. Note that tickets can only be purchased online in advance.

Cincinnati Art Museum

953 Eden Park Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45202

There are few better ways to spend the day in Cincinnati than in Eden Park. It's home to some of the city's best attractions, including the Cincinnati Art Museum, which boasts nearly 70,000 pieces from across 6,000 years. Their collection includes stunning African, Islamic, Asian, and Native American artwork. One of November's featured exhibits is Women Breaking Boundaries, which showcases works from the museum's permanent collection completed by female artists. Another interesting exhibit is Do It (Home), an interactive exhibit that you can also download and create at home.

Taft Museum of Art

316 Pike St., Cincinnati, OH 45202

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Fine art has lived at the Taft Museum of Art in downtown Cincinnati for the last 200 years. Art and history come alive in ways unlike any other museum in the state. Though one of the finest small art museums in the country, there are countless hidden gems throughout the historic building. Eleven different period-inspired rooms display masterpieces from the 17th to 19th centuries. Current exhibits available for viewing during Go to an Art Museum Day include galleries celebrating local Cincinnati art over the history of the Taft Museum.

Contemporary Arts Center 

44 E. 6th St., Cincinnati, OH 45202

Enjoy free admission to the Cincinnati Contemporary Arts Center and view their current exhibits, including works from Marjolijn Dijkman, Vhils, Kader Attia, and Tania Candiani. One of the reasons why we love the Contemporary Arts Center is because it also hosts the UnMuseum. This innovative area allows adults and children alike to get hands-on with art and unleash their creativity. If you're unable to go to CAC on Go to an Art Museum Day, you can view their collection virtually online for free.

Admire a Masterpiece

Let us know which destinations we should head to on National Go to an Art Museum Day in the comments!

Who says you need to leave the house to immerse yourself in the wonderful art, history, and culture that Northeast Ohio has to offer? As our country enters a time of public space shutdowns and social distancing, now is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of the virtual tours hosted by many museums around Cleveland, Canton, and beyond. Settle into your favorite chair and take a journey into the wonders of these digital domains.

Canton Museum of Art

1001 Market Ave. N., Canton, OH 44702

 

 

 

 

 

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While most museums give you a glimpse into the past, the Canton Museum of Art allows digital visitors to take a look into their past by showcasing previous permanent exhibitions on their website. Over 30 of these diverse exhibits are available for online-viewing, including Crowns: Crossing into Motherhood, Scrimmage: Football in American Art from the Civil War to the Present, and Continuum: Art of the Cleveland School and Beyond, which was created in partnership with ARTneo.

Historic Zoar Village

198 Main St., Zoar, OH 44697

 

 

 

 

 

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Explore the Historic Zoar Village without ever going outside. As one of the most successful communal settlements in U.S. history, Zoar Village continues to be the home of dozens of families. Their virtual tour allows you to select various homes and buildings from the village to learn more about their history.

Cleveland Police Museum

1300 Ontario St., Cleveland, OH 44113

 

 

 

 

 

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One of the only public law enforcement museums in the country, the Cleveland Police Museum features 13 online exhibits showcasing Cleveland's police force over the years. This includes fascinating information about their Mounted Unit, 19th Century Policing, Prohibition, and a Fallen Officers exhibit.

Dittrick Medical History Center

11000 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44106

 

 

 

 

 

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An interesting museum located in the Allen Memorial Medical Library of the Case Western Reserve University, the Dittrick Museum of Medical History offers online exhibits for students and nonstudents alike. These photo collections, some featuring audio archives of lecture recordings, include exhibits such as Photographing Dermatology: The Collections of Dr. William Thomas Corlett.

Digital Cleveland Starts Here at the Western Reserve Historical Society

10825 East Blvd., Cleveland, OH 44106

 

 

 

 

 

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Part of the Western Reserve Historical Society's Cleveland Starts Here campaign, the Digital Cleveland Starts Here virtual library and museum features over 150 years of Cleveland history as told and donated by residents over countless generations.

NASA Glenn Research Center

21000 Brookpark Road, Cleveland, OH 44135

 

 

 

 

 

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While the NASA station in Florida receives rave reviews, many Ohio natives forget that we have the amazing Glenn Research Center right in our backyard. This facility designs and develops innovative technology that fuels our nation's space exploration. Their convenient virtual tours are out of this world, offering a look into 10 facilities with accompanying photographs and videos of the testing labs.

Northeast Ohio contains only a small fraction of the many museums the Buckeye State has to offer. Here are a few other Ohio-based museums offering free virtual tours:

National Museum of the US Air Force

1100 Spaatz St., Dayton, OH 45431

 

 

 

 

 

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Dayton is home to the National Museum of the United States Air Force, the largest and oldest military aviation museum on the planet. Thankfully, you don't have to go all the way to the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base to see it up close — you can take a virtual tour of the entire museum on your computer. Each of the icons displayed in the galleries allows you to read, watch, and listen to information about each exhibit.

Ohio Craft Museum

1665 W. 5th Ave., Columbus, OH 43212

 

 

 

 

 

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The Ohio Craft Museum, in collaboration with the Ohio Designer Craftsmen, is a special space showcasing exhibits and offering workshops for art lovers of all ages. They've made all of the current, past, and permanent galleries available online for crafters to browse. The current exhibit is the Found Again Quilt Exhibit, which showcases gorgeous quilt art from local Ohio quilters. Their permanent collection includes clay, fiber, glass, jewelry, metal, wood, and mixed media pieces. You can also look at all past exhibits featured in the Ohio Craft Museum dating back to 2008.

Cincinnati Art Museum

953 Eden Park Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45202

 

 

 

 

 

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The Cincinnati Art Museum has digitalized its permanent collection to share with the world. So far, over 67,000 works of art are featured in their virtual museum. This is an exciting tour for art lovers because, although not every item on display in the physical museum has been uploaded online, many of the pieces on the website are no longer available to view inside the museum.

For a trip around the country without leaving your couch, check out virtual tours of these famous United States museums:

National Museum of Natural History

10 St. & Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, D.C., 20560

 

 

 

 

 

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Dive into the National Museum of Natural History and go room-to-room, viewing current and past exhibits like Last American Dinosaurs, Eternal Life in Ancient Egypt, and the Smithsonian Marine Ecosystems.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

1000 5th Ave., New York, NY 10028

 

 

 

 

 

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The Met is world-famous, and you don't have to leave home to see why. Experience the museum online via their Open Access initiative, which allows you to explore over 400,000 images created over the last 5,000 years.

National Women's History Museum

205 S. Whiting St. Suite 254, Alexandria, VA 22304

 

 

 

 

 

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The National Women's History Museum offers nearly 30 interactive online exhibits charting the great moments in the history of women in the United States.

Traveling to the Virtual Past

Which is your favorite national or international museum to tour virtually? Let us know in the comments below!