You’ve no doubt heard of—and likely visited—some of Cleveland’s best-known museums. From the and along the shores of Lake Erie to ϳԹ neighbors such as , and the , cultural opportunities in the Land are seemingly endless.
In honor of Museum Selfie Day today (Jan. 18), we’ve compiled a list of lesser-known free and low-cost options to explore in our city. Whether you want to delve deeper into a topic of interest or learn something new, these enriching museums and studios offer chances to immerse yourself in a wide range of topics.
Dunham Tavern Museum and Gardens
Not far from campus, the is a local historical landmark situated off Euclid Avenue. Built in 1824, the building is the oldest still standing on its original site in Cleveland. The former home of Rufus and Jane Pratt Dunham, a couple originally from Massachusetts, the site served as a stagecoach stop on the Buffalo-Cleveland-Detroit post road.
Today, guests can step back in history by touring the building (available by appointment only) and enjoying the gardens (open from dawn to dusk).
The museum also hosts including a book club, holiday events and an annual soup supper.
Admission is free but donations are accepted.
Transformer Station
Contemporary art is accessible to all at the Transformer Station in Hingetown. The art museum, housed in a historic building, hosts approximately four exhibitions each year in addition to several special events with support from the Bidwell Foundation and the Cleveland Museum of Art.
The exhibition “,” featuring photography by Buffalo, New York-based Gregory Halpern, is now on display through Feb. 5.
Money Museum
You don’t have to be a banker to visit the . In fact, the facility’s Money Museum offers you the chance to visit free of change and experience hands-on exhibits.
At the museum, you have the chance to see a “money tree,” examine counterfeit money and learn more about the financial industry.
Baseball Heritage Museum
Located at the historic League Park in Cleveland’s Hough neighborhood, the celebrates multiculturalism in the sport. Guests can view artifacts from the Latin and Caribbean leagues, the and , and the Industrial and Barnstormer leagues.
Artifacts such as uniforms, programs, photographs and more demonstrate the rich history typically underrepresented populations have had in baseball.
Dittrick Medical History Center
You don’t need to step foot off ϳԹ’s campus to visit the . Located in the Allen Memorial Medical Library building on the corner of Adelbert Road and Euclid Avenue, the museum is home to a range of artifacts that show the evolution of the medical field.
Among the museum’s most notable collections is the The Percy Skuy Collection and Gallery, which features various contraceptive devices. Other items at the museum include historical medical equipment, rare books and more.
Admission is free and tours are self-guided.
ARTneo Museum at 78th Street Studios
, located at 78th Street Studios in the Gordon Square Arts District, is home to more than 3,000 pieces of art in several different mediums, such as paintings, sculptures and more.
The museum got its start in the 1980s with a focus on Cleveland artists active from 1900 to 1950, but more recently it has put a spotlight on regional artwork across the decades.
Considered the largest fine arts complex in Northeast Ohio, 78th Street Studios features 60 galleries, creative businesses and studios.
Once a month, the complex opens up for the immersive Third Fridays series, allowing visitors to see what artists are working on and purchase items. The next Third Fridays event will be Jan. 20 from 5 to 9 p.m.
