Cleveland Museums, Gardens Temporarily Closing Due To COVID-19

CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Museum of Art, the Cleveland Botanical Garden, and the Cleveland Museum of Natural History will temporarily close to prevent the further spread of new coronavirus, COVID-19.

The Cleveland Museum of Art said it hopes to re-open to the public on March 31. All events scheduled at the museum between March 14 and March 31 are canceled.

The Cleveland Public Library will close to the public on Friday and will remain closed until further noticed. All upcoming events and programs at the library will either be postponed or canceled.

The Cleveland Museum of Natural History will temporarily close starting March 16. It is not yet clear how long the museum will be closed.

“We are taking action to ensure the health and safety of our guests, our staff, and our volunteers,” said the museum's President and CEO Sonia Winner. “This is the responsible step to take at this stage and we feel this decision is aligned with the recommendations of the CDC, the World Health Organization, and Ohio Governor Mike DeWine.”

The Botanical Gardens closed to the public on Friday.

The Holden Arboretum's public buildings will not be open to the public, but the grounds will be free to visitors.

“Our highest priority is the health and well-being of our guests, staff and volunteers,” said Jill Koski, president and CEO of Holden Forests & Gardens. “While closing the Cleveland Botanical Garden is the right course of action, we’re pleased to be able to keep the Holden Arboretum grounds open and make them free to the public. During these stressful times, getting back to nature can be a much-needed health break.”

The 2020 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction in Cleveland has been postponed.