The Cleveland Museum of Natural History has been recognized as one of the nation’s leading cultural institutions, securing the #4 spot in USA TODAY’s 2026 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards for Best New Museums. This national accolade celebrates the museum’s recent transformative renovation, which was completed in December 2024.

The award acknowledges institutions that redefine the museum experience through innovation in design, sustainability, and community engagement. The Cleveland Museum of Natural History’s expansion features immersive galleries and environmentally conscious infrastructure, earning it a LEED Platinum certification. This recognition places the museum among the country’s most impactful new cultural destinations, highlighting its commitment to science, sustainability, and community impact.

This honor from USA TODAY adds to a series of recent achievements for the museum, including being named one of the World’s Most Beautiful Museums by Prix Versailles and receiving the Institution of the Year award from the Ohio Museums Association. The museum’s dedication to environmental stewardship and scientific research has positioned it as a vital resource for Cleveland and the nation.

Source: https://www.cmnh.org/files/assets/prfinalusatoday.pdf