University Circle

University Circle - photo Bob PerkoskiUniversity Circle - photo Bob Perkoski

If you want to see economic, arts and residential development in Cleveland, head to University Circle. This one-square-mile powerhouse has welcomed over $3 billion in new construction in recent years thanks to the Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, University Hospitals' Cancer Hospital, and the Uptown project, a large mixed-use development currently taking shape on Euclid. Thanks also to a flush of contemporary new apartment projects, the neighborhood is adding as many new residents as it is daily commuters. All within walking or biking distance are the world-famous Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland Orchestra at Severance Hall, Museum of Contemporary Art and Cleveland Botanical Garden.

Magical Allure: CMA’s Parade the Circle returns in June
The Cleveland Museum of Art's 33rd annual Parade the Circle, returns on June 14 with the theme "Magical Allure: A Vibrant Celebration of the Snowy Owl." Led by artist Héctor Castellanos Lara, the parade explores themes of wisdom and change through vibrant costumes, puppets, and floats.
A new chapter: For the first time in 90 years, we know the Anisfield-Wolf finalists
The Cleveland Foundation announced the finalists in the Anisfield-Wolf Book Awards for the first time in its 90-year history. Ten books addressing racism and cultural diversity have been selected in four categories. The winners will be revealed in April, with additional celebrations planned for Cleveland Book Week in the fall.
Behind the scenes: Two Cleveland Museum of Art docents bring ‘Picasso and Paper’ to life
Cleveland Museum of Art's "Picasso and Paper" exhibit, is here for only two more weeks. The exhibit showcases nearly 300 works spanning Picasso's career and his exploration of paper as a medium. CMA docents Bob Cohen and Nancy Wilhelm offer insight into the exhibit's significance, the artist's creative process, and the personal connections that make art come alive for visitors.
Amplify your voice and express yourself: Lake Erie Ink’s annual Kids’ Comic Con is this weekend
Lake Erie Ink's 13th annual Kids' Comic Con occurs this weekend at moCa and the Cleveland Museum of Art Community Arts Center at the Pivot Center. The two-day event offers young artists and storytellers an immersive experience in comic creation and artistic expression with workshops, guest artists, an Artists' Alley, and activities.
Be a dancing queen to celebrate Women’s History Month at the Cleveland Museum of Art
The Cleveland Museum of Art will host MIX: Dancing Queen event this Friday, March 7, celebrating Women's History Month with a disco-themed dance party. The event will feature DJ Hodgepodge Lodge and DJ Guilty Pleasures spinning vinyl disco sets. There will be themed food and drinks, with free admission to the Picasso and Paper exhibition.
Driving change: The winners of Accelerate civic pitch competition
The 11th annual Accelerate: Citizens Make Change civic pitch competition drew 32 aspiring entrepreneurs to pitch 24 innovative initiatives in categories like social change, climate innovation, and education. Top honors went to teenage brothers who created a youth employment program for neighborhood services.
Honoring President James A. Garfield on Presidents Day
Ohio has produced seven U.S. Presidents, including Northeast Ohio native James A. Garfield. In honor of Presidents Days, FreshWater honors President Garfield's legacy and his final resting place at the James A. Garfield Memorial in Lake View Cemetery.
Celebrate love in many forms on Valentine’s Day at the Cleveland Museum of Art
The Cleveland Museum of Art is hosting a variety of Valentine's Day events and exhibitions, offering visitors a unique blend of art, music, and dining experiences. The museum provides diverse options for couples, friends, and art enthusiasts to celebrate the holiday.
Love in Bloom: Celebrate love with orchids at Cleveland Botanical Garden’s annual flower show
The Cleveland Botanical Garden's annual flower show, Orchids: Love in Bloom, returns on February 14. Featuring more than 3,000  blooms in romantic displays, the show offers an immersive and educational experience that includes special events and classes.
Cinematheque to host Cleveland premiere of art criticism documentary ‘Out of the Picture’
"Out of the Picture," a documentary exploring the future of art criticism, will make its Cleveland premiere at the Cinematheque this weekend. Directed by Mary Louise Schumacher, the film follows art critics as they navigate the changes in the art and media landscape. The screening will be followed by a Q&A session with Schumacher and former Plain Dealer art critic Steven Litt.
Photography and poverty: Cleveland History Center's MLK Day exhibits
The Western Reserve Historical Society's Cleveland History Center is observing Martin Luther King, Jr. Day with free admission and special exhibits on Black history, art, and culture. Visitors can explore photography exhibits, learn about Dr. King's involvement in the 1968 Poor People's Campaign, and engage in various activities celebrating Dr. King's legacy.
Mission Possible: Explore freedom, justice, democracy through creativity at Cleveland Museum of Art
The Cleveland Museum of Art is celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day will a day of free activities, performances, and exhibits inspired by Dr. King's legacy. The event explores themes of freedom, justice, and democracy through art, music, dance, and storytelling, while also offering free admission to the "Picasso and Paper" exhibit.
Cleveland cheer: FreshWater’s guide to local gifts this holiday season
The FreshWater staff put together this comprehensive guide for a variety of local Cleveland holiday gift ideas. The list highlights some of our favorite products and experiences from local businesses and organizations to encourage shopping locally.
Natural wonders reborn: CMNH reopens after decade-long revisioning process
The Cleveland Museum of Natural History has completed its decade-long, $150 million renovation and visitors got a first look last weekend at the reimagined approach to showcasing natural history.
Winter Toyland: WRHS’ Cleveland History Center celebrates the season with HollyDays
The Western Reserve Historical Society's Cleveland History Center is hosting Winter Toyland, a holiday exhibition featuring the HollyDays miniature village. Other attractions include the Euclid Beach Park Carousel, the historic Hay-McKinney Mansion, decked out in holiday decor, and several ongoing exhibits—all included with admission.
Monsters Among Us: A conversation with author Claire Dederer
Claire Dederer, bestselling author of "Monsters: A Fan's Dilemma," will speak at the Cleveland Museum of Art this week, when she will explore the challenges of appreciating great art created by controversial figures—addressing questions of genius, monstrosity, and our role in navigating these ethical dilemmas.
Puzzle pieces: CMNH researchers delve into humanity’s ancient past in Kenya
Cleveland Museum of Natural History anthropologists Emma Finestone and Ebeth Sawchuk spent last summer in Kenya, conducting fieldwork crucial to the study of human evolution—excavating sites spanning 3 million years and studying how herders and farmers moved around the Central Rift Valley over the last 5,000 years.
Wild Horses: Crawford-Auto Aviation Museum celebrates 60 years of the Ford Mustang
"Wild Horses: 60 Years of Ford's Mustang," is now on exhibit at the Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum. The exhibit celebrates the iconic American car's 60th anniversary and features all seven generations of Mustangs, from the 1964 original to the latest 2024 models.
Lucy at 50: The CMNH team's ongoing role in human origins research
Fifty years ago, the discovery of an Australopithecus afarensis in Ethiopia by Cleveland Museum of Natural History paleoanthropologist Don Johanson and his team  revolutionized our understanding of human evolution. Lucy's journey from fossilized bones to scientific icon illustrates Lucy's impact and the contributions of Northeast Ohio to human origins research.
Art of the Game: Undefeated Cavs, Art Museum team up on City Edition uniforms, December MIX event
The undefeated Cleveland Cavaliers and Cleveland Museum of Art debuted the 2024-25 Nike NBA City Edition uniforms and court design at last night's winning game against the Charlotte Hornets. The uniforms feature a coloring-book pattern that merge art and basketball, and will carry over into CMA's December MIX: Art of the Game event.