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University Circle was once again named one of the nation's top ten arts districts in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice competition! Vote daily to help us win!

University Circle was once again named one of the nation's top ten arts districts in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice competition! Vote daily to help us win!

University Circle was once again named one of the nation's top ten arts districts in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice competition! Vote daily to help us win!

University Circle was once again named one of the nation's top ten arts districts in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice competition! Vote daily to help us win!

University Circle was once again named one of the nation's top ten arts districts in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice competition! Vote daily to help us win!

University Circle was once again named one of the nation's top ten arts districts in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice competition! Vote daily to help us win!

University Circle was once again named one of the nation's top ten arts districts in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice competition! Vote daily to help us win!

University Circle was once again named one of the nation's top ten arts districts in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice competition! Vote daily to help us win!

University Circle was once again named one of the nation's top ten arts districts in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice competition! Vote daily to help us win!

University Circle was once again named one of the nation's top ten arts districts in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice competition! Vote daily to help us win!

University Circle was once again named one of the nation's top ten arts districts in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice competition! Vote daily to help us win!

University Circle was once again named one of the nation's top ten arts districts in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice competition! Vote daily to help us win!

University Circle was once again named one of the nation's top ten arts districts in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice competition! Vote daily to help us win!

University Circle was once again named one of the nation's top ten arts districts in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice competition! Vote daily to help us win!

University Circle was once again named one of the nation's top ten arts districts in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice competition! Vote daily to help us win!

University Circle was once again named one of the nation's top ten arts districts in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice competition! Vote daily to help us win!

University Circle was once again named one of the nation's top ten arts districts in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice competition! Vote daily to help us win!

University Circle was once again named one of the nation's top ten arts districts in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice competition! Vote daily to help us win!

University Circle was once again named one of the nation's top ten arts districts in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice competition! Vote daily to help us win!

University Circle was once again named one of the nation's top ten arts districts in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice competition! Vote daily to help us win!

University Circle was once again named one of the nation's top ten arts districts in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice competition! Vote daily to help us win!

University Circle was once again named one of the nation's top ten arts districts in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice competition! Vote daily to help us win!

University Circle was once again named one of the nation's top ten arts districts in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice competition! Vote daily to help us win!

University Circle was once again named one of the nation's top ten arts districts in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice competition! Vote daily to help us win!

University Circle was once again named one of the nation's top ten arts districts in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice competition! Vote daily to help us win!

University Circle was once again named one of the nation's top ten arts districts in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice competition! Vote daily to help us win!

University Circle was once again named one of the nation's top ten arts districts in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice competition! Vote daily to help us win!

University Circle was once again named one of the nation's top ten arts districts in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice competition! Vote daily to help us win!

University Circle was once again named one of the nation's top ten arts districts in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice competition! Vote daily to help us win!

University Circle was once again named one of the nation's top ten arts districts in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice competition! Vote daily to help us win!

University Circle was once again named one of the nation's top ten arts districts in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice competition! Vote daily to help us win!

University Circle was once again named one of the nation's top ten arts districts in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice competition! Vote daily to help us win!

University Circle was once again named one of the nation's top ten arts districts in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice competition! Vote daily to help us win!

University Circle was once again named one of the nation's top ten arts districts in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice competition! Vote daily to help us win!

University Circle was once again named one of the nation's top ten arts districts in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice competition! Vote daily to help us win!

University Circle was once again named one of the nation's top ten arts districts in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice competition! Vote daily to help us win!

University Circle was once again named one of the nation's top ten arts districts in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice competition! Vote daily to help us win!

University Circle was once again named one of the nation's top ten arts districts in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice competition! Vote daily to help us win!

University Circle was once again named one of the nation's top ten arts districts in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice competition! Vote daily to help us win!

University Circle was once again named one of the nation's top ten arts districts in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice competition! Vote daily to help us win!

University Circle was once again named one of the nation's top ten arts districts in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice competition! Vote daily to help us win!

University Circle was once again named one of the nation's top ten arts districts in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice competition! Vote daily to help us win!

University Circle was once again named one of the nation's top ten arts districts in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice competition! Vote daily to help us win!

University Circle was once again named one of the nation's top ten arts districts in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice competition! Vote daily to help us win!

University Circle was once again named one of the nation's top ten arts districts in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice competition! Vote daily to help us win!

University Circle was once again named one of the nation's top ten arts districts in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice competition! Vote daily to help us win!

University Circle was once again named one of the nation's top ten arts districts in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice competition! Vote daily to help us win!

University Circle was once again named one of the nation's top ten arts districts in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice competition! Vote daily to help us win!

University Circle was once again named one of the nation's top ten arts districts in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice competition! Vote daily to help us win!

University Circle was once again named one of the nation's top ten arts districts in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice competition! Vote daily to help us win!

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Spend the Day in University Circle

Posted on 09/18/23 by Nicole in The Neighborhood

University Circle has no shortage of things to do, from the museums to the parks, there's something for everyone here. So whether you're a local looking for something to do, or someone new to the area, we're here to help you plan your day in the Circle.

Spend the Day in University Circle

Morning: Coffee and Botanicals

The Coffee House is a neighborhood staple. Not only is the coffee and food delicious, but the staff is incredibly friendly. They have plenty of space indoors, but also have a great outdoor patio if you're looking for some fresh air. On any given day, you'll find college students, professors, and other Circle employees stopping by.

Insider tip: the chocolate croissants are a 15/10!

Spend the Day in University Circle

Afterward, head across the street to the Cleveland Botanical Garden (CBG), where you'll travel to Madagascar and Costa Rica in their stunning glasshouses. Outside you'll find numerous gardens for all ages, including the Hershey Children's Garden, Japanese Garden, Rose Garden, and more. Throughout the year, they have seasonal displays and events both inside and outside.

Time needed at CBG: 1-2 hours

Spend the Day in University Circle

Early afternoon: Lunch and Art

Next up is a trip to the world-renowned Cleveland Museum of Art (CMA), which is home to an incredible collection, which includes almost 45,000 objects and spans 6,000 years. Not only is CMA always free (except for the occasional paid exhibit), but they also have an ArtLens App, which allows you to turn your phone into a pocket guide for the museum. With this, you can navigate the museum, create or browse tours, keep track of your favorite works of art, and more!

Once you're done viewing the impressive collection, stop by their Cafe for a delicious lunch in their atrium.

Time needed at CMA: 2-3 hours

Spend the Day in University Circle

Afternoon: Curiosity and History

Continue walking around Wade Oval to the Cleveland Museum of Natural History (CMNH). While they are currently going through a transformation (slated for completion in early 2024), there's still plenty to see! You'll find exhibits for people of all ages, from 3D movies, artwork, and planetarium shows, to the Perkins Wildlife Center. The Perkins Wildlife Center is home to soaring walkways and views of Ohio wildlife.

Time needed at CMNH: 1-2 hours

Spend the Day in University Circle

Afterward, head over to the Cleveland History Center (CHC), where you'll explore the history of Northeast Ohio through items, documents, and artifacts. CHC is home to a variety of collections and exhibits, from Carl & Louis Stokes, Women and Politics, to the Crawford Auto Aviation Museum. Don't forget to catch a ride on the Euclid Beach Park Grand Carousel!

Time needed at CHC: 1-2 hours

Spend the Day in University Circle

Evening: Dinner and a Concert

To end your visit, stop by Severance Music Center for a concert from the outstanding Cleveland Orchestra. Not only is the exterior beautiful, but the inside of Severance is breathtaking. The Cleveland Orchestra plays a variety of genres, from classical to twentieth century, and is definitely something you want to check off your Cleveland Bucket List. Before the concert, enjoy a meal at Severance Restaurant, located on the first floor.

Other activities in and around University Circle

Tips for Visiting

Consider purchasing a CirclePass! The CirclePass offers 25% discounted admission to three of University Circle's signature attractions: the Cleveland History Center, Cleveland Botanical Garden, and the Cleveland Museum of Natural History.

Parking

Parking garages closest to the Wade Oval musuems can be found at The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland Museum of Natural History, and the Cleveland Botanical Garden. There is a surface parking lot at the Cleveland History Center. Learn more about transportation and parking.

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