The Cleveland Museum of Natural History celebrated the grand opening of its multiyear $150 million transformation earlier this month. The expanded campus now spans over 375,000 square feet (after adding 58,000 square feet), including 2 acres of outdoor visitor areas, and features reimagined exhibits. 

Designed by DLR Group, the flowing white architecture seeks to reflect the geological history of Northeast Ohio, echoing the glaciers that shaped the Great Lakes.

The building design earned LEED v4 Building Design and Construction, New Construction (BD+C NC) Platinum certification, a U.S. first for museums. Sustainable features include 37% reduced indoor water use, 32% energy savings, native vegetation restoration, bird-friendly design, and over 75% waste diversion.

Partnering with experience design firm G&A, the exhibits seek to prioritize visitor engagement through immersive experiences, hands-on interactives, and case studies. According to the design team, the narrative emphasizes the interconnectedness of all living things and underscores the critical relationship between human health and the health of our planet.