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.

[Book]mark the calendar: Your complete guide to Indie Bookstore Day in Northeast Ohio
Northeast Ohio's bookstores will celebrate the 12th annual Independent Bookstore Day this Saturday April 26. Eighteen local bookshops will participate in the nationwide event, offering a range of activities including author readings, signings, giveaways, and a region-wide bookstore crawl.
Well earned: CMNH named Institution of the Year by Ohio Museums Association
The Cleveland Museum of Natural History $150 million transformation has attracted more than 100,000 people in the first quarter of 2024, national media coverage, and now the title of 2024 Institution of the Year by the Ohio Museums Association. CMNH senior vice president and chief strategy officer Meenakshi Sharma reflects back on the transformation, and the positive reception since opening.
Western Reserve Historical Society Library reopens to the public this week after September 2023 fire
The Western Reserve Historical Society (WRHS) Library will reopen this Thursday after an 18-month closure from a September 2023 fire. Swift action by WRHS staff and collaboration with restoration experts Belfor Property Restoration and The Conservation Center allowed for a total restoration.
Holden Forests & Gardens to celebrate 15,000 trees planted during Arbor Week activities
Holden Forests & Gardens is celebrating the achievement of its five-year goal of planting and caring for 15,000 new trees to increase Cleveland's urban tree canopy with a People for Trees Celebration Week during Arbor Day Week, April 21 to April 26. The week features activities at Holden Arboretum and Cleveland Botanical Garden.
Western Reserve Historical Society joins elite group with national museum accreditation
The Western Reserve Historical Society (WRHS) has been accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, joining an elite group of only 3% of U.S. museums to receive this recognition. The rigorous accreditation process highlights WRHS' commitment to excellence in education, collection stewardship, and community engagement.
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.