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| - Having lived in NE Ohio for many years, I had visited the Cleveland Museum of Art several times. I remember going for a Dutch still life exhibit (excellent) and the Faberge exhibit way back in the '90s, also wonderful. I remember enjoying some of their permanent works, but not being overly impressed. Just a nice place, I thought.
I live in New England now and I went back for the first time in over 18 years. This is one of the best museum experiences I've had in my life.
The new atrium and addition are stunning. Every piece is displayed with beautiful light and space. Each gallery is a unified whole. I used to think the armory was boring, but now it is actually beautiful and more interesting.
While Cleveland does not hold a bunch of any one artist (like Chicago or some of the Paris museums, for example), they have grouped the collection so that it makes great sense and each piece is given its due, whether or not a particular painting or sculpture is the best by a particular artist is not as important as how each is presented. Because of its somewhat smaller size (again, compared to some of the world's larger museums), the experience will not leave you exhausted.
We were fortunate to see the Ai Weiwei Zodiac, beautifully displayed in the amazing new atrium.
I cannot recommend a visit enough. The outside is beautiful, admission is free, and the entire Wade Oval is a lovely sight at night. There aren't too many reasons I'd live back in Ohio, but this is definite draw. I sure wish it were closer to where I live.
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