Have been going to the Museum since I can remember and it presents interesting contrasts. CMA is one of the great art museums in the World; made even more amazing by the fact that general admission is still free for everyone. While many museums have a specific focus or concentration, CMA gives you one of the best broad overviews of fine art around the world and over the centuries. You can easily spend several days or get through in a couple hours depending on how much time you spend in each gallery.
Lets hit some high points:
The new Atrium has brought CMA into the 21st century, tying the whole museum together. Check out the interactive multimedia area just to your left as you come in the main entrance. There is also a gallery that features special exhibits from the collection across from the store. CMA finally has a very nice Museum store with some interesting items. There is a nice quick service restaurant serving upscale food and Provenance which provides excellent themed menus of high quality food.
One gallery that seems to have not changed in many years is the Armor Court and this is as it should be. A favorite with kids, it is also fascinating to adults. Full armor for man and horse, weapons ranging from swords, pikes and crossbows all from fairly simple to very ornate. When you are in here don't forget to look up for the items hung high on the walls.
There are great and important pieces throughout the museum. I always look forward to checking out the modern art and photography galleries to see how they have been updated. I also really enjoy the new galleries displaying Asian art. I await the revised Japanese and Korean galleries when they reopen in May.
The special exhibits are excellent, and most times you can spend a full day at whatever is up currently.
There is plenty of parking in the area, both on the street and in the attached garage. CMA is a cannot miss if you are visiting Cleveland; if you live here and haven't been in a while, it is well worth checking out again.