Cleveland Museum Of Natural History Honored As One Of The World’s Most Beautiful Museums

The Cleveland Museum of Natural History has been recognized as one of the 2025 Worlds Most Beautiful Museums, joining an elite list selected by the prestigious Prix Versailles, an international architecture and design award program affiliated with UNESCO.

The accolade follows the Cleveland Museum of Natural History’s recent $150 million transformation, completed in December 2024, which reimagines the institution by integrating science, nature, and human culture into a modern experience. The redesign, crafted by DLR Group, was inspired by the glaciers that shaped the Great Lakes region, creating a stunning backdrop for visitors to explore the wonders of science and nature.

“Every aspect of our transformed Museum aims to achieve one unified vision: to promote healthy humans, a healthy planet, and a better future for all,” said Sonia Winner, President and CEO of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. “We are thrilled that this commitment to architecture in the service of science has been recognized on an international stage.”

The museums redesign emphasizes sustainable features, including bird-safe glass, a visible solar panel array, and an integrated stormwater retention system. The project has earned LEED Platinum certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, signifying the highest certified standard of environmental performance.

The new layout also includes expansive windows for natural light and a Visitor Hall offering free access to iconic exhibits to deepen community engagement.

“The Cleveland Museum of Natural Historys recognition as one of the worlds most beautiful museums by Prix Versailles is a testament to the power of visionary architecture and sustainable design,” said DLR Group Principal and Global Cultural+Performing Arts Leader Dan Clevenger. “This honor not only celebrates the museums stunning transformation, led by the design team of Mark Morris, Paul Westlake and Joshua Haney, but also reflects its commitment to advancing scientific discovery, fostering education around our natural world, and shaping a more informed and sustainable future.”

The Prix Versailles, which has honored contemporary design excellence since 2015, highlights projects that combine creativity, sustainability, local heritage, and social values. This years jury selected only seven museums worldwide for the honor: Cleveland Museum of Natural History in Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.; Grand Palais in Paris, France; Saka Museum in Bali, Indonesia; Audeum in Seoul, Republic of Korea; Kunstsilo in Kristiansand, Norway; Diriyah Art Futures in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; and Joslyn Art Museum in Omaha, Neb., U.S.

Of the seven honorees, three will receive additional distinctions for World Title, Interior and Exterior, to be announced in December 2025.