The Cleveland Museum of Natural History has just earned a major international honor—it’s been named one of the world’s most beautiful museums by the prestigious Prix Versailles. The global award, which celebrates outstanding design in places like airports, campuses, and cultural institutions, included just seven museums worldwide on its 2025 list.
For Cleveland, this recognition follows the museum’s $150 million renovation, which was unveiled to the public in December 2024. The reimagined space—designed in partnership with DLR Group—was inspired by the glaciers that helped shape the Great Lakes region. It’s a place where cutting-edge sustainability meets the natural world, and where science isn’t just on display—it’s part of the building’s DNA.
The 2025 Prix Versailles World’s Most Beautiful Museums List includes:
- Cleveland Museum of Natural History | Cleveland, USA
- Grand Palais | Paris, France
- Saka Museum | Bali, Indonesia
- Audeum | Seoul, South Korea
- Kunstsilo | Kristiansand, Norway
- Diriyah Art Futures | Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Joslyn Art Museum | Omaha, USA
This select list features museums that stand out for innovation, sustainability, and their ability to connect with visitors in meaningful ways.
“We set out to build more than just a beautiful building—we wanted a space that inspires curiosity, reflects our commitment to the planet, and creates access for all,” said Sonia Winner, President & CEO of the museum. “Being recognized by Prix Versailles affirms that mission.”
Not Just a Pretty Facade
The Cleveland Museum of Natural History isn’t just visually striking. Its new design includes major eco-conscious features, like bird-safe glass, solar panels, and an advanced stormwater management system. The project also achieved LEED Platinum certification—the highest honor from the U.S. Green Building Council.
Inside, sunlight pours through massive windows, and the new Visitor Hall—open to everyone—welcomes guests with iconic exhibits that were once behind paywalls. It’s a place designed to connect the public with science and nature, not to keep it behind glass.
Dan Clevenger, principal at DLR Group, emphasized that this wasn’t just about beauty for beauty’s sake. “This project shows how architecture can drive education, spark discovery, and connect communities to the natural world,” he said.
What’s Next
In December 2025, Prix Versailles will take it a step further by naming three museums from the list to receive special honors for their interiors and exteriors. Whether or not Cleveland’s museum takes home a top title, it’s already made a bold mark on the global stage—showing how science, design, and sustainability can come together to shape the future.
