From Fossils to The Cosmos; The Cleveland Museum of Natural History

CLEVELAND - Are you ready to explore the wonders of the natural world? Look no further than the Cleveland Museum of Natural History!

Located in the heart of Wade Oval, the museum is currently in the midst of an exciting transformation, set to be completed in 2024. Despite ongoing construction, the museum remains open to visitors with a plethora of interactive experiences to enjoy. From the state-of-the-art Smead Discovery Center (Presented by PNC) to the cutting-edge planetarium, there is something for everyone at this iconic institution.

But the museum is not just a hub for scientific innovation - it's also a sanctuary for over 100 native Ohio animals. Visitors can meet animal ambassadors such as snapping turtles, mountain lions, otters, foxes, coyotes, barn owls, and more. These animals are cared for by the museum's dedicated staff because they cannot survive in the wild on their own. Through daily animal programs, visitors can learn about their behavior, history, and conservation efforts to protect their species.

For those seeking a truly unique experience, look no further than Birdly VR. This immersive virtual reality ride allows guests to soar like a bird, from butterflies to pterodactyls, through a 360-degree simulated environment. The on-board fan provides a realistic wind-in-your-face sensation, making you feel like you're really flying.

And if you're interested in the cosmos, don't miss the Shafran Planetarium. Upgrades to the planetarium include new software for crisper imaging, removable seats for added flexibility, and all-new astronomy programming. Visitors can learn about the colors of the universe through "The Hue-niverse," a brand-new program dedicated to teaching visitors about the different hues throughout the cosmos.

During his visit to the museum, Gremi was taken on a tour by Visitor Experience Associate Layna Ragland. He also had the chance to meet Assistant Manager of Wildlife Resources Steve Gibson and play with a ten-year-old snapping turtle, as well as receive a personal private planetarium show from Manager of Astronomy Nick Anderson and Astronomer Monica Marshall. Gremi was so impressed by the museum that he plans to return over the next year to keep up with renovation updates and even host a live episode of CleveItToUs during the 2024 solar eclipse.

Whether you're a science enthusiast or just looking for a fun and educational day out, the Cleveland Museum of Natural History is a must-visit destination. Come explore the natural wonders of Ohio and beyond!

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Special Thanks to: Samantha Guenther, Layna Ragland, Steve Gibson, Nick Anderson, Monica Marshall, and the entire Cleveland Museum of Natural History staff and supporters for having us in; and Justin Gregory (Audio Visual Tech), Brandon Adams (Audio Visual Assistant)

ORIGINAL AIRDATE: 4/13/2023