Cleveland is a cultural jackpot, home to many diverse communities and decades of rich history.
Cleveland is also home to Cleveland Museum of Art, the second best museum in the United States (one step below the Museum of Modern Art in New York City, but that's not a fair challenge, is it?).
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It's hard to miss: the sprawling, century-old marble building demands attention, and receives plenty. Even if you have never been there before, it's very likely that you have seen the building's interior, dressed up as Shield HQ in "Marvel's Captain America: The Winter Soldier."
Living in Cleveland makes it easy to forget how much CMA has to offer. If you haven't been there, I highly suggest you make a visit and enjoy the free galleries that span thousands of years of history.
If you have been there, great! You might recognize some of the artwork I have chosen to share below. Whether you prefer classical art or more modern works, the Cleveland Museum of Art has something for everyone.
Coffin of Bakenmut, Egypt, 976-889 BC. One of two wooden ancient Egyptian coffins on display in the museum. The wooden coffin is incredibly detailed and surprisingly well preserved.
Water Lilies by Claude Monet, 1919-1926. This painting is wide and mesmerizing, and has many counterparts in museums all over the world.
My Home Town by Michaelangelo Lovelace, 1998. This painting initially comes off as a childlike representation of Cleveland, but addresses some mature social issues (notice the segregated crowds of black and white people on the left and right sides of the painting).
The Emperor as Philosopher, Probably Marcus Aurelius, Romans, 180-200 AD. This bronze sculpture towers over any who view it, one of the many striking and detailed statues in CMA's collection.
Poplars at Saint-Remy, Vincent van Gogh, 1889. If Vincent van Gogh is on your radar, you'll be happy to know that he's well represented in CMA's galleries.
Untitled, Dan Flavin, 1964. This last piece is my personal favorite. It's beautifully simple. In the room where it is found, the fluorescent lights spread outward and draw gallery goers toward it. Sitting in front of it and being bathed in the light is strangely energizing.
So, if you ever find yourself in the amazing city of Cleveland Ohio, don't allow an opportunity as awe-inspiring as this one go unnoticed. Make like Ben Stiller and spend a night at the museum.
