CLEVELAND, OH.- The Cleveland Museum of Art today announced the beginning of the first phase of a multiyear restoration of its historical Fine Arts Garden, one of Cleveland’s most celebrated public landscapes. On August 24, the museum begins implementation of an important phase of the CMA Landscape Master Plan, an ambitious initiative to preserve, restore, and renew the museum’s iconic Fine Arts Garden, enhancing accessibility, ecological sustainability, and the visitor experience.

The work marks the first major investment in the museum’s historical landscape in nearly a century and represents an important milestone in the CMA’s long-term commitment to preserving one of Northeast Ohio’s most treasured outdoor civic spaces.

The campus was designed by renowned architect Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. and opened in 1928. The gardens, promenades, terraces, and Wade Lagoon have long welcomed visitors while serving as one of Cleveland’s most photographed landmarks. Each spring, thousands gather beneath the cherry blossoms surrounding Wade Lagoon, a seasonal tradition that has become woven into the cultural life of the region.

“For nearly a century, the CMA’s Fine Arts Garden has been a place where people experience art, nature, architecture, and community together,” said William M. Griswold, the CMA’s Sarah S. and Alexander M. Cutler Director. “This work ensures that one of Cleveland’s most beloved public landscapes remains beautiful, welcoming, and accessible for generations to come, while honoring the vision that first inspired its creation.”

“The Fine Arts Garden has long been woven into the fabric of Cleveland,” said Virginia Barbato, chair of the Cleveland Museum of Art’s Board of Trustees. “For nearly a century, it has been a place where people have celebrated milestones, admired the changing seasons, and found moments of beauty and connection. Restoring this remarkable landscape is an investment in our community and one of its most treasured public spaces.”

The first phase of the Landscape Master Plan is planned to be completed in two sequential scopes of work. Scope A begins August 24, following project planning, permitting, and initial fundraising, and is expected to conclude in Summer 2027. Scope B begins following completion of the first scope.





Phase I of the Landscape Master Plan represents an investment of approximately $24 million. Thanks to significant early philanthropic contributions—including the chair’s challenge initiated by Ellen Stirn Mavec, and transformational gifts from the Eric and Jane Nord Family Fund, Gertrude Kalnow Chisholm and Homer D. W. Chisholm, the Horace Kelley Art Foundation, the State of Ohio, and other generous supporters—the museum has secured more than $21 million toward Phase I of the construction project.

In addition, early donor support established multiple endowment funds that provide for the long-term care and maintenance of the Fine Arts Garden. This early momentum has allowed construction to begin sooner than anticipated while ensuring the landscape can be thoughtfully maintained for generations to come. The museum continues to seek philanthropic support to complete Phase I and advance future phases of the Landscape Master Plan.

The support of the Horace Kelley Art Foundation is especially meaningful, reflecting the enduring legacy of one of the CMA’s founders, Horace Kelley, whose visionary bequest helped to establish the CMA and began a tradition of civic philanthropy that continues to shape the museum and its future.

Restoring the Historical Landscape

The Landscape Master Plan was developed in collaboration with nationally recognized landscape architecture firm Sasaki and serves as the museum’s long-term framework for renewing the Fine Arts Garden. The CMA partnered with STIMSON, another nationally recognized landscape architecture firm, to develop detailed rehabilitation plans and technical drawings for construction. Rather than simply reimagining the landscape, the plan seeks to restore its historical elements while introducing improvements that make the grounds more welcoming, environmentally resilient, and accessible to all visitors.

The work beginning this summer encompasses the first two of five planned scopes.