IV.

Education and Culture

Cleveland’s principal universities include Case Western Reserve University (1826), an internationally known school, especially for engineering; Cleveland State University (1964), particularly known for its urban-oriented curriculum; and David N. Myers College (1848). The Cleveland Institute of Art was founded in 1882, and the Cleveland Institute of Music in 1920. John Carroll University (1886) is in suburban University Heights and Baldwin-Wallace College (1845) is in Berea. Cleveland is famous for medical research and treatment, led by the Cleveland Clinic and its outstanding heart surgery program. The University Hospitals, affiliated with Case Western Reserve University, also enjoys an international reputation for high quality medical services.

Most of Cleveland’s cultural, educational, and medical institutions are located in the University Circle area, 6 km (4 mi) east of downtown. Leading cultural institutions include the Cleveland Museum of Art, with one of America’s best collections of Asian art; the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, with fossils of dinosaurs and human ancestors; and the Western Reserve Historical Society Museum, containing exhibits on the Western Reserve from the late 18th to early 20th centuries, and the adjacent Crawford Auto and Aviation Museum, including an exhibit on automobiles built in Cleveland. Of particular interest to families are the Health Museum of Cleveland and the Cleveland Children’s Museum. Also located in University Circle is Severance Hall, the home of the world-acclaimed Cleveland Orchestra. Nearby is the Cleveland Play House, with three large, restored theaters and one of the largest non-profit professional theaters in the country. Downtown is Playhouse Square Center, with four recently restored theaters, home to the Cleveland Opera and the Great Lakes Theater Festival. On the waterfront is the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, opened in 1995 and exploring the rich history of rock music. Next door is the Great Lakes Science Center, an interactive science museum. A popular cultural event in the city each spring is the Cleveland International Film Festival.