Unmasking Clevelands Quirky Cultural Gems: The Best Unknown Museums, Theatres, and Venues

As the urban hub of Northeast Ohio, Cleveland has plenty of cultural experiences to offer beyond its wellknown landmarks like the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame or Playhouse Square. Visitors seeking a more genuine and intimate experience should explore the citys lesserknown but equally fascinating hidden gems.

Cleveland is home to several oddball museums that celebrate niche interests. For instance, theres the Museum of Divine Statues (12905 Madison Ave) where you can enjoy an upclose encounter with rescued religious statues from closed parishes; or visit A Christmas Story House (3159 W 11th St), showcasing memorabilia from the classic holiday movie. However if youre looking for something truly offbeat be sure to make your way over to Buckland Gallery of Witchcraft and Magick (2155 Broadview Road) which houses a vast collection celebrating witchcraft and magick history.

As far as theatre goes Dobama Theatre Company (2340 Lee Rd) is renowned for experimental dramas, while Near West Theatre(6702 Detroit Avenue) specialize in unconventional musical productions performed by both professionals and community members. If you prefer comedy relief try attending one of multiple improv shows at Cabaret Dada at Mahalls Twenty Lanes bowling alley complex setup up for highend karaoke extravaganzas too.

Cleveland also boasts some impressive visual arts institutions like MOCA Cleveland(11400 Euclid Avenue,)a modern architecture building located within walking distance to Uptown nightlife district in University Circle area with interesting installations based on contemporary art practices; SPACES Art Gallery(2900 Detroit Ave,), a nonprofit founded hosted artist residencies since opening their doors 40 years ago ,and it still curates fascinating pioneering programming driven by artists exploring new perspectives on conventional worlds globally recognized art museum rooted into African American Art curation, visit the newly renovated The African American Museum Cleveland (1765 Crawford Road) and see works created by local black artists.

Lastly Music lovers will find something for any genre or taste in NEO. Whether its jazz at Nighttown(12383 Cedar Rd.), indie music at Grog Shop (2785 Euclid Heights Blvd), , classical concerts presented by world renowned symphonies of the Cleveland Orchestra located on Memorial Drive ,or iconic rock icons playing to sold out crowds at Jacobs Pavilion (2014 Sycamore St).

Clevelands cultural scene is far from predictable, so embrace its eccentricities and plan a trip that takes you off the beaten path you wont regret it.

Websites:

Museum of Divine Statues: www.divinestatues.com

A Christmas Story House: www.achristmasstoryhouse.com

Buckland Gallery of Witchcraft and Magick: bucklandmuseum.org

Dobama Theatre Company: dobama.org/

Near West Theatre:nearwesttheatre.org/

Cabaret Dada :www.facebook.com/cabaretdada

MOCA Cleveland:mocacleveland.org/)

SPACES Art Gallery:spacesgallery.org/

The African American Museum Cleveland:aamcleveland.wixsite.com/aamcleve

Nighttown:jwpresents.squarespace.com/nighttowninfo

Grog Shop:grogshop.gswordpress.net/