The Cleveland Museum of Natural History has earned a place among the World’s Most Beautiful Museums for 2025, a prestigious designation awarded by the internationally acclaimed Prix Versailles. This recognition places the Cleveland institution alongside only six other museums worldwide, elevating its status as a beacon of innovative and sustainable museum architecture.
Held annually at UNESCO headquarters, Prix Versailles celebrates architectural excellence that blends aesthetic beauty with sustainability, cultural integrity, and community engagement. The Cleveland Museum’s recent transformation—anchored in ecological efficiency and inspired by the glacial landscapes of the Great Lakes—has firmly cemented its place on the world stage.
What Is Prix Versailles?
A Global Architectural Benchmark
Since its inception in 2015, the Prix Versailles has grown to become one of the most prestigious global platforms in architecture and design. Sponsored in part by UNESCO, the competition highlights exemplary projects across categories such as museums, campuses, airports, and sports facilities.
Guiding Principles of the Award
Projects are evaluated based on:
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Intelligent Sustainability
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Respect for Local Heritage
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Creativity and Innovation
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Cultural and Social Interaction
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Ecological Efficiency
The World’s Most Beautiful Museums List is a highlight of this program, recognizing museums that go beyond function to foster human connection, education, and sustainability.
2025’s World’s Most Beautiful Museums: The Honorees
Out of thousands of museums across the globe, only seven were selected for the 2025 list:
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Cleveland Museum of Natural History | Cleveland, USA
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Grand Palais | Paris, France
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Saka Museum | Bali, Indonesia
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Audeum | Seoul, South Korea
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Kunstsilo | Kristiansand, Norway
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Diriyah Art Futures | Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Joslyn Art Museum | Omaha, USA
This rarefied list puts Cleveland’s museum in elite international company, further underscoring the significance of this recognition.
The $150 Million Transformation: Reimagining Science and Sustainability
Architectural Design Inspired by Nature
Unveiled in December 2024, the museum’s transformation is the result of a $150 million project designed by architectural firm DLR Group. The new design draws direct inspiration from the glaciers that shaped the Great Lakes, integrating both natural beauty and scientific storytelling into the very fabric of the building.
LEED Platinum Certification and Green Innovations
Environmental consciousness was at the forefront of the project. Key sustainable design elements include:
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Bird-safe glass
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On-site solar panel arrays
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Stormwater-retention systems
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Natural daylight integration
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Free access Visitor Hall for deeper community engagement
These green initiatives helped the museum earn LEED Platinum certification, the highest level awarded by the U.S. Green Building Council.
A Vision for a Better Future
Championing Science Through Architecture
President and CEO Sonia Winner stated, “Every aspect of our transformed Museum aims to achieve one unified vision: to promote healthy humans, a healthy planet, and a better future for all.” This quote encapsulates the institution’s mission—utilizing innovative architecture as a medium for education, inclusion, and ecological consciousness.
A Space Designed for Connection
The reimagined museum features open gallery spaces, community-first initiatives like free iconic exhibits, and immersive learning environments that serve visitors of all ages. It has quickly become a landmark not only for Cleveland but for museum design globally.
DLR Group’s Role and Design Excellence
The design was led by the DLR Group’s Cultural+Performing Arts team, including Mark Morris, Paul Westlake, and Joshua Haney. Principal Dan Clevenger commented, “This honor reflects the museum’s commitment to advancing scientific discovery, fostering education around our natural world, and shaping a more informed and sustainable future.”
Their combined effort not only redefined the visitor experience but set a new global benchmark for future museums.
What Comes Next: Competing for a World Title
Three of the seven museums on the 2025 list will go on to win the World Title Interior and Exterior Awards. These final winners will be announced in December 2025, further highlighting those who stand out in form, function, and community impact. The Cleveland Museum of Natural History is now in the running for one of these prestigious global titles.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1: What is the Prix Versailles?
A: The Prix Versailles is a global architecture and design competition, held annually at UNESCO headquarters, that honors the most beautiful and sustainable contemporary architecture worldwide.
Q2: Why was the Cleveland Museum of Natural History selected?
A: The museum was selected for its innovative and sustainable architectural transformation, its strong cultural and educational mission, and its ecological design elements that earned it LEED Platinum certification.
Q3: What changes were made in the museum’s recent renovation?
A: The $150 million renovation included a glacier-inspired architectural design, solar energy installations, bird-safe glass, stormwater systems, and redesigned exhibit spaces promoting public access and environmental awareness.
Q4: How many museums were recognized in 2025 by Prix Versailles?
A: Only seven museums worldwide were named to the 2025 World’s Most Beautiful Museums List.
Q5: When will the final Prix Versailles World Title winners be announced?
A: The winners of the Interior and Exterior World Titles will be announced in December 2025.
