The Cleveland Museum of Art's Fine Arts Garden, a historic landmark since 1928, is undergoing a major transformation. This multi-year, $40 million restoration project is the first of its kind in nearly a century, aiming to restore the garden's original splendor while enhancing accessibility and functionality. The project, part of the museum's larger $600 million fundraising campaign, will touch every aspect of the garden, from historic gardens and promenades to new pathways, plantings, and improved drainage systems.
The restoration is divided into several phases, each with its own unique focus. Scope A, estimated at $24 million, will begin this month and is expected to be completed in summer 2027. It will concentrate on the Zodiac Garden, mall, and new east and west ovals in the museum's south lawn. New ADA-accessible walkways, rehabilitation of historic marble and sandstone paving, new lawns and plantings, stormwater and drainage improvements, site lighting, and new security and information technology infrastructure will be part of this phase.
One of the most visible changes will be the restoration of Chester Beach's Fountain of the Waters, a landmark within the garden. The fountain, installed in 1928, will be removed and taken to WR Restoration of Twinsburg for conservation. After restoration, it will return to its historic setting, preserving its artistic and historical integrity.
The project will also involve the conservation of the 12 zodiac sculptures surrounding the fountain and the restoration of the stonework, paving, and landscape around it. The gardens will be replanted, and lighting will be improved. The Zodiac Garden will be closed during this work.
Scope B will focus on the museum's south terraces, where marble pavers will be removed, restored, and replaced. The foundation will be evaluated, and broken pavers will be replaced, with most of the original stone expected to be reused. This part of the project will also include a sloping path for wheelchair and stroller access, the restoration of marble steps and sandstone paving, new landscape plantings, architectural lighting, and new security and technology infrastructure.
The construction will temporarily close portions of the Fine Arts Garden, with protective fencing surrounding the Zodiac Garden, mall, and east and west ovals. The south steps will remain open to the public until the start of Scope C, likely late summer/early fall 2027. Visitors will still be able to walk around Wade Lagoon during construction, but the 6.4-acre lagoon will likely be closed off during Scopes D and E.
The restoration project is an investment in the community and one of Cleveland's most treasured public spaces, according to Virginia Barbato, chair of the museum's Board of Trustees. The Fine Arts Garden has long been a place for celebration, admiration of the changing seasons, and finding moments of beauty and connection. The project aims to honor the historic vision of the Olmsted Brothers while bringing the landscape forward for contemporary visitors, with richer plantings and a greater diversity of plant life, improved pathways, and enhanced accessibility.
Looking beyond the first phase, future portions of the Landscape Master Plan will include the restoration of historic promenades and sandstone staircases surrounding Wade Lagoon, the rehabilitation of the Harrison Dillard Trail, the reconstruction of Wade Lagoon's sandstone retaining walls, and expanded accessible pathways. Plans also call for new outdoor dining amenities and extensive landscape planting to improve ecological health while reinforcing the original design of the Olmsted Brothers firm.
The project is moving ahead earlier than anticipated due to early philanthropic support, including a challenge initiated by Ellen Stirn Mavec and gifts from the Eric and Jane Nord Family Fund, the Chisholm Family, the Horace Kelley Art Foundation, the State of Ohio, and other supporters. This early support has allowed the museum to begin the restoration process sooner, ensuring the preservation of this remarkable landscape for future generations.
