The Archives of the Cleveland Museum of Art was established in 1989 through a grant from the Gund Foundation. The primary mission of the CMA Archives is to preserve records that document the origins, development, achievements, and activities of the museum. The archivist also serves as the museum's records manager, creating and implementing records retention schedules for all offices and receiving records into the archives according to retention schedules. Records accessioned into the archives become property of the archives.

Archives collections include the administrative records of museum offices; records of the Board of Trustees; audio and visual recordings of museum programs and events; electronic records; oral histories; and a small number of manuscript collections from persons related to, but not employed by, the museum. These materials are valuable resources for researching the history of the museum and its collections, the evolution of CMA exhibitions and other projects, the social background of the major art movements of the twentieth century, and the social and cultural history of the Cleveland area.

The archives is open to CMA staff and researchers by appointment. First time users must complete a registration form. Certain collections are restricted although specific information may be provided by the Archivist from restricted collections.

9:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday

Phone Number:  216-707-2492 or 216-707-2660
lcade@clevelandart.org