Northeast Ohio hides many spectacular destinations in plain sight. Driving through Lakewood’s Birdtown, you would never guess that one seemingly commonplace church actually houses a museum that’s unlike any other in the nation. Many of its displays come right out of Cleveland, offering you an unrivaled glimpse into the city’s religious past. This museum of religious art in Cleveland is like no other!
Welcome to The Sanctuary Museum!
Nikki Rhoades
Located at 12905 Madison Avenue in the former St. Hedwig Church, this charming museum is just a short drive from home.
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Within its walls are more than 200 pieces of religious art from Catholic churches all around the world.
Museum of Divine Statues/Facebook
When The Sanctuary Museum got its start, its owner was just looking to restore art for his personal collection.
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However, as he restored statues from closed Cleveland area parishes, he decided to open a museum to preserve a piece of local history.
Museum of Divine Statues/Facebook
At each display is a QR code that you can scan to see before and after photos of restored art, and you will be given an unrivaled glimpse into the history of the parish from which each piece came.
Nikki Rhoades
The museum features more than just statues, even showcasing stained glass windows and relics.
Nikki Rhoades
Though it was intended to keep local artifacts close to home, the museum now features pieces from across the world.
Museum of Divine Statues/Facebook
The beauty of this museum will leave you in awe…
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…and the artistry of the restorations will wow you.
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Admission is $12 per person, and the museum is open Wednesdays and Saturdays during select hours.
Nikki Rhoades
People of all ages and religious backgrounds will find themselves humbled by the artistry of this stunning destination.
Mary B/TripAdvisor
What are you waiting for? Plan your trip today!
Mary B/TripAdvisor
If these stunning statues had not been rescued and restored by the museum, they likely would have left the area to grace churches out of state. This museum of religious art in Cleveland, which is housed at the stunning site of what was once a Polish-speaking parish, preserves a piece of local history in a way that no other museum in the nation has.
Nikki Rhoades
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Museum of Divine Statues/Facebook
Mary B/TripAdvisor
If you like to explore local museums, you must pay a visit to the Dittrick Museum of Medical History.
Are you ready for fun adventures after that? Check out this list we made for you.
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Address: THE SANCTUARY MUSEUM, 12905 Madison Ave, Lakewood, OH 44107, USA
