Date Night: Cleveland Art Museum & Little Italy

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"Date Night" began when the Reilly Painting CEO was in his late 20s. On another estimate, Mike Reilly was talking to one of his customers, who told him that it's very important to take your spouse out every Wednesday night. And since then, Reilly has done so almost every week.

Tonight's date night will take your mind off those stacks of files, and get you in the mood to relax. Why not go to the newly renovated Art Museum? Located at 11150 East Boulevard, the museum is the perfect distance from Cleveland Heights. Here are the hours (luckily for us the museum is open until 9pm on Wednesdays)

HOURS
Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, Sundays 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Wednesdays, Fridays 10:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
Closed Mondays

Going to the museum can be just what you need to relax with your significant other. With their beautiful galleries, the Cleveland Art Museum is home to some of the best paintings and ceramics in the world. My personal favorite is the "Knight's" section, where we can see old armor worn during the Medieval Times. Here are some other exhibitions happening:

Modern European Painting & Sculpture

Internationally recognized for its signature masterworks by leading artists of the era, the museum’s collection of European painting and sculpture from 1800 to 1960 features over 537 objects. Highlights of 19th-century painting include major works by Jacques-Louis David, Francisco Goya, Camille Corot, and Gustave Courbet. Paintings by artists of the Barbizon School and the Realist movement are joined by an intriguing selection of works by lesser-known French academic and orientalist painters.

Impressionism and Post-Impressionism are well represented through works by Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, Auguste Renoir, Camille Pissarro, Gustave Caillebotte, Paul Cézanne, Vincent van Gogh, and Paul Gauguin. J.M.W. Turner’s The Burning of the Houses of Parliament highlights a rich collection of British art that also features distinguished works by John Constable, Thomas Lawrence, John Linnell, Frederic Leighton, and Lawrence Alma-Tadema.

After a couple of hours at the museum, why not head over to Little Italy for some amazing, authentic food? Little Italy, in my opinion, is one of the best parts of Cleveland. With their signature stores like Presti's & Corbo's Bakery, Little Italy is sure to be your destination for food, and is conveniently located only minutes from the art museum. I've been to most of the restaurants in Little Italy, and I can tell you that Michaelangelo's is one of the best restaurants in this great neighborhood. With their superb menu of pastas, meats and fish, this authentic Italian food will fill you up fast.Read the reviews for yourself from Google:

*****  (5 stars) I was just married this weekend and we chose Michaelango's for the rehearsal dinner. This has been the best restaurant I have been to in Cleveland. The service was incredible and my meal was one of the most delicious things I have ever eaten. Thank you Michaelango's for a memorable evening!

***** (5 stars) Romantic setting with a great selection of wines by the glass or bottle. Unique bar setting with full fireplace makes for a nice quiet evening. Service and food are some of the best in the area.

*****  (5 Stars) Excellent food! We keep trying other places in Little Italy and Michaelangelo's remains our favorite!

So Grab some great wine and enjoy your night off!

Read more about the Cleveland Art Museum & Michaelangelo's