There's A Polka Museum In Cleveland, And It's One Of The Quirkiest Places You'll Ever Go
By Nikki Rhoades|Published April 17, 2023
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Nikki Rhoades
Author
Nikki is a lifelong Ohioan with a love for literature. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Akron and has enjoyed publishing her written work since 2007. She has a love of travel and does so frequently, though she believes that home is where the heart is — she continues to work in and around Cleveland as a digital content specialist to this day, working on everything from commercial scripts and social media posts to grassroots marketing initiatives.
Cleveland is the birthplace of rock and roll, but its musical roots are much more diverse than many realize. In fact, one of the most unique museums in the city honors a genre you may have never even heard of: Cleveland-style polka. Also known as Slovenian-style polka, this type of music honors its European roots with a uniquely American twist, and it reached a special height here in the best location in the nation. Don’t believe it? Well, a trip to the local polka museum in Cleveland just might change your mind.
Your eyes aren't deceiving you! There's really a polka museum hiding in Euclid near the Collinwood neighborhood.
Hiding just beyond the parking lot is the National Cleveland-Style Polka Hall of Fame and Museum, a fascinating destination that immortalizes history's Cleveland-Style polka stars. While unbenknownst to many Clevelanders, this collection of unique antiques has dazzled visitors since 1987.
Open on Wednesdays and Saturdays and free to visit, this fascinating local landmark is well worth a stop.
You can swing by between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. on these days, but you can check the museum hours for upcoming and special events. With free admission, visiting this special spot is almost a no-brainer... it's too unusual to pass up!
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You'll learn about the evolution of this unique style of music, from its explosion in mining towns to its refinement by artists like Frankie Yankovic.
From its beginnings in the 19th century to its post-war years, Cleveland-style polka has quite a story to tell. Like rock and roll, polka is diverse, even taking on elements of jazz and country at times.
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Speaking of Frankie Yankovic, this Collinwood native is heavily celebrated throughout the museum.
Frankie Yankovic is a Grammy-winning accordion player who produced over 200 recordings in his career. Known as America's Polka King, this talented musician is actually permanently interred here in Calvary Cemetery. And we know what you're thinking... there's no relation to "Weird Al" Yankovic, though the two did collaborate.
Learning about these talented musicians will provide a new perspective on polka! In the exhibits, you'll spot photographs, celebrity accordions, stage outfits, and all sorts of historic memoribilia.
Plus, you'll get to see some cool mementos from Cleveland's musical past.
Interestingly, the hall of fame shares a location with the local softball museum. The location itself has a story to tell... as the architecture proudly declares, this building was once city hall. It was built under the Works Progress Administration and completed in 1938. It served the city for an astonishing five decades before it was threatened with demolition. As is Greater Cleveland tradition, locals rallied to save the building.
Though the polka hall of fame relocated here in 2002, many still have yet to visit this neat local landmark. Come with an open mind, pay attention to the signs, and you're bound to have a great time.
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This cool landmark in Greater Cleveland belongs on your bucket list.
Visit the museum at 605 E 222nd St, Cleveland, OH, 44123.
This polka museum in Cleveland is free to visit, and it always makes for an interesting experience. You’ll love exploring the history of Cleveland’s polka scene, and you just might learn something new.
Quirky is always cool! To keep the fun going, visit other unique museums in Cleveland. And while you’re at the local polka museum, be sure to check out all that the nearby Collinwood neighborhood has to offer.
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