The Bulletin began publication in 1914, two years before the museum opened to the public. At first it published regular information on museum affairs as well as acquisitions, but with the directorship of Sherman Lee, which began in 1958, it concentrated on research on collections and accessions; two issues were devoted to the annual report and the catalogue of an exhibition of regional contemporary art each year. Newly acquired works were published promptly, briefly or at length, and substantial monographs on objects of special interest also appeared, notably Henry Hawley's investigations in the European decorative arts. Primarily a forum for the curatorial staff, the Bulletin also welcomed a few authors from outside the museum, but topics were usually related to the museum collection. Until publication ceased in 1995 the Bulletin contributed regularly to art historical scholarship and maintained a record of the museum's intellectual life.

Since the Cleveland Museum of Art opened in 1916 it has sought to present the art of the major cultures of the world. Despite emphasis on the Western tradition, with major collections of European and American art, Japanese, Chinese, and Indian art are particularly well represented. The museum also cultivated the art of its time with exhibitions of contemporary art starting in 1921 and annual exhibitions of contemporary regional art. Its scholarship is supported by an exceptional art reference library, and regular programs in the performing arts make it a cultural center for the region. The museum publishes exhibition and collection catalogues and a monthly magazine for members. From 1914 to 2005 the museum published regular scholarly papers on objects in the collection, until 1994 in the Bulletin, and thereafter in Cleveland Studies in the History of Art.