Cleveland is a colorful city, and we truly prefer it that way. Some big, bustling cities feel gray and dull, but there’s enough public art in Cleveland to brighten even the darkest day. Want to see the very loveliest art in The Land? Start by visiting these local landmarks:
- Free Stamp
Erik Drost/Flickr Love it or hate it, the Cleveland Free Stamp has an interesting history. It was originally meant to be displayed near the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument and, if you look closely, you’ll see that its design actually mimics the shape of the monument’s spire. It was meant to be displayed near the BP America Building… but management despised it, so it was eventually donated to Cleveland.
- Art at the Cleveland Mall
Google Maps The Cleveland Mall isn’t a shopping center – it’s a long outdoor park that was born in the midst of the American City Beautiful Movement of the early 1900s. Since its inception, this park has been the site of many public art installations. Today, it features large reflective towers that mimic skyscrapers, miniaturizing the essence of Cleveland. In the past, this plot of land has included pop-up art displays and the Hanna Fountains.
- Fountain of Eternal Life
Erik Drost/Flickr The aforementioned Cleveland Mall is divided into several squares. Mall A, its southernmost portion, includes the Fountain of Eternal Life. This iconic Cleveland landmark was designed by Marshall Fredericks and was dedicated in 1964. The 35-foot statue at its center represents man overcoming and rising above the flames of war.
- Edgewater Hill Blue Birds
LAND studio/Facebook Cleveland’s Detroit Shoreway neighborhood is truly a diamond in the rough. Many are still discovering what the neighborhood has to offer, so some are surprised when they wander into the Edgewater Hill section. It features 35 blue bird statues, which were installed by LAND Studio and a number of community organizations as a nod to the neighborhood’s location along migrating bird’s Atlantic Flyway.
- The Eastman Reading Garden Bronze Statues
Tim Evanson/Flickr This outdoor oasis beside the Cleveland Public Library is incredible in so many ways. It features several pieces of intriguing art, including a series of statues by Tom Otterness. These playful little guys can be spotted throughout the garden, enjoying the Cleveland weather and reading books.
- GE Chandelier
Erik Drost/Flickr Playhouse Square has long been regarded as one of Cleveland’s most glamorous districts, but it now includes a ginormous outdoor chandelier. In fact, it’s said to be the largest in the world. This 20-foot-tall icon was designed to be able to handle the weight of winter snow and the relentless temperatures that come with life in Northeast Ohio.
- Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument
Erik Drost/Flickr The Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument was designed by Levi Scofield, a prominent local architect, and opened to the public on Independence Day in 1894. Since then, it has remained an intriguing local landmark. It reminds locals of the influence of the Civil War in Ohio, which was supported by some 9,000 soldiers from Cuyahoga County.
- Turbine in the Superior Arts District
Google Maps Hiding in front of the Tower Press Building is what appears to be a gazebo at first glance. However, it’s a statue designed by Stephen Manka that will make you feel like you’re above the clouds. When you look up at its “roof,” you’ll find yourself staring into an incredible designed piece seemingly inspired by a turbine engine.
- Gordon Square Paddle Ball
Google Maps If you’re driving through the Gordon Square area and have to do a double-take, you are not alone. At nearly 14 feet tall and 7 feet wide, the gigantic paddle ball is certainly eye-catching. It was designed by three local artists in celebration of a local attempt to break the Guinness Book World Record for most people paddle balling at once.
- The Fine Arts Garden
Erik Drost/Flickr No matter the season, the shores of Wade Lagoon are always enchanting. This dreamy lake is at the heart of the University Circle neighborhood, right on the campus of the Cleveland Arts Museum. Along its expanse, visitors are often surprised to find sculptures. They are part of the Fine Arts Garden, which was formally dedicated in 1928.
- They Have Landed
Google Maps If you ever find yourself at the W. 25 Ohio City Rapid Station, you’re likely mesmerized by local architecture. So much so, in fact, that you may overlook an unusual sphere near the station. It was designed by Cleveland artist Loren Naji and was installed in 2011. At 3,000 pounds and eight feet wide, it’s a remarkable structure that’s both unexpected and impressive. It is actually a time capsule waiting to be opened on September 23, 2050.
- The Buckeye Trumpet Man and Dog Pocket Park
Google Maps Cleveland may be the home of rock and roll, but it’s also (apparently) home to one giant, jazzy gentleman (say that five times fast). This interesting 16-foot-tall statue turned a former parking lot into an incredible pocket park plaza that hosts the annual Buckeye Jazz Festival.
There’s an impressive collection of public art in Cleveland, but the above destinations are some of our most iconic. Which is your favorite?
Erik Drost/Flickr
Love it or hate it, the Cleveland Free Stamp has an interesting history. It was originally meant to be displayed near the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument and, if you look closely, you’ll see that its design actually mimics the shape of the monument’s spire. It was meant to be displayed near the BP America Building… but management despised it, so it was eventually donated to Cleveland.
Google Maps
The Cleveland Mall isn’t a shopping center – it’s a long outdoor park that was born in the midst of the American City Beautiful Movement of the early 1900s. Since its inception, this park has been the site of many public art installations. Today, it features large reflective towers that mimic skyscrapers, miniaturizing the essence of Cleveland. In the past, this plot of land has included pop-up art displays and the Hanna Fountains.
The aforementioned Cleveland Mall is divided into several squares. Mall A, its southernmost portion, includes the Fountain of Eternal Life. This iconic Cleveland landmark was designed by Marshall Fredericks and was dedicated in 1964. The 35-foot statue at its center represents man overcoming and rising above the flames of war.
LAND studio/Facebook
Cleveland’s Detroit Shoreway neighborhood is truly a diamond in the rough. Many are still discovering what the neighborhood has to offer, so some are surprised when they wander into the Edgewater Hill section. It features 35 blue bird statues, which were installed by LAND Studio and a number of community organizations as a nod to the neighborhood’s location along migrating bird’s Atlantic Flyway.
Tim Evanson/Flickr
This outdoor oasis beside the Cleveland Public Library is incredible in so many ways. It features several pieces of intriguing art, including a series of statues by Tom Otterness. These playful little guys can be spotted throughout the garden, enjoying the Cleveland weather and reading books.
Playhouse Square has long been regarded as one of Cleveland’s most glamorous districts, but it now includes a ginormous outdoor chandelier. In fact, it’s said to be the largest in the world. This 20-foot-tall icon was designed to be able to handle the weight of winter snow and the relentless temperatures that come with life in Northeast Ohio.
The Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument was designed by Levi Scofield, a prominent local architect, and opened to the public on Independence Day in 1894. Since then, it has remained an intriguing local landmark. It reminds locals of the influence of the Civil War in Ohio, which was supported by some 9,000 soldiers from Cuyahoga County.
Hiding in front of the Tower Press Building is what appears to be a gazebo at first glance. However, it’s a statue designed by Stephen Manka that will make you feel like you’re above the clouds. When you look up at its “roof,” you’ll find yourself staring into an incredible designed piece seemingly inspired by a turbine engine.
If you’re driving through the Gordon Square area and have to do a double-take, you are not alone. At nearly 14 feet tall and 7 feet wide, the gigantic paddle ball is certainly eye-catching. It was designed by three local artists in celebration of a local attempt to break the Guinness Book World Record for most people paddle balling at once.
No matter the season, the shores of Wade Lagoon are always enchanting. This dreamy lake is at the heart of the University Circle neighborhood, right on the campus of the Cleveland Arts Museum. Along its expanse, visitors are often surprised to find sculptures. They are part of the Fine Arts Garden, which was formally dedicated in 1928.
If you ever find yourself at the W. 25 Ohio City Rapid Station, you’re likely mesmerized by local architecture. So much so, in fact, that you may overlook an unusual sphere near the station. It was designed by Cleveland artist Loren Naji and was installed in 2011. At 3,000 pounds and eight feet wide, it’s a remarkable structure that’s both unexpected and impressive. It is actually a time capsule waiting to be opened on September 23, 2050.
Cleveland may be the home of rock and roll, but it’s also (apparently) home to one giant, jazzy gentleman (say that five times fast). This interesting 16-foot-tall statue turned a former parking lot into an incredible pocket park plaza that hosts the annual Buckeye Jazz Festival.
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Address: Free Stamp, 601 Lakeside Ave E, Cleveland, OH 44114, USAAddress: 601 Lakeside Ave E, Cleveland, OH 44114, USAAddress: Fountain Of Eternal Life, 120 Public Square, Cleveland, OH 44113, USAAddress: Edgewater Hill, Cleveland, OH 44102, USAAddress: Cleveland Public Library, 325 Superior Ave, Cleveland, OH 44114, USAAddress: Playhouse Square, 1501 Euclid Ave #200, Cleveland, OH 44115, USAAddress: Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument, 3 Public Square, Cleveland, OH 44114, USAAddress: 1900 Superior Ave, Cleveland, OH 44114, USAAddress: 7500 Detroit Ave, Cleveland, OH 44102, USAAddress: Wade Lagoon, Cleveland, OH 44106, USAAddress: 2350 Lorain Ave, Cleveland, OH 44113, USAAddress: 2851 E 118th St, Cleveland, OH 44120, USA
