The World’s Largest Outdoor Chandelier Is Right Here In Cleveland And You’ll Want To Visit
By Nikki Rhoades|Published June 19, 2017
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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 full of many unusual features that delight the eye, from a giant rubber stamp to the pyramid-like structure of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. But, just a few years ago, new life was breathed into the city as different districts began simultaneously making improvements to their streets. The Playhouse Square area did so with a flair for the dramatic, and the end result is a world record and an unusual destination you absolutely must visit.
Playhouse Square has been entertaining Clevelanders for decades.
To celebrate the spectacular interior beauty of the Playhouse Square theatres, the neighborhood designed and constructed a giant outdoor chandelier that captivates all of its passersby.
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The 20-foot tall chandelier hangs above the intersection of E. 14th Street and Euclid Avenue.
4,200 crystals glimmer and gleam in the Cleveland nightlife, reflecting the colors of the neighborhood's retro signage. In the past several years, the Downtown Cleveland area has been undergoing restoration and revitalization, and this giant chandelier certainly reflects the artistic atmosphere that Cleveland has wholeheartedly embraced.
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The giant centerpiece was designed by General Electric to withstand the unpredictable Cleveland weather.
The chandelier is suspended 44 feet above the streets via a crazy strong steel support system, and for the last several years it has remained largely unaffected by our winters.
Its designers actually subjected the materials to freeze and thaw tests to ensure that it can withstand aggressive Lake Erie winters. Turns out, the crystal can withstand up to two inches of ice!
The elegant structure weighs in at a whopping 8,500 pounds.
However, the chandelier is built to withstand up to 32,000 pounds of added weight, which may come from ice or snow. This strength is in part due to the stretching steel and aluminum arms that stem from the chandelier, and filigree dances and curls along the metal to entertain the eye with vintage-inspired glamour.
The chandelier provides both personality and a very impressive title to the Playhouse Square area.
The chandelier actually boasts the title of largest permanent outdoor chandelier in the world, a title awarded by Guinness World Records. Since its unveiling, enchanted Clevelanders have flocked downtown to stroll under its delicately cascading crystals.
The chandelier stands waiting with open arms to welcome and engulf you in the uniquely-Cleveland atmosphere of one of the most impressive theater districts in the United States.
It certainly adds pizzazz to the streets of Cleveland while simultaneously enhancing the outdoor experience that its streets provide. While Cleveland natives often try to avoid the congested downtown area due to traffic, it is certainly worth a trip to this funky historic district. During summer, the streets are particularly lively, thanks in part to adorable floral displays.
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And, yes, it's still as spectacular today as when it was unveiled in 2014.
It casts a particularly enchanting light over the revitalized art district thanks to 70 General Electric LED Infusion Modules, which glow and glimmer like brilliant jewels. It truly is a gem, and has quickly found its place in Cleveland history, and in the hearts of its residents.
With crystalline beauty and old-school glamour, this giant outdoor chandelier fits right into the atmosphere of our beloved theater district. Have you visited this local landmark? Tell us what you think of this local landmark, and then check out our list of other cool Cleveland destinations to start planning a summer day trip.
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