Take A Scavenger Hunt And Find These 12 One-Of-A-Kind Pieces Of Public Art In Cleveland
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Nikki Rhoades
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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:
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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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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.
There’s an impressive collection of public art in Cleveland, but the above destinations are some of our most iconic. Which is your favorite?
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Featured Addresses
Free Stamp, 601 Lakeside Ave E, Cleveland, OH 44114, USA
601 Lakeside Ave E, Cleveland, OH 44114, USA
Fountain Of Eternal Life, 120 Public Square, Cleveland, OH 44113, USA
Edgewater Hill, Cleveland, OH 44102, USA
Cleveland Public Library, 325 Superior Ave, Cleveland, OH 44114, USA
Playhouse Square, 1501 Euclid Ave #200, Cleveland, OH 44115, USA
Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument, 3 Public Square, Cleveland, OH 44114, USA
1900 Superior Ave, Cleveland, OH 44114, USA
7500 Detroit Ave, Cleveland, OH 44102, USA
Wade Lagoon, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
2350 Lorain Ave, Cleveland, OH 44113, USA
2851 E 118th St, Cleveland, OH 44120, USA