Cleveland Public Art Tour: Exploring Downtown Masterpieces
5.0
9 Ratings
Cleveland
Discover the vibrant public art scene in downtown Cleveland on this engaging tour. Explore iconic sculptures, historical statues, and hidden gems while learning about the artists and their connections to the city.
Duration:
2 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
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Public Square - We will begin with the statue of Mayor Tom Johnson learning about Mayor Johnson, his importance to Cleveland and the artist of the statue.
We then head toward the Cuyahoga County Courthouse, checking out of works like Portal by Isamu Noguchi along our path. -
Cuyahoga County Courthouse - We will enter the Courthouse (when open to the public). Government issued IDs and the passing through a metal detector are required to enter the building.
We will look at the works inside and outside the building, including murals, a magnificent stained glass window and statues of Jefferson and Hamilton. - Fort Huntington Park - We will visit the statues of Jesse Owens, Gold Medal Olympian and Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, the Hero of Lake Erie during the War of 1812 and discuss their connections to Cleveland.
- Free Stamp - The Free Stamp is always a favorite photo op of Clevelanders and visitors alike. This giant rubber stamp is not where it was originally intended to go nor displayed as it was originally intended.
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Downtown - As we explore downtown we to visit a famous mural from 1969, Life Is Sharing the Same Park Bench, our famous Rock Boxes that line E. 9th St. as well as other sculptures, statues.
We will also see art outside the Federal Reserve of Cleveland, the Cleveland Public Library and the Federal Building, returning back to Public Square .
What's Included
- All fees and taxes included
Additional Information
This excursion puts a spotlight on various types of public art located in and close to the Civic Center in the heart of Cleveland. The itinerary doesn’t just involve visiting the artworks but also understanding the artists, their Cleveland-based connections, the individuals portrayed through the art, and their association with Cleveland.
You’ll come across modern sculptures such as the Free Stamp by Claes Oldenburg, Portal by Isamu Noguchi, Sky Blossoms by Stacy Levy, statues of renowned historical personalities like Jesse Owens, Commodore Perry, and Mayor Tom Johnson, and several spectacular artworks that might be new to your eyes.
Location
116 Rockwell Ave
Rockwell Avenue
We meet at the Statue of Mayor Tom Johnson (man sitting in a chair) on the northside of Public Square. The statue is across the street from the Old Stone Church , the only church on Public Square.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(9 Ratings)
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Lulubird487
Oct 4, 2023
Don't think twice--you won't be disappointed! - This is the second tour we have been on (the first one being the downtown walking tour last year) and we were again very happy to learn about so many of the buildings and art installations. Some statues are almost hidden so you wouldn't see them driving by. Scott has a wealth of knowledge and has done so much research into history and provides even the smallest details on some of the statues.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Museum121
Aug 9, 2023
Tours of Cleveland curates wonderful walking tours in an amazing city! - Thank you, Scott, for weaving together the art, artists, and locations in this thoughtfully curated walking tour. What a great summer day in CLE! and what a wonderful way to be a tourist in my hometown. I am looking forward to learning more about this amazing city on future Tours of Cleveland... and thank you for getting me outside / outside the art museum to see public art!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
U2140jususanm
Aug 9, 2023
Tells you much of what you need to know about Cleveland - This tour delivered and did much more. Although it was through the lens of the art and architecture of the downtown, we got a wonderful description of the city and its history. The guide was so well prepared and knowledgeable about so many different aspects. He was willing to answer sos many questions but kept on task and we saw a lot! if you do only thing, do this!
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Z4678lslaurier
Jul 28, 2023
Really enjoyed this public art tour! - My daughter and I really enjoyed our Downtown Public Art Walking Tour. It was a well-curated mix of historic and contemporary artwork that taught us about both Cleveland and art history. Fun to learn about pieces that you have passed many times and never stopped to fully consider. Nice pace, with scheduled comfort and water breaks. We are hoping to be able to do a Halloween tour later this year!
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Onair403971
May 6, 2023
Cleveland's Public Art Tells its History and Reveals its Soul - Scott of Tours of Cleveland gave us a wonderful and enlightening tour of Cleveland's downtown public art while weaving in the historical context of the art and the artists. He was patient with our questions and thorough in his responses. Scott also gave us other tips on things to do and places to see while in Cleveland, including Lakeview Cemetery, which was beautiful and poignant beyond words.
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Lynnc44133
Aug 15, 2022
Don’t miss ! - The tour was a wonderful. The guide was very personable and knowledgeable. This is the second tour we have done and we will do more.
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Laughlinhall
Aug 13, 2022
Informative Tour of Downtown Cleveland… or rather Cleaveland - Solid tour; engaging, personalized and informative. Scott was our tour guide- well prepared, with photos and facts. Our two hour tour blew by! Loved every minute of it!!
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Sandy
Jul 11, 2022
Summer Art tour - Four art teachers decided to do the public art walking tour as a summer activity. Scott was well informed and showed us a good variety of work. Would definitely recommend even for folks not as involved in the arts.
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Teea415
May 18, 2022
Must do for tourists AND locals - Fantastic tour. Scott is very knowledgeable about local history and really loves what he does. So many incredible works of art that people don't notice or take for granted. The changes over time from "statues by white men" to more diverse art is also quite interesting.
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