Cleveland photo opportunities Downtown Cleveland

Great Lakes Science Center: Located in the North Coast Harbor between FirstEnergy Stadium and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the Great Lakes Science Center has plenty of visuals capturing Cleveland’s strengths in the maker movement (tinker away), energy (check out the wind turbine), and biomedical technology (check out the robotic prosthetic arm). With breathtaking views of Lake Erie on one side and the Cleveland skyline on the other, the Great Lakes Science Center offers a real appreciation of the assets of a waterfront city. For interior visuals, contact Joe Yachanin at 216.696.3644.

Flats East Bank: The redeveloped waterfront complex visually tells the story of downtown Cleveland’s transformation into a place where people work, live and play, exploiting the assets of the Cuyahoga River and Lake Erie, with restaurants, entertainment, recreation, a 1,200 foot boardwalk and unbeatable views. *Public access shot

Merwin’s Wharf: Cleveland’s most natural asset is the water, and the city’s renaissance involves using the waterfront as an economic engine. To get more people to “touch the water” Cleveland Metroparks opened Merwin’s Wharf, where freighters entertain diners (continuing the tradition of one of the Flats’ earliest tavern owners, Noble Merwin). For interior visuals, contact Brian Zimmerman at 216.780.9553.

Heinen’s Fine Foods: Heinen’s Grocery Store is the first full-service supermarket in Cleveland’s central business district. But much more than an urban grocer, it’s a symbol of downtown’s renewal, and fast becoming a place to meet, greet and eat for those who work, live and play in Cleveland. A century ago, it was a center of commerce. Now it’s a dining destination. With its Tiffany-style stained glass dome atop a 60-foot high rotunda, the Cleveland Trust Bank building is on the National Register of Historic Places. For interior visuals, contact Kathryn Falls at 216.475.2300, ext. 2278.

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame tracks the evolution of this musical and cultural phenomenon through more than 50 exhibits, including the new “Louder Than Words: Rock, Power and Politics” exhibit. The legacy embodied in the anthem “Cleveland Rocks!” lives on in the words “Long Live Rock” carved into the stone front plaza of the Rock Hall. For interior visuals, contact Shauna Wilson at 216.515.1215.

Sports: Cleveland is home to three professional sports teams – the Cleveland Indians (MLB), Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA) and the Cleveland Browns (NFL). All three sports facilities, Progressive Field, Quicken Loans Arena and FirstEnergy stadium are easily accessible and conveniently located in Downtown Cleveland.

JACK Cleveland Casino: The casino is housed in the former Higbee Department Store located in downtown Cleveland, a mainstay for generations of Clevelanders from the 1930s through the 1980s. In fact, out-of-towners might recognize the building from the 1983 movie, “A Christmas Story.” Opened in 2012, the casino brought the gaming industry to Ohio, along with a 24/7 lifestyle to the city center. For interior visuals, contact Shannon Mortland at 216.339.7291.

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East Fourth Street: This narrow brick street is the perfect visual display of the relaxed lifestyle that has attracted new residents and visitors to downtown Cleveland. It’s walkable and packed with upscale eateries and entertainment, including the House of Blues and award-winning restaurants like Chef Michael Symon’s Lola and Mabel’s BBQ and Jonathon Sawyer’s The Greenhouse Tavern and Noodlecat. A popular location before and after big games in Cleveland. *Public access shot Playhouse Square: Playhouse Square is the largest performing arts center outside of New York City and consists of a collection of 10 performance spaces, including five theaters restored to their original 1920s elegance. Playhouse Square is also the world’s largest theater restoration project. For interior visuals, contact Cindi Szymanski at 216.640.8860. World’s Largest Outdoor Chandelier: Visitors are welcomed to Playhouse Square by 20-foot-tall, 8,500 ton outdoor chandelier – the world’s largest – glittering with 4,200 crystals. *Public access shot

William G. Mather Steamship: This retired 1925 Great Lakes freighter is located between the Great Lakes Science Center and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Permanently anchored in Cleveland on Lake Erie, guests can tour this restored 618-foot historic flagship and view its huge cargo holds, pilot house, elegant guest quarters and four-story engine room. For interior visuals, contact Joe Yachanin at 216.696.3644.

Fountain of Eternal Life: Public art located in Downtown Cleveland, also known as the War Memorial Fountain and Peace Arising from the Flames of War, paying tribute to Greater Clevelanders who served, died or were declared missing in military service. The centerpiece is a 35-foot bronze figure representing man escaping from the flames of war and reaching skyward for eternal peace. *Public access shot

Public Square: The heart of Downtown Cleveland has undergone a $50 million “transplant,” adding to the walkability and pedestrian-friendliness of Public Square. The renovated area provides public space for concerts, movies, farmers markets and other events. The redesign includes restaurant-bar Rebol, a splash zone during the summer and an ice rink during the winter. *Public access shot

The Arcade: Located in the Gateway District in Downtown Cleveland, The Arcade was considered one of the first indoor shopping malls. The stunning architecture of the building provides a look at a Victorian-era structure that was built in 1890. For interior visuals, contact Joe Angela Flood at 216.776.4441..

Free Stamp: For a unique visual in Downtown Cleveland, look no further than the Free Stamp in Willard Park. This piece of Public art is the “world’s largest rubber stamp.” *Public access shot Cleveland sign at North Coast Harbor: The script Cleveland sign at North Coast Harbor provides the perfect visual of Cleveland’s skyline, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Great Lakes Science Center in one shot. *Public access shot

TourismOhio 360°Virtual Reality Experience: Located near Quicken Loans Arena, the TourismOhio Virtual Reality Bus will offer a personal Ohio adventure for participants with a wide range of interests. The 360°Virtual Reality Experience features 16 videos including, a ride on Cedar Point’s Millennium Force, zip lining and hiking in Hocking Hills and parasailing over Lake Erie.

Neighborhoods

University Circle Cleveland Museum of Art: The 100-year-old Cleveland Museum of Art has embraced the digital age with its tech-forward Gallery One, which contains the Collection Wall that displays all of the art in the museum, as well as the “interactive, touch-screen “lenses” that give visitors the chance to “paint” and “sculpt.” For interior visuals, contact Caroline Guscott at 216.707.2261.

Cleveland Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA): For a visual of Cleveland’s growing neighborhoods and arts and culture scene, the Cleveland Museum of Contemporary Art is a unique structure in the Uptown area of University Circle. The four-story building rises 60 feet from a hexagonal base to a square top and is clad primarily in mirror-finish black stainless steel – reflecting its urban surroundings and changing in appearance with differences in light and weather. For interior visuals, contact Peter Vertes at 216.658.6913. Severance Hall: The home of the Cleveland Orchestra, was built 85 years ago by John Severance to honor his late wife. Known as one of the most beautiful concert halls in the world, the building received the Honor Award by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. For interior visuals, contact Kathy Pahr at 440.478.4207.

Western Reserve Historical Society: Located at the Western Reserve Historical Society is the restored Grand Carousel from the former Euclid Beach amusement park. Guests can take a ride on the fully functioning carousel. For interior visuals, contact Lauren Welch at 216.721.5722 ext. 1407. Cleveland Cultural Gardens: The Cleveland Cultural Gardens are unique in the world, providing a visual of the ethnic melting pot that comprises the city of Cleveland. The gardens span over 254 acres in the University Circle neighborhood featuring 29 ethnicities/nationalities, with 8 more in development, reflecting the history of Cleveland as a melting pot of 120 distinct ethnic groups. For visuals, contact Sheila Crawford at 440.668.5651.

Cleveland Museum of Natural History: Visuals include the famous fossil “Lucy” (pictured left) – a 3.2 million-year-old early human; Cleveland icon “Steggie,” the sculpture of a Stegosaurus dinosaur that has served as the museum unofficial greeter for nearly 50 years; the Shafran Planetarium and Mammoth and Mastodon Sculptures Wall, including members related to the modern elephant – the symbol of the Republican Party. For interior visuals, contact Glenda Bodnar at 216.231.2071

Ohio City West Side Market: Built in 1912, the West Side Market is one of the largest indoor/outdoor markets in the country. This marketplace provides great visuals of Cleveland’s Ohio City neighborhood and food scene. It was once where turn-of-the-century immigrants found their native foods and spices. Today, it features more than 100 booths with the freshest selection of fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy, produce, baked goods, ethnic foods and international delicacies. For interior visuals, contact the Manager’s Office at 216.664.3387.

Ohio City Farm: One of the largest contiguous urban farms in the U.S., the USDA says this public-private partnership sets a standard for revitalizing neighborhoods by repurposing underutilized land, fostering local food production and consumption, improving nutrition and increasing access to health food. It also serves as a welcome center for the newest immigrants to Cleveland, helping refugees get settled and get jobs. For visuals, contact Darren Hamm at 216.533.3878 or Destinee Henton at 216.781.3222.

Mitchell’s Production Facility and Ice Cream Parlor: Mitchell’s Ice Cream bought a building in the Ohio City neighborhood that was once a vaudeville showplace, then a dance club popular with drug dealers, and turned it into an ice cream factory and parlor that is helping to revitalize one of the hottest urban neighborhoods in Cleveland. New politically-themed treats include You’re Fired with passionfruit and jalapeno; The Gipper with red raspberry topping over vanilla ice cream and Jelly Bellies on the side; Elephant Tracks’ big tent appeal includes chocolate and peanuts. For interior visuals, contact Mike Mitchell at 440.570.1654.

Craft beer economy: Cleveland makes the top ten lists of best beer cities because of the craft beers, microbrewers and beer enthusiasts driving the growth of new pubs and entertainment venues. Forbes magazine calls it “economic development through beer.” From the first craft brewery in Ohio, Great Lakes Brewing Company, to the new generation of brewers, there’s a concentration of brewing and tasting and enjoying in Ohio City and other urban neighborhoods. For interior visuals at Great Lakes Brewing Co., contact Marissa DeSantis at 216.325.0226. For interior visuals at Market Garden Brewery, contact Sam McNulty at 216.650.3583. For interior visuals at Platform Beer Co., contact Paul Benner at 440.539.3245.

Tremont Sokolowski’s University Inn: Cleveland’s Eastern European roots are on full display at restaurants like Sokolowski’s University Inn. The James Beard award-winning restaurant is the oldest family owned-and-operated restaurant in Cleveland and is known for its Polish dishes—especially the pierogis. For interior visuals, contact Mary Sokolowski at 216.771.9236

“A Christmas Story” House: Relive "A Christmas Story" at Ralphie's actual house used in the film. Visitors can see Ralphie and Randy’s house restored to its big screen look with props like the “fra-gee-lay” leg lamp and the iconic Red Ryder BB gun. For interior visuals, contact Angela Dickerson at 216.485.2320 ext. 1011

Detroit Shoreway Gordon Square: The reopening of the iconic Capitol Theatre (a 1920s movie palace shuttered for 25 years) as part of a $30 million capital campaign in streetscape beautification spawned a neighborhood revival, with more than 80 new businesses and a half-billion dollars of private investment underway. It’s a model example of creative placemaking that leverages a community's assets (including vibrant arts and culture) to spur economic development and it has created one of Cleveland’s hottest neighborhoods. For visuals, contact Carrie Carpenter at 216.961.4242 ext. 239.

Happy Dog: Happy Dog, a staple in the Detroit-Shoreway neighborhood, serves gourmet hot dogs with a menu of more than 50 toppings including Froot Loops, Spaghetti-Os and fried eggs. Polka Happy Hour is a “must-do” while at Happy Dog. For interior visuals, call 216.651.9474.

Edgewater Park: Located in the Lakefront Reservation of the Cleveland Metroparks, Edgewater Park features two beaches and magnificent views of Downtown Cleveland within its 6,000 feet of shoreline. Visitors can also stop by for a photo opp by the new Cleveland script sign. *Public access shot

Midtown Pierre’s Ice Cream Freezer: For more than 80 years, Pierre’s Ice Cream has staked its claim in Cleveland history and linked its successful products with other iconic Cleveland “brands.” There’s Sundae at the Museum honoring the Cleveland Museum of Art’s centennial; Emerald Necklace Ice Cream (of course with mint!) with sales supporting the Metroparks Trails Fund; and Croppy Road is made especially for one of Cleveland’s culinary destinations, Crop restaurants. Pierre’s Ice Cream has grown from a two-story factory to a multi-million dollar production and distribution center in the MidTown Corridor, breathing new life into an area once filled with vacant lots and empty buildings and now part of the burgeoning Health-Tech Corridor. For interior visuals, contact Laura Hindulak at 216.432.1144.

Cleveland’s Economic Resurgence

Medical Capital: The Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals are not just Cleveland’s largest employers, they are the reason behind the city’s reputation as a “medical capital” where researchers push forward the boundaries of medicine, new treatments and techniques are pioneered, and patients come from all over the world seeking help and hope. In labs, stem cells are grown to treat disease. In imaging centers, the intricate anatomy and functions of the body are unveiled. In surgical suites, robotic arms allow surgeons to do more minimally invasive procedures. A surgical “theater” where 3-D virtual reality simulators deliver the most advanced training possible (pictured left). There’s even a high-tech

surgical bed designed to fit the tiniest of newborns. For interior visuals of the Cleveland Clinic, contact Janice Guhl Hammer at 216.445.7452. For interior visuals of University Hospitals, contact Alicia Reale Cooney at 216.844.5158.

Workforce of the Future: A network of public and private organizations, non-profits and educational institutions are revamping the system of workforce training to ensure that the talent supply chain can meet the needs of the new economy, including advanced manufacturing, 3D printing (pictured left at Cuyahoga Community College), information technology, and health care. For visuals at Cuyahoga Community College, contact William Gary at 571.481.6438.

Port of Cleveland: Cleveland’s port has an industrial heritage that extends back to 1825. The activity on the Port captures the vitality of the city’s economy. In 2014, the Port initiated the Great Lakes’ only direct, scheduled service to Europe linking Cleveland to Antwerp, and international business is growing rapidly. For visuals, contact Jade Davis at 216.377.1366.

Symbols of the GOP Lake View Cemetery: Visitors can walk through the tomb of President James A. Garfield and see stunning views of Downtown Cleveland. For interior visuals, contact Kathy Goss at 216.453.0975.

Statue of Abraham Lincoln: Since the GOP is the party of Lincoln, visitors should go see his statue located outside of the new Drury Plaza hotel in Downtown Cleveland. *Public access shot

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo: The iconic symbol of the Republic Party is one of the most popular exhibits at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo—millions of visitors have voted with their feet since the new habitat was unveiled 5 years ago. Nationally recognized for education and design, the African Elephant Crossing is one of the most innovative elephant zoo exhibits in the country. By popular vote, it’s among the top 10 Best Zoo Exhibits in the nation, according to a 2016 USA Today Readers’ Choice poll. For visuals, contact Rick Haase at 216.635.3338.

Duck Tape Sculptures: While the RNC is in town, voting will take place at patriotic events featuring larger-than-life patriotic Duck Tape® sculptures at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo (July 18) and downtown at W. 6th Street and W. St. Clair Avenue during the week of the convention. *Public access shot

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