7 Cleveland Landmarks And Legacies That Got Their Start In The 1920s

The 1920s in Cleveland are often romanticized, just as the decade is admired all around the world. And it should be – it was an era of glamour, of art, social change, and economic stability… until 1929, that is. Here in the best location in the nation, construction was booming, and some of our loveliest buildings popped up and most impressive institutions were established during the era. Check it out:

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It may seem counterintuitive to dig into the history of a history museum, but the Cleveland Museum of Natural history has a story that's fascinating. It was founded in 1920, and it would go on to gather some impressive fossils and artifacts. Perhaps the most noteworthy fossils are those found in Greater Cleveland -- the Dunkleosteus terrella is the most famous.

Playhouse Square/Google Images

Playhouse Square has dazzled visitors since construction began in 1920. In fact, the bulk of its expanse was constructed in just under two years from start-to-finish! Time has provided this district an unusual riches-to-rags-to-riches tale. It started out overflowing with majesty, but it was eventually left to fall into disrepair and threatened by demolition. However, it has since enjoyed revitalization.

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The Cleveland Clinic is a name that's respected all around the world. It was established in 1921, officially opening its doors on February 28. It expanded fairly rapidly, though a chunk of its progress was surely halted by its infamous fire in 1929.

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When it opened its doors in 1929, the Cleveland Airport was the first municipality-owned airport in the nation. Now known as the Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, this once-quaint airport is now a respected establishment with a storied history. The 1920s brought the Cleveland Air Races and visits by Amelia Earhart (pictured), and the following decade brought innovation in the form of a ground-to-air radio control system and an air traffic control tower, both of which were the first of their kind.

Robert Linsey/Cleveland Union Terminal Collection Identifier: CUT3367

At 52 stories tall, the Terminal Tower is striking to this very day. Just imagine how gorgeous and remarkable it must have been when construction began in the 1920s. Believe it or not, this impressive marvel of architecture was originally planned to be just 14 stories tall.

Mark Souther/Flickr

Though it was founded in 1869, construction began on the oldest portion of the modern Cleveland Public Library building in 1923. Overflowing with gorgeous art deco elements and Depression-era art funded by the Federal Arts Project, the storied past of this incredible library comes to life in its very design.

stu_spivack/Wikimedia Commons

University Circle is overflowing with splendid architecture, but the design of the Maltz Performing Arts Center is one that's particularly humbling. It was built in 1924, striving to house a Reform Jewish congregation that was founded in 1850. However, it has since expanded its purpose and now serves as a performing arts center.

The 1920s were an interesting time to call Cleveland home, just as the 2020s will surely be. Which of these buildings and local legacies is your favorite?

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