Travel Adventures: Intriguing Stuff to See the Next Time You're in Cleveland, Ohio
Cleveland Cultural Gardens - Stop #2
Another gem in Northeastern Ohio is the Cleveland Cultural Gardens which wind their way throughout Rockefeller Park. The park, opened in 1897 and named for philanthropist and oil magnate John D. Rockefeller, runs in a northwesterly path between suburban Shaker Heights, bisecting the University Circle neighborhood and terminating at Gordon Park on the city's lakefront.
There are 33 individual gardens designed and cultivated by various cultural or nationality groups. They are listed on the National Register of Historic Places and extend approximately 1.5 miles along Martin Luther King, Jr. and East Blvds. Therefore a complete walking tour would be about three miles.
Among those showcased are Italian poet Dante Aligheri, the Chinese philosopher Confucius, and Serbian inventor Nikola Tesla. Many better and lesser-known poets, scientists, composers, peacemakers, and anyone who contributed to world culture are featured in the gardens.
There are also tributes or replicas of sacred monuments from other countries, such as this replica of Ernst Rietschel’s Goethe-Schiller monument in the German garden.
More views…
The gardens, available for private events, have become a popular spot for local couples to exchange wedding vows.
Centennial Peace Plaza
The Plaza is a 300-seat amphitheater that was dedicated in 2020. The stage floor has a map of the world and a circular surrounding wall. A large pedestal at the entryway (see close-up photo above) with a medallion that features the mission statement: “Peace through mutual understanding.”
The Peace Plaza, designed for outdoor events, hosts multicultural music, dance, spoken word, and theater performances. One of the oldest events is One World Day, held yearly since 1946. This special celebration encourages guests to visit the various gardens where food, drink, education, and entertainment exclusive to that culture are available.
Due to the rainy weather, we could only visit a few gardens. However, I plan to return next summer for a more in-depth tour.
With all of the hate and divisiveness in our modern world, the essence of these gardens seemed especially meaningful. Do visit if you’re in the area; you won’t be disappointed!
I’m hoping to get back to a regular Tuesday schedule. Things have been busy with extra appointments, and (unfortunately) they aren’t with a masseuse or nail tech. My latest ‘adventure’ was a PET scan, which I’ll write about soon!
I’m spending time over Thanksgiving with family in Florida. I plan to post the third installment of Cleveland’s Intriguing Places next week but am taking the week of Thanksgiving off. If you’re celebrating this holiday, I wish you a blessed one. If not, I wish you whatever blessings you need right now.
In keeping with the spirit of love and unity, which the Cleveland Cultural Gardens promote, please listen to The Weight (music video below.) This song, written by Robbie Robertson of The Band, was released in 1968. It’s a beautiful reminder of our shared humanity, connects us in our individual struggles, and teaches us to be kind to one another. Lessons like these remind us that we are one human race, connected through music and very much alike in our hardships.