GPS City GuideClevelandPublic Auditorium

Stop 14 of 30 · Cleveland audio walking tour

Public Auditorium

civic center district of downtown Cleveland · 1922 · Grand Neoclassical Civic Auditorium

What you'll hear here: about 90 seconds of narration about Public Auditorium, and how it fits civic center district of downtown Cleveland, written to be listened to on the spot rather than read at home.

Dedicated on April 15, 1922, Public Auditorium rises in front of you, the multi‑purpose performing arts, entertainment, sports, and exposition facility at the heart of downtown Cleveland's civic center district. Planned and funded before World War I, construction did not begin until 1920; the cornerstone was laid October 20, 1920, and the completed building was dedicated April 15, 1922. Designed by city architect J. Harold McDowell and Frank Walker of Walker and Weeks in a neoclassical style that matches the other Group Plan buildings, it was the largest of its kind when it opened, then seating 11,500.

The complex houses two large performance spaces — the 10,000‑capacity Public Hall and the 2,800‑seat Music Hall — which share a common stage, plus the 603‑seat Little Theater and several conference and meeting rooms. The main arena floor measures 300 ft by 215 ft (91 m by 66 m). Local firm Smith & Oby was among those involved in creating what was, at the time, the largest convention hall in the United States.

Since 2024 Public Hall serves as the home arena to the Cleveland Charge of the NBA G League. Since 2024 the 10,000-seat Public Hall has served as home arena to the Cleveland Charge, right beneath this neoclassical façade you're facing.

Where it is

Coordinates
41.50406, -81.69402
Area
civic center district of downtown Cleveland
Era
1922 · Grand Neoclassical Civic Auditorium
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Three stops free. No account needed. The audio plays itself as you walk.