Superman has officially found a new home in the heart of his birthplace, Cleveland. The Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland now houses an impressive statue of the iconic superhero, complete with the newly christened Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster Tribute Plaza. The dedication ceremony saw a mix of county officials, comic book enthusiasts, and local residents joining together to celebrate this monumental occasion.
The tribute plaza features an imposing 18-foot-tall stainless-steel statue of Superman, which has been designed to watch over Cleveland perpetually. Joining the Man of Steel are bronze statues of his creators, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, as well as Joanne Siegel, the original inspiration for Lois Lane. Nationally acclaimed sculptor David Deming was the artistic force behind the creation, aiming to pay homage to the teenage duo who irrevocably altered the fabric of popular culture with their 1930s creation. According to a statement from Cuyahoga County, "The Superman statue and the Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster Tribute Plaza honor two creative minds and celebrate Cleveland’s legacy of imagination, resilience, and hope."
Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne conveyed the deeper significance of Superman's story to the local community. "Superman was born in Cuyahoga County, and his story reflects our own: ordinary people doing extraordinary things to make the world better. This plaza is a point of pride for our community, serving as a gathering place for families, fans, and future heroes to be inspired by the possibilities that lie ahead," Ronayne told Cuyahoga County News.
County Councilman Pernel Jones, Jr., an avid comic book collector himself, played a key role in realizing this project. "Our community has wanted to commemorate the Man of Steel for many years now. When there were issues identifying a space for this tribute, I was proud to help facilitate conversations that led to the creation of the Superman Plaza at the County-owned Convention Center," Jones, Jr. eloquently expressed his contribution, as detailed by Cuyahoga County News. "This is where Superman belongs: at the center of the city where he was created. This statue is a reminder to every person who walks by that greatness can begin anywhere, ESPECIALLY in Cleveland."
Visitors to the convention center will now be greeted by this symbol of Cleveland's industrious spirit and creativity. “We’re thrilled to welcome Superman to the Convention Center. Every guest who visits us will now see a piece of Cleveland’s history and a reminder that this city helped launch a global icon,” said Tim Meyer, executive director of the Cuyahoga County Convention Facilities Development Corporation, as quoted by Cuyahoga County News. Moreover, the local Siegel & Shuster Society has expressed its pride in the realization of a long-cherished goal. Society president and cousin to Siegel, Gary Kaplan, stated, “This project has been years in the making. Jerry and Joe gave the world a hero, and now Cleveland has given them a fitting tribute.”
Open to the public at Ontario Street and St. Clair Avenue, the Superman statue stands as an ever-present icon for not just comic book fans but for all who seek inspiration in the belief that from humble beginnings come great things. The residents and visitors of Cleveland are encouraged to capture a moment with Superman and take part in the city’s rich cultural narrative.
