78th Street Studios stands as Northeast Ohio’s premier destination for art and design, a sprawling 170,000-square-foot complex brimming with art galleries, working artist studios, dynamic performance venues, and professional music recording facilities. While celebrated for its vibrant fine art scene, 78th Street Studios has evolved into a thriving incubator for diverse businesses spanning product design, independent publishing, music production, and unique special events. Best of all, the studio’s viewing hours are free and open to the public, inviting everyone to explore its creative energy.
Experience the Electric Atmosphere of THIRD FRIDAYS
Mark your calendars for THIRD FRIDAYS, a monthly art extravaganza held every third Friday from 5 pm to 9 pm. On these special evenings, over 60 distinct venues within 78th Street Studios simultaneously throw open their doors, creating an immersive multisensory art experience. Prepare to be captivated by compelling visual art exhibits, set to an ambient musical backdrop, and complemented by delicious local cuisine and unique pop-up vendors. Recognized as Cleveland’s Best Arts Event by Scene Magazine and a top pick in Best of Yelp Cleveland, THIRD FRIDAYS offers an unparalleled opportunity to engage with art in a vibrant and accessible way. Wander through four floors of architecturally diverse spaces and visually stimulating displays, transforming your visit into a retail adventure where you can connect directly with Cleveland’s working artists and producers. Discover and acquire authentic art pieces, handcrafted furniture, original music, and locally sourced cuisine, all created within this dynamic hub.
THIRD FRIDAYS began in the early 2000s as a humble quarterly gathering of pioneering gallerists and passionate art enthusiasts, initially attracting a few hundred visitors. By the close of 2013, this collaborative cultural event had expanded significantly, uniting over 80 gallerists, artists, and designers who collectively drew crowds of 1500 visitors to the building each month. Today, THIRD FRIDAYS has blossomed into a district-wide celebration, extending its reach to include special promotions and dining offers from the diverse restaurants, bars, and boutiques in the surrounding Gordon Square Arts District. Beyond its signature event, 78th Street Studios remains a year-round destination. Its distinctive industrial ambiance and versatile spaces are frequently available for rent, attracting corporations, organizations, and individuals seeking unique venues for private functions and events.
A Glimpse into the Past: Building History
Like many of Cleveland’s impressive warehouse structures, 78th Street Studios boasts a rich history stretching back to its construction in 1905. Originally built to house the Baker Electric Motor Vehicle Company, the building was a center for specialized automobile production catering to the burgeoning commercial market. As you explore the studios today, you can still find remnants of its industrial past, including original hardwood floors, robust metal track doors, and vintage freight elevators that once transported vehicles down to the loading docks for distribution until 1914. Later, through the 1980s, the building served as the creative heart of American Greetings’ Creative Studios, before the company consolidated its operations into a unified corporate headquarters in Brooklyn, OH.
