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Public Art

Overview

The City of Lakewood’s Public Art program is dedicated to bridging communities and activating shared spaces through creative expression. Since 2016, the City has invested in public-private partnerships—including the signature “Spectacular Vernacular” initiative—to transform everyday infrastructure into vibrant landmarks.

From permanent murals and sculptural installations at fire stations to artistic vinyl wraps on transit shelters and traffic signal boxes, Lakewood’s public art enhances the city’s character, fosters social connection, and reinforces our commitment to a thriving creative economy. Managed with guidance from the Public Art Advisory Board, the program continues to incentivize community-driven design that makes Lakewood a more beautiful and engaging place to live, work, and visit.

Why Public Art?

Public Art has the ability to provide aesthetic beauty, to educate and inspire, to stimulate commerce and increase real estate values, to build better citizens and provide for cultural interpretation, to increase tourism and provide other benefits.

In addition, public art enhances our experience of a place and our quality of life; engenders a sense of pride and community identity; reaches audiences outside of museums, galleries, and theaters; adds beauty to everyday life; and declares the worth of a place and a time in our shared cultures.

If you have an idea for a permanent or programmatic installation, please contact the Department of Planning and Development at planning@lakewoodoh.gov.

Spectacular Vernacular Updates

Street signs showing the intersection of Thrush Ave. and Quail Ave.

Birds of Birdtown RFP Questions

See below for questions asked by potential applicants, with City responses: Q. Where will the sculptures be installed? Would it be on top of street

March 4, 2026

Public Art Photo Gallery