Cleveland Trust Company Building, Cleveland (must see)
The Cleveland Trust Company Building, completed in 1907, stands as a majestic architectural landmark in downtown Cleveland. Blending Beaux-Arts, Neoclassical, and Renaissance Revival styles, this four-story structure was once the third-largest bank building in the United States. It is celebrated for its ornate exterior sculpture, impressive stained glass dome, and mural paintings, making it one of the most visually stunning bank buildings of its time.
The building’s exterior is adorned with a remarkable sculpture named Finance, created by the Austrian-born American sculptor Karl Bitter. The artwork features a female goddess of commerce and finance, seated regally on a throne, while other deities present her with products from land and sea, symbolizing economic prosperity and trade.
Inside, the building’s stained glass dome is a masterwork of craftsmanship. Composed of numerous double-paned glass panels, the dome displays a vibrant green and yellow floral pattern. At night, a series of small lights embedded in bronze rosettes illuminate the dome, enhancing its intricate design.
Adding to the interior's grandeur are the murals by American artist Francis David Millet. Known as the Development of Civilization in America, the set of 13 murals decorates the walls with scenes that reflect America’s history and development. Measuring 15.5 by 4.5 feet each, the murals include titles like The Norse Discoverers, The Puritans, and Father Hennepin at Niagara Falls. Millet painted in a simplified style with deep hues of blue, green, and red, ensuring visibility from the ground floor 40 feet below.
Despite the passage of time, the Cleveland Trust Company Building remains a significant part of Cleveland’s architectural heritage. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973 and continues to draw admiration for its artistic and historical value. Today, Heinen's Grocery Store occupies the first two floors, offering visitors a chance to experience this historic gem even if they aren’t there to shop. Its beautiful stained glass dome and timeless murals make it a must-see for anyone visiting Cleveland.
The building’s exterior is adorned with a remarkable sculpture named Finance, created by the Austrian-born American sculptor Karl Bitter. The artwork features a female goddess of commerce and finance, seated regally on a throne, while other deities present her with products from land and sea, symbolizing economic prosperity and trade.
Inside, the building’s stained glass dome is a masterwork of craftsmanship. Composed of numerous double-paned glass panels, the dome displays a vibrant green and yellow floral pattern. At night, a series of small lights embedded in bronze rosettes illuminate the dome, enhancing its intricate design.
Adding to the interior's grandeur are the murals by American artist Francis David Millet. Known as the Development of Civilization in America, the set of 13 murals decorates the walls with scenes that reflect America’s history and development. Measuring 15.5 by 4.5 feet each, the murals include titles like The Norse Discoverers, The Puritans, and Father Hennepin at Niagara Falls. Millet painted in a simplified style with deep hues of blue, green, and red, ensuring visibility from the ground floor 40 feet below.
Despite the passage of time, the Cleveland Trust Company Building remains a significant part of Cleveland’s architectural heritage. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973 and continues to draw admiration for its artistic and historical value. Today, Heinen's Grocery Store occupies the first two floors, offering visitors a chance to experience this historic gem even if they aren’t there to shop. Its beautiful stained glass dome and timeless murals make it a must-see for anyone visiting Cleveland.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Cleveland. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Cleveland Trust Company Building on Map
Sight Name: Cleveland Trust Company Building
Sight Location: Cleveland, USA (See walking tours in Cleveland)
Sight Type: Shopping
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Cleveland, USA (See walking tours in Cleveland)
Sight Type: Shopping
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Cleveland, Ohio
Create Your Own Walk in Cleveland
Creating your own self-guided walk in Cleveland is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Little Italy Walking Tour
Whether you’re new to the Cleveland area or a lifelong resident, there’s plenty to explore in the dynamic “Forest City.” And if you’ve never been to local Little Italy, you’re in for a treat. Apart from historical landmarks and delicious plates of pasta, in this lovely urban enclave you will find plenty of culture.
One of the neighborhood's central features is the Holy Rosary... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
One of the neighborhood's central features is the Holy Rosary... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
Cleveland Introduction Walking Tour
The City of Cleveland dates back to 1796 when the Connecticut Land Company laid out the area into a township. They named the new town after their leader, General Moses Cleaveland.
With its waterfront location, the city became a major center for trade and commerce over the next few decades. When the railroad arrived in the area in the mid-19th century, the town began to evolve into a central... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
With its waterfront location, the city became a major center for trade and commerce over the next few decades. When the railroad arrived in the area in the mid-19th century, the town began to evolve into a central... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Museums in Cleveland
Cleveland, Ohio, boasts a rich cultural scene, with a variety of museums comprising some of the best in the American Mid-West, catering to a wide range of interests.
Among these, the Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland (MOCA) stands out as a hub for modern and contemporary art enthusiasts. MOCA features thought-provoking exhibitions, showcasing the work of both emerging and established... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
Among these, the Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland (MOCA) stands out as a hub for modern and contemporary art enthusiasts. MOCA features thought-provoking exhibitions, showcasing the work of both emerging and established... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles