The Arcade in Cleveland

History

History information is some background and history about the location. This is meant to be a basic summary. Below the history records you will find sources in which you can click on to find out more information. There may be multiple history records per location.

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The Arcade in Cleveland, Ohio, opened in 1890 and is considered one of the first indoor shopping centers in the United States. It was designed by architect John Eisenmann and financed by a group of wealthy investors, including John D. Rockefeller and Marcus Hanna. Inspired by the grand shopping arcades of Europe, it was built to bring elegance and innovation to a growing industrial city.

The building features a stunning glass skylight that stretches nearly three hundred feet overhead, allowing natural light to flood the interior. Two nine-story towers rise on either end, connected by a five-story open-air arcade filled with ornate ironwork balconies. This design created a dramatic and luxurious shopping experience that attracted visitors from across the region.

During its early years, The Arcade became a centerpiece of downtown Cleveland commerce. It housed a variety of high-end shops, restaurants, and services catering to the city growing population. Its central location and unique architecture made it a popular gathering place and symbol of Cleveland prosperity during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

As the decades passed, suburban shopping malls began to draw customers away from downtown. The arcade experienced a period of decline during the mid-twentieth century as businesses left and foot traffic decreased. Despite this downturn, the building remained an important historical landmark, and efforts were made to preserve its structure and legacy.

In the late twentieth century, The Arcade underwent a major restoration and redevelopment project. It was transformed into a mixed-use space featuring a hotel, retail shops, and dining areas while preserving its historic character. Today, it stands as a beautifully restored architectural treasure, blending Cleveland's rich past with modern uses.

Added by: sdonley on 03/29/2026 DB#:833
Source(s):
Various Sources

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In 2024, DC Studios selected The Arcade in Cleveland, Ohio, as a filming location for a scene from the upcoming Superman film. The historic structure with its towering glass ceiling and ornate iron balconies provided a visually striking setting that blended classic architecture with cinematic scale. Its unique design made it an ideal backdrop for a moment meant to feel both grand and intimate.

The scene filmed inside The Arcade features Superman and Lois Lane sharing a kiss while flying through the open interior space. The soaring height of the atrium allowed filmmakers to capture the illusion of flight in a way that feels natural and dramatic. The glass roof above them creates a bright and almost dreamlike atmosphere, enhancing the emotional tone of the moment.

Film crews transformed portions of The Arcade to accommodate production while preserving the historic details of the building. Equipment was carefully staged within the narrow walkways and balconies, and lighting was used to highlight the intricate ironwork and architectural depth. Despite the complexity of the shoot, the location remained recognizable and true to its original design.

The use of the arcade also brought attention to Cleveland as a filming destination. The city has increasingly become a popular location for major productions due to its mix of historic and modern environments. Featuring a recognizable landmark helped showcase Cleveland's rich architectural heritage to a global audience.

For fans of both film and local history, the scene represents a special mixture of past and present. A building that once symbolized 19th-century innovation now serves as the backdrop for a modern superhero story. This moment adds a new layer to The Arcade legacy, connecting its historic charm with contemporary pop culture.

Added by: sdonley on 03/29/2026 DB#:834
Source(s):
Various Sources

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