Located at the northwest corner of East 9th Street and Lakeside Avenue in downtown Cleveland, Ohio, Willard Park offers a fascinating stop within the Cleveland Mall historic district. Named after artist Archibald Willard, this public park sits adjacent to Cleveland City Hall. When you visit, you will find the world's largest rubber stamp, an outdoor public sculpture titled Free Stamp.
Created by Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen, this massive artwork measures nearly 29 feet high and 49 feet long, displaying the word "FREE" on its stamping area. Originally commissioned by Standard Oil for Public Square, the artwork's message references the emancipation of American slaves. After corporate controversy and years in storage, BP donated the sculpture to Cleveland in 1991, modifying it to rest dramatically on its side as if hurled across the city.
Beyond this world-famous pop-art centerpiece, Willard Park is also home to the original Cleveland Fire Fighters Memorial, making it a unique civic space where public art, history, and urban design meet right in the heart of downtown Cleveland.
What to see at Willard Park
- See the "world's largest rubber stamp" sculpture, Free Stamp, lying on its side
- Examine the giant 49-foot-long public artwork created by Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen
- Pay respects at the original Cleveland Fire Fighters Memorial located within the park
- Explore a public park situated right inside the historic Cleveland Mall district
- Enjoy views of neighboring Cleveland City Hall at East 9th Street and Lakeside Avenue
Visiting tips
Walk next door to the neighboring Cleveland City Hall Rotunda to see a copy of Archibald Willard's famous painting, The Spirit of '76.
How long: 30-60 minutes · Best time: Daytime
How to get there & what’s nearby
Willard Park is easy to reach on Cleveland’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Cleveland Museum of Art and Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Cleveland travel guide.
See the full Cleveland travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.