CLEVELAND, Ohio — World-renowned street artist Eduardo Kobra will create a major new mural in downtown Cleveland this fall, transforming the exterior of a parking garage at 55 Public Square.
The project, to be unveiled in September, is a partnership between Graffiti HeArt and Downtown Cleveland, Inc. with additional support from the Historic Warehouse District Development Corporation. Graffiti HeArt is a nonprofit that commissions artists to spruce up public spaces with graffiti and street art.
Kobra, a native of Brazil, has completed more than 3,000 murals on five continents. His work has portrayed figures ranging from Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela to John Lennon.
“I can’t think of a better way to celebrate the organization’s 13 years of painting the town than with this triumphant project,” said Stamy Paul, president and founder of Graffiti HeArt, in a statement. “It has been a longtime goal of mine to bring Kobra to Cleveland, and I believe this mural will truly reflect some of the proudest parts of our culture as a city.”
Paul added the mural will be the biggest in Cleveland, with the potential to become a destination in its own right.
Eduardo Kobra’s large-scale mural will transform this section of K&D Group’s 55 Public Square complex.Graffiti HeArt
Michael Deemer, president and CEO of Downtown Cleveland Inc., said public art plays a key role in shaping the city center’s future.
“Vibrant streetscapes and corridors draw people in, and art brings them together,” he said. “We’re focused on building a downtown that is active, safe and amenity-rich — one that invites investment and fosters a strong sense of place and belonging. Projects with partners like Graffiti HeArt help power that momentum.”
No renderings of the mural have been released, but organizers said the piece will be created in Kobra’s trademark “kaleidoscope” style, which combines bright colors, bold lines and social symbolism. The goal: to amplify the city’s cultural identity.
Graffiti HeArt is raising money for the project through its annual Graffiti & Grapes fundraiser on Feb. 28, along with additional donations. For more information or to contribute, contact Paul at tag@graffitiheart.org.
