The lower levels of the Veterans Memorial Bridge that connects downtown to the near West Side were open for exploring on Friday and Saturday. Visitors learned about the bridge’s history as a main thoroughfare for streetcars in the early 20th century while being treated to an art show combined with live music and dance performances.

Cleveland artist Chuck Karnak created  GO Dream, an art installation of Dream Sails, suspended from the bridge’s ceiling as part of  Cleveland History Days.

Cleveland and Cuyahoga County officials have been asking for residents’ input about what to do with the streetcar-level space that sits most of the year unused. If you missed this event, small group tours are planned throughout the summer.

GO Dream: The artwork this year was designed by Cleveland artist Chuck Karnak. Karnak’s “Dream Sails” were on display at both ends of the bridge and hung along the walkway in between.
The artwork this year was designed by Cleveland artist Chuck Karnak. Karnak’s “Dream Sails” were on display at both ends of the bridge and hung along the walkway in between. Credit: Gennifer Harding-Gosnell / Signal Cleveland

 

GO Dream featured performing artists, mostly musicians and dancers. This stage was set up at the far west end of the bridge underneath West 25th Street and Detroit Avenue with plenty of seating for attendees.
GO Dream featured performing artists, mostly musicians and dancers. This stage was set up at the far west end of the bridge underneath West 25th Street and Detroit Avenue with plenty of seating for attendees. Credit: Gennifer Harding-Gosnell / Signal Cleveland
The original streetcars were fitted with “cattle pushers” that worked like snow plows to mooooo-ve cows standing on train tracks out of the way.
The original streetcars were fitted with “cattle pushers” that worked like snow plows to mooooo-ve cows standing on train tracks out of the way. Credit: Gennifer Harding-Gosnell / Signal Cleveland
The walkway toward the west end of the bridge that goes underneath West 25th Street and Detroit Avenue. This area was about 10 degrees cooler than outside.
The walkway toward the west end of the bridge that goes underneath West 25th Street and Detroit Avenue. This area was about 10 degrees cooler than outside.
The walkway toward the west end of the bridge that goes underneath West 25th Street and Detroit Avenue. This area was about 10 degrees cooler than outside.
Families took photos of each other inside the streetcar mock-ups.
Families took photos of each other inside the streetcar mock-ups. Credit: Gennifer Harding-Gosnell / Signal Cleveland
Working electrical lines powering the city through Cleveland Public Power. Several utilities still use the lower-level space of the bridge for connecting lines.
Working electrical lines powering the city through Cleveland Public Power. Several utilities still use the lower-level space of the bridge for connecting lines. Credit: Gennifer Harding-Gosnell / Signal Cleveland
A small section of the outer area was open to visitors.
A small section of the outer area was open to visitors. Credit: Gennifer Harding-Gosnell / Signal Cleveland
It offered unrestricted views of the city and the Cuyahoga River.
It offered unrestricted views of the city and the Cuyahoga River.


Credit: Gennifer Harding-Gosnell / Signal Cleveland
Along with the GO Dream art, dancers and other performing artists along the walkway of the lower-level, some performing “butoh,” a Japanese style of interpretive dance.
Dancers and other performing artists along the walkway of the lower-level, some performing “butoh,” a Japanese style of interpretive dance. Credit: Gennifer Harding-Gosnell / Signal Cleveland
Dancers and other performing artists along the walkway of the lower-level, some performing “butoh,” a Japanese style of interpretive dance.
Dancers and other performing artists along the walkway of the lower-level, some performing “butoh,” a Japanese style of interpretive dance. Credit: Gennifer Harding-Gosnell / Signal Cleveland
Visitors stop to read about the history of Cleveland’s streetcar system on signs posted along the western walkway. Old photos from the early and mid-20th century show what some of the stops looked like.
Visitors stop to read about the history of Cleveland’s streetcar system on signs posted along the western walkway. Old photos from the early and mid-20th century show what some of the stops looked like. Credit: Gennifer Harding-Gosnell / Signal Cleveland
Train cars on display at the eastern end of the Veterans Memorial Bridge.
Train cars on display at the eastern end of the Veterans Memorial Bridge. Credit: Gennifer Harding-Gosnell / Signal Cleveland
Credit: Gennifer Harding-Gosnell / Signal Cleveland
Several music stages were set up along the Veterans Memorial Bridge walkway.
Several music stages were set up along the Veterans Memorial Bridge walkway. Credit: Gennifer Harding-Gosnell / Signal Cleveland
Musicians such as DJ Virus and the group Togishi added a soundtrack of ethereal instrumentals, creating a “Twin Peaks”- or “Blade Runner”-type feel to the experience.
Musicians such as DJ Virus and the group Togishi added a soundtrack of ethereal instrumentals, creating a “Twin Peaks”- or “Blade Runner”-type feel to the experience. Credit: Gennifer Harding-Gosnell / Signal Cleveland
Is it art or is it machinery? It’s all in the eye of the beholder. Credit: Gennifer Harding-Gosnell / Signal Cleveland
An outside view of the Veterans Memorial Bridge Tour and event on Friday, June 21, 2024. Credit: Gennifer Harding-Gosnell / Signal Cleveland

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