Free Stamp, Cleveland
The Free Stamp is an iconic outdoor sculpture located in Willard Park, Cleveland. Created by the acclaimed artist duo Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen, the artwork has earned the title of the "world's largest rubber stamp" due to its monumental size: 28 feet 10 inches (8.79 meters) high, 26 feet (7.9 meters) wide, and 49 feet (15 meters) long. The sculpture features the word "FREE" prominently displayed in its stamping area, and it offers a striking visual and conceptual presence in downtown Cleveland.
Commissioned in 1982 by the Standard Oil Company (Ohio), the Free Stamp was originally meant to stand upright, hiding the "FREE" lettering as a nod to the nearby Civil War Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument. The message symbolized the emancipation of American slaves. After BP acquired Standard Oil, new management deemed the sculpture's message "inappropriate" and stored it in Whiting, Indiana, instead of installing it at Public Square.
After several years of negotiations between BP America, the artists, and the city, a new home for the Free Stamp was chosen at Willard Park. Donated to the city by BP in 1991, the sculpture was reimagined in a dramatic position-tilted on its side as if a giant had angrily hurled it several blocks from its original intended spot. At its dedication on November 15, 1991, Oldenburg described the final placement as a symbolic gesture reflecting the complex history of the sculpture’s journey to its permanent location.
Today, the Free Stamp remains a popular attraction and a distinctive piece of Cleveland’s urban landscape, continuing to provoke thought and curiosity among visitors with its playful yet powerful message.
Commissioned in 1982 by the Standard Oil Company (Ohio), the Free Stamp was originally meant to stand upright, hiding the "FREE" lettering as a nod to the nearby Civil War Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument. The message symbolized the emancipation of American slaves. After BP acquired Standard Oil, new management deemed the sculpture's message "inappropriate" and stored it in Whiting, Indiana, instead of installing it at Public Square.
After several years of negotiations between BP America, the artists, and the city, a new home for the Free Stamp was chosen at Willard Park. Donated to the city by BP in 1991, the sculpture was reimagined in a dramatic position-tilted on its side as if a giant had angrily hurled it several blocks from its original intended spot. At its dedication on November 15, 1991, Oldenburg described the final placement as a symbolic gesture reflecting the complex history of the sculpture’s journey to its permanent location.
Today, the Free Stamp remains a popular attraction and a distinctive piece of Cleveland’s urban landscape, continuing to provoke thought and curiosity among visitors with its playful yet powerful message.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Cleveland. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: 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.
Download The GPSmyCity App
Free Stamp on Map
Sight Name: Free Stamp
Sight Location: Cleveland, USA (See walking tours in Cleveland)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Sight Location: Cleveland, USA (See walking tours in Cleveland)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
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.
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
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