Illuminate CLE FAQ

1. What is Illuminate CLE?
2. Will Illuminate CLE just be visible during the six-minute showtime?
3. How often will the show change?
4. If I live around Public Square, will light shine into my windows?
5. Will I hear the music associated with Illuminate CLE outside of Public Square?
6. Will Illuminate CLE impact birds and other wildlife?
7. Who are the featured musicians and voices during the six-minute presentation?
8. Can I request a lighting color?
9. How can you shine lights into the windows of privately-owned buildings?

1. What is Illuminate CLE?

Illuminate CLE is a lighting initiative on Public Square that pairs synchronized displays with custom music from Cleveland musicians. It includes an approximately six-minute light show that tells Cleveland's story with a soundtrack played over speakers within Public Square. The show runs at the top of each hour from dark to 11 p.m.

2. Will Illuminate CLE just be visible during the six-minute showtime?

Outside of the six-minute light show, the display will remain in a “resting state” where the lights will extend Terminal Tower’s nightly color theme onto the other buildings and the landscape around Public Square. There is no soundtrack during the resting state. On the quarter hour, there will be a "belltower moment" for two minutes as the color theme fades to white and beams converge over Public Square.

3. How often will the show change?

New shows will launch twice a year, with the next one expected to be ready in time for the 2025 holiday season.

4. If I live around Public Square, will light shine into my windows?

The projection and spotlight fixtures have been trained not to shine on residential buildings. If by some mistake they are, please let us know by emailing [email protected] and we will remedy it.

5. Will I hear the music associated with Illuminate CLE outside of Public Square?

The top-of-hour show will play for six minutes, two to four times a night (depending on sunset time). The speakers are tuned to keep sound inside Public Square. If you are a resident who can hear the show, please let us know by emailing [email protected] and we will remedy it.

6. Will Illuminate CLE impact birds and other wildlife?

Ohio Bird Conservation Initiative was consulted during the development and implementation of this project. OBCI is not concerned about impacts to bird migration given the short duration of the show. Light reflecting off building facades can be dangerous to birds in the early morning, therefore the resting state ends at midnight.

7. Who are the featured musicians and voices during the six-minute presentation?

Artists included in the presentation are: Mario Beverly, Wesley Bright, Krayzie Bone, DJ $crilla, Jake Fader, Christy Fader, Ray Flanagan, Alfredo Guerrieri, Chayla Hope, January Keaton, Rachael Love, Theresa May, Dan Millice, Nate Saggio, Jim Stewart, Joe Tomino, King Rem, Other Animal, Lefthand Recording and Blakwall Studios.

8. Can I request a lighting color?

Destination Cleveland’s Illuminate CLE lighting program extends K&D Management’s Tower Lights, bringing bold, dynamic lighting displays to the heart of Public Square. You can view the entire lighting schedule here.

9. How can you shine lights into the windows of privately-owned buildings?

Illuminate CLE obtained permission from each property owner. We were intentional not to shine light on residential or hotel buildings.