Hollywood on the Cuyahoga: Northeast Ohio and the Movies

Hollywood on the Cuyahoga: Northeast Ohio and the Movies will debut this fall at the Western Reserve Historical Society Cleveland History Center, with a grand opening fundraiser scheduled for Sept. 25.

The exhibit, sponsored by PNC Bank, showcases the region’s important contributions to the movie industry, which brings over $100 million to the local economy each year. Hollywood on the Cuyahoga: Northeast Ohio and the Movies complements “Ohio Goes to the Movies”, a statewide film festival and signature event of America 250-Ohio in 2026 that features Ohio actors, directors, writers, composers and others who bring the magic of the movies to life.

“Hollywood on the Cuyahoga is a first for our community,” said Kelly Falcone-Hall, WRHS president & CEO. “While people are becoming more aware that movies are made in Northeast Ohio, there has never been a comprehensive look at how this industry has, over the years, blossomed into a major part of our cultural landscape and an economic engine for the region, and all of Ohio.”

In recent years, the birthplace of the first American Superhero – Superman – has become a go-to place for filming superhero films such as the Avengers, Spiderman 3 and Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Project Manager Dennis Barrie of BarrieProjects explains that “Hollywood on the Cuyahoga uncovers these stories. From The Deerhunter, Christmas Story, Shawshank Redemption, Superman and more. Yes, we do make movies in Ohio.”