The Cleveland Public Library is renowned for its special collections—the unique treasures acquired through the generosity of donations. Once again the Library is the recipient of a substantial gift: The Mike Curtis Collection of Superman Memorabilia. Mike Curtis, writer of the syndicated Dick Tracy comic strip, is the third largest collector of Superman memorabilia in the United States. In an October 2015 interview with Cleveland’s The Plain Dealer Curtis, reflecting on his reasons for donating the collection, said “I’ve devoted 40 years of my life to collecting Superman. I’m 62 and I want to make sure that it goes someplace where people who love Superman will be able to see it and appreciate it. Cleveland is the perfect place for it.” Apparently, the Library couldn’t agree more. On Saturday, May 6, 2017 select items from the 17,000-piece collection, and other significant artifacts on loan, become Superman: From Cleveland to Krypton, a new exhibit at Cleveland Public Library to honor the Man of Steel. This exhibit features memorabilia, art, and artifacts from the Mike Curtis collection and other prominent collectors. The Main Library at 325 Superior Avenue will feature exhibitions on floors 1, 2 and 3, with major installations on loan for the exhibit in Brett Hall on the first floor.
You don’t have to be a Superman aficionado to enjoy this exhibition. Come and follow the creative birth of Superman in Cleveland trough his nationwide popularity, his influence on the current superhero craze, and the continued love the community has for its homegrown superhero.
Superman Image: “Honoring Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster on the occasion of the Man of Steel’s 50th Birthday, 1938-1988, Cleveland, Ohio.” Neverending Battle, Inc. • Artists: Garcia Lopez and Giordano SUPERMAN, THE MAN OF STEEL and all related elements are TM and © DC Comics.
Click here for highlights of other CPL Collections.