Historical exhibit panel titled “The Mayor Who Saved Cleveland, 1980–89,” featuring archival photographs, newspaper clippings, telegrams, official documents, and a framed portrait of Mayor George Voinovich. The exhibit highlights his leadership in addressing Cleveland’s financial crisis, restoring the city’s financial stability, improving public education, advancing civil rights, and promoting economic development through public-private partnerships.

Together We Can Do It!: City of Cleveland Honors the Legacy of George Voinovich and the Work of Government

Thursday, Nov 05, 2026

Together We Can Do It!: City of Cleveland Honors the Legacy of George Voinovich and the Work of Government

The exhibition opens to the public on November 9, 2026, and runs through May 31, 2027.

November 5, 2026 – CLEVELAND – The City of Cleveland, in partnership with the Consulate General of the Republic of Slovenia, the Slovenian Museum & Archives, Global Cleveland, and America 250, is proud to announce the opening of “Together We Can Do It!” an expanded exhibition honoring George Voinovich (1936–2016).

Voinovich led Cleveland as a Mayor and later served Ohio as a member of the United States Senate. He is remembered for helping the region recover from a period of severe financial distress, political instability, and declining public confidence.

His mayoral legacy centered on restoring Cleveland's financial credibility, rebuilding its downtown, improving city services, and bringing different political and business interests together.

George Voinovich's bipartisan legacy was built on the belief that public service should be about finding common ground and getting things done for the people, rather than winning political arguments.

This exhibition commemorates Voinovich’s legacy on the 90th anniversary of his birth, 10th anniversary of his passing, and the 30th anniversary of the dedication of Voinovich Bicentennial Park, named in his honor.

“Together We Can Do It!” recognizes George Voinovich’s long-standing public service and his significant contributions to transforming Cleveland’s downtown waterfront and advancing the city’s financial recovery.

Photographs, artifacts, archival records, and personal stories trace how his Slovenian and Serbian roots and his Catholic faith shaped a leader who championed effective government, regional cooperation, and Cleveland's place in the world.

The exhibition, first shown at the Slovenian Museum & Archives in February 2026, was curated by the Slovenian Museum & Archives in collaboration with the Ohio University Libraries Mahn Center for Archives & Special Collections and a team of student researchers at Ohio University's Honors Tutorial College. Other partners and sponsors include the Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service at Ohio University, Nickie J. Antonio, and Cleveland Kurentovanje.

“Together We Can Do It!” now comes home to City Hall, where Voinovich did some of his most defining work and is open to the public during regular City Hall hours through May 31, 2027.

The public is invited to attend the opening reception on Monday, November 9, 2026, from 4:00 to 6:30 p.m. at the Cleveland City Hall Rotunda. Guests are encouraged to RSVP online.

Members of the media interested in a preview of the exhibition, interview opportunities, or attending the opening reception may RSVP with Jorge Ramos Pantoja at jramospantoja@clevelandohio.gov.

“Together We Can Do It!” is the fifth exhibition presented at Cleveland City Hall, celebrating the power of partnership between the City and local organizations to share stories that are uniquely Cleveland. The exhibition reflects the City’s commitment to opening the doors of City Hall beyond essential services, transforming it into a space where residents and visitors can experience, explore, and learn about Cleveland’s rich history, cultural heritage, and enduring legacy.