Romanian Garden

Dedicated in 1967, the Romanian Cultural Garden lies immediately south of the St. Clair Avenue bridge over MLK Jr. Drive. The seated bronze sculpture of the renown George Enescu, Romanian composer, violinist, pianist, conductor and teacher, is the principal feature of this large park-like setting for the Garden. In addition to the statue, there is a garden sign and Romanian flag on MLK Jr. Dr. as well as a 2003 Ohio Historical Marker which reads: “United Romanian Societies Carpatina of Cleveland. The Carpatina Society, the first Romanian Society in America, was started on November 1, 1902 when a small group of 41 Romanians met and laid the foundation for the society. From its beginning, the society played an important role in the Romanian community in and around Cleveland by providing benefits to its members and helping others in need and by preserving and perpetuating the Romanian culture and customs. Carpatina has been actively sponsoring celebrations of the important dates in the history of Romania. Through efforts of its members, the society was able to erect its own building, Carpatina Hall, which was dedicated on January 17,1917. Carpatina Society continues to lead the Romanian/American community.” Today, 2011, St. Mary’s Romanian Orthodox Cathedral supports the Romanian Cultural Garden committee that works for the restoration and development of the Romanian Cultural Garden.