The Spirit of Detroit

One of Detroit’s most iconic landmarks! The big green statue sits right in front of the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center, and it’s free to visit. Perfect photo spot and right across the street from the Joe Louis “Fist,” so you can see both at once. What makes it even better is the vibe at Spirit Plaza right outside — today (Monday) there were food trucks lined up and a DJ spinning music, giving the whole plaza a fun block-party feel. Great place to grab a bite, relax, and soak in the energy of downtown. 📸 Perfect for pictures 🚶 Easy to reach on foot from downtown 🚗 Parking nearby (Ford Underground Garage is cheap & close) A quick stop that really captures the spirit of the city.

One of a number of things to see on our road trip, this was a challenge to find parking, but absolutely worth it. The biblical verse adds significant meaning. Nice area downtown Detroit.

This statue made me feel his power and dignity. Definitely a great photo spot. However, a black guy shouted at us “Asian welcome to America” several times. That was not “the spirit of Detroit”. That was racism. Racism should not exist in front of this amazing statue.

This iconic bronze figure, holding a glowing orb in one hand and a family group in the other, beautifully

This muscular man near the Detroit River is the Spirit of Detroit. It is cast bronze with a green patina that could be copper but isn't. He's 26 feet tall and was dedicated in 1958. At the time, it was the largest cast bronze statue since the Renaissance. In his left hand, he's holding a gilded sphere radiating rays, symbolizing divinity. In his right hand, a family, representing human relationships. Behind him, the marble wall is a quote from 2 Corinthians 3:17, "Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." He seems to get a few people posing in front of him, mimicking his style and pose. I opted not to do that and waited to get clear pictures.

I love downtown Detroit, it's always something going on!!!

A nice statue that actually has a place on the attraction map of Detroit. It is photogenic, has a great location and people pass by quite often.

Fantastic sight to see. Very large statue. During hockey season, they dress this status with RedWings clothes. Cool. Every year they update/paint this statue. I've never seen it vandalized. Impressive. There are lights at night too. Highly Recommended!

This muscular man near the Detroit River is the Spirit of Detroit. It is cast bronze with a green patina that could be copper but isn't. He's 26 feet tall and was dedicated in 1958. At the time, it was the largest cast bronze statue since the Renaissance. In his left hand, he's holding a gilded sphere radiating rays, symbolizing divinity. In his right hand, a family, representing human relationships. Behind him, the marble wall is a quote from 2 Corinthians 3:17, "Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." He seems to get a few people posing in front of him, mimicking his style and pose. I opted not to do that and waited to get clear pictures. [Review 699 of 2025 - 406 in Michigan - 24260 overall]

Iconic. I love walking by the Spirit of Detroit. Many events happen near the statue. There is an open space across from this monument and the city hosts a variety of events, from block parties to yoga classes. When Detroit sports teams do well, the statue gets dressed in sports jerseys for playoffs. Everyone knows the Spirit of Detroit. It's a cool part of Detroit's history.

This is a nice statue outside of the Wayne county municipal building. It would've been nice if some of the symbolism were explained. Knowing the context would make it more special.

Really wanted to see this and my eyes were not disappointed the amount of power that is shown is major. Detroit is an awesome place for history and culture. Go see it.

Who doesn't stop by here and the plaze when in downtown D? An iconic statue just across the street from the Joe Lewis Fist and Harp (Hart?) Plaza. I love that there were a lot of people out walking in downtown Detroit. A nice area to get some miles of walking in.

The Spirit of Detroit Plaza is a great place to get some sun, music, and food from the food trucks. Vibes are always chill and it's so nice to have this free public space available to us. Swings, picnic tables, a grassy area for yoga, views of the water and the beautiful statue. Whether you have a couple hours or only 15 minutes, it's a great place to catch some sun or hang in the shade of the umbrellas.

There were lots of people posing in front of this statue when I visited it. So many that I had to wait a bit for people to go away so I could take a photo! Spirit of Detroit is a pretty impressive piece of public art, and it's located right in the heart of downtown Detroit. This 26-foot bronze monument sits in front of the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center on Woodward Avenue, and just steps away from a really fun public playground. According to some online research, the statue represent hope, progress, and the "spirit of man." On the wall behind the sculpture is a quote from 2 Corinthians 3:17: "Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty," Detroit has lots of really cool public art, and this is just one of the must-see statues you should view in person when you're in the city.

Beautiful must visit sight of Detroit. Easy to find and nice place for pictures. It's close to many other things.

A beautiful bronze statue dedicated to the city of Detroit. Interesting to see closeup. The Spirit of Detroit" is a Detroit icon, synonymous with the city itself and the dedication of those who love the Motor City. You'll see this statue pictured and printed on many city pamphlets, tour guides etc... The bronze monument sits on a 60-ton marble base and is in front of the Coleman Young building. Near Hart Plaza. Metro Detroit sculptor Marshall Fredericks was commissioned in 1955 to create the piece. The 26-foot bronze monument was the largest cast statue made at that time. The "Spirit" cost $58,000 (about $467,750 today, when adjusted for inflation) to erect. The statue's left hand grips a gilded sphere emanating rays that symbolizes divinity, while its right hand holds a family, which symbolizes all human relationships.

The Spirit of Detroit is located at the end of Woodward, right at Jefferson. Street parking is easy on Jefferson, with quick walking access to the Spirit of Detroit. It is a great sightseeing area, make sure you put a little extra on the ParkDetroit App. It's the easiest way to pay for parking around the D! Hart Plaza is right across the street (Jefferson toward the water) which leads to a river walk. You can always make your way up to Campus Martius, a short walk towards downtown, up Woodward, from the Spirit of Detroit. Hopping on some electric scooters & zooming around is our favorite form of transportation in the downtown area!

Very cool and artistic monument in a nice part of downtown Detroit. Very close by walking Range to other very cool monuments such as the joe Louis monument and other cool ones directly across the street at hart plaza. When I went this monument was almost hidden behind some construction but once we walked around it we got to see this awesome monument up close and personal. Fun photo op that's near some good food and tourists stops along the way.

The Quintessential symbol of Detroit. One of them at least. I can find my way back to 75 or Woodward whenever I find the spirit of Detroit statue, heart plaza or the monument to Joe Louis fist statue in downtown.

This is a cool dedication to the city of Detroit that we saw while we were staying here. It is a nice addition to the city and all their art work and landmarks. A lot of cool things to see in this part of town and this is a great one to see while you are there

Cool place to visit if you are in the Hart Plaza area and by the water. A lot of status to see within 3-4 blocks of walking! Don't walk here at night!

*** The iconic sculpture always used to represent the city. *** http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/VDmj3-ugzyPCaSLL420RBA?select=wA7fNcQHNkppvGmtVyU2AA Spirit of Detroit was restored 2008. Hallelujah, hallelujah, yay! This bronze casting is now 50yrs. It's a very uplifting landmark. Unlike the gun tooting statues that you see in some places (TX), this piece really makes a genuine attempt to exemplify civil unity. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spirit_of_Detroit *** Detroit is fortunate to have a superb Marshall Fredericks piece. ***

The Spirit of Detroit, which is situated right by the waterfront in downtown Detroit, is a testament to the strength and resilience of the people of Detroit, which has a lot of meaning to the city like the Victory Monument is to San Francisco. In one hand there is a symbol of family and the other a symbol of God... these two factors help tie in and mold the city of Detroit. While the city of Detroit has gone through waxing and waning, from decline to rebirth, the true heart and spirit of Detroit beats strongly and perseveringly. For those sightseeing in the downtown Detroit area, you should definitely check this place out. Parking is free at the RiverFront public lot, so feel free to explore the RiverFront on your way here. Once you see the large metal fist sculpture, you'll be right in the vicinity of the Spirit of Detroit. Not too many people take pictures here it seems, but it's worthy of a photo snap in my opinion. Five stars.

Actually one of my favorite spots in downtown. An incredibly impressive statue that is worth taking a few minutes to really take in. Beautiful detail on the fella himself and the inscription in the back (a bible quote) is really uplifting. Every time I see it I get a surge of pride and a feeling that Detroit is a pretty sweet city to be in. Also--this dude's got style! Sure it's usually a little sports oriented (lots of jerseys found on him) but he also cleans up pretty well--both with his recent renovation and the tux he donned when I was finishing up high school and the three tenors were in town!

My 313th review seems appropriate for a tribute to the Spirit of Detroit. Head down, but hands raised, like most of the Detroit Metropolitan area. Uncertain if rebuilding will revitalize. When I think of Detroit, the places I miss, the icons, there are few things that come to mind: Joe Louis' fist, Renaissance Center, Ambassador Bridge, Fisher Building, Old Main, Hitsville USA, the Uniroyal tire, Detroit Institute of Arts and the thinker, and of course, the Spirit of Detroit. It's located right off of Woodward and Jefferson, in front of the Municipal Center, across the Renaissance Center, Hart Plaza and the Joe Louis fist. These are all photo worthy sites, but the area doesn't get as much tourist traffic unless there's an event already going on. It doesn't surprise anyone that the motor city is not that kind to pedestrians. But if you're downtown for another event (DEMF, Pride, Red Wings Game, NAIAS) you'd be a fool to pass on viewing the spirit of Detroit in all its glory.

I stop by this statue every time I'm in Detroit. I don't know why there are times posted as if you could only see it when it's "open." It's located on the street, and if you are walking by at any time of day, there it is. I have never seen it with a shirt on, but it's a sight to see whether or not it's celebrating a local sports team. I really recommend a visit to this photo-op, as well as the Joe Louis Memorial "fist" nearby. Geez, I love Detroit!

A great place to enjoy while in Detroit. Take a walk by this statue to really appreciate its splendor and structure. From time to time certain city events (or sports) will cause this big guy to don some sort of outfit / jersey to represent that moment. Its worth seeing if not just once

An absolutely gorgeous symbol of Detroit. I visited at night, and the gold lettering highlighted by floodlights was awe-inspiring. Moreover, the sheer size of the monument is unexpected; it towers over everyone who walks by. Definitely a sight to see if you're downtown, and want to appreciate a hallmark of the city.

I once saw a lady taking her clothes off in protest of something while standing on the shoulders of this guy. It took the police quite some time to coax her down. I've seen him dressed in Pistons wear and sporting a Red Wings Jersey. I think he's a ROCK STAR!

Detroit. History. Amazing. Inspiring.

He's sort of like Rodin's The Thinker meets the blindfolded woman holding the scales of justice. What's he thinking about in regards to the people and the beam-emitting light ball? Whatever, it's good knowing the big fella's there as a city landmark. Enough with the jerseys, though! Or hell, keep throwing them on Marshall Frederick's creation - and knit him an ugly Christmas sweater while you're at it.

I'm not a Detroit native, so maybe that explains my three star rating (I feel so pressured to give it a higher rating!). This statue is pretty cool. I can see why it's uplifting. I'm glad it's been restored. I only wish that they would turn that right hand lane into a loading zone so that people could pull up and legally stop to take photos rather than blocking traffic for those who are turning right on Woodward from Jefferson.

This statue has always fascinated me in the way that movies about the future shot in the past do. It brings with it from the past the inspiration and hope that people had then for Detroit and reminds me to wish the city well again.

Another must see, Detroit landmark. Near the Joe Louis monument, and Hart Plaza.

What can I say? I love this big guy. I hate getting yelled at by the lady every time I try to sit on the plaque in front of him to mimic his pose...The spirit of Detroit is quite friendly when I go on my long runs he usually says hi. People sell water in front of him as well.