The Spirit of Detroit

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.