The Spirit of Detroit, Detroit, Visitor Guide & Things to Do Nearby

The Spirit of Detroit is a monumental bronze sculpture by Marshall Fredericks, standing at 2 Woodward Avenue in downtown Detroit. Dedicated in 1958 outside the city-county government building, it has become one of the best-known symbols of Detroit and a favourite spot for photos.

The story behind it

The sculpture was made by Marshall Fredericks, a Michigan-based sculptor, for the building that now carries the name Coleman A. Young Municipal Center. It shows a seated, muscular figure, about 26 feet tall, and it is often described as one of the largest cast bronze statues made since the Renaissance.

The figure holds a gilded sphere in one hand, radiating the idea of God, and a small family group in the other, standing for human relationships. An inscription on the wall behind it quotes a line from the Bible about the Spirit and liberty. Over the years the statue has also become part of local sports life, and it has been dressed in team jerseys when Detroit teams reached major finals.

What to look for

• Look at the gilded sphere in the figure's raised hand, which contrasts with the dark bronze of the body and catches the sun.
• Notice the small family group held in the other hand, which gives the huge figure a human and tender side.
• Read the inscription on the wall behind the statue, taken from the Bible, which explains the idea behind the work.
• Step back toward the street to take in the scale of the seated figure against the tall, plain government building behind it.

Tips for your visit

• The statue stands outdoors and can be seen from the street, so a stop of 10 to 15 minutes is plenty for photos and a close look.
• Morning and afternoon light work well for photos, and the plaza is usually quieter early in the day.
• Joe Louis's famous Fist sculpture is only a short walk away along Woodward Avenue, and the riverfront and Hart Plaza are close too.
• The government building behind it is a working office, so check current opening hours and entry rules if you want to go inside.

Explore it on a quest

The best way to enjoy this part of downtown is on foot, with a stop here as part of a longer route. Discover the area on one of Questo's self-guided quests: the app leads you from place to place, tells you about each one as you arrive and sets a puzzle in what is in front of you. Browse the quests in Detroit and start any time, with no guide and no group to join.