The Detroit-Wayne Joint Building Authority (Authority) is commemorating the 60th anniversary of the iconic Spirit of Detroit sculpture located at the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center. The Spirit of Detroit was commissioned by the Authority in 1955, dedicated in September 1958 and celebrates its 60th anniversary in September 2018.
Detroit-based, internationally renowned public sculptor Marshall M. Fredericks was commissioned by the Detroit-Wayne Joint Building Authority to create a sculpture for the city to represent hope, progress, and the “spirit of man.”
In its left hand is the gilt bronze sphere emanating rays to symbolize divinity. The people in the right hand is a family being lifted up by the Spirit of Detroit representing all human relationships.
Spirit of Detroit 60th Anniversary Planned Activities
July – August, 2018
Show Your Spirit! Online Selfie Contest For City of Detroit and Wayne County Residents
Formation of the Spirit of Detroit Jazz Quintet with performances at Detroit locations and events
September 21, 2018
Spirit of Detroit 60th Anniversary celebration in front of the iconic sculpture
Refreshments – Speakers – Proclamations – Recognitions – Music – Photos
Announcement of Show Your Spirit! arts competition to launch in 2018 and awards presented in 2019 to Detroit and Wayne County student participants
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The Spirit of Detroit Facts and Points Of Interest
Sculptor Artist: Marshall M. Fredericks
Sculpture: Cast in Oslo, Norway transported to Detroit
Year Commissioned: 1955 by the Detroit-Wayne Joint Building Authority
Dedication to the DWJBA: September 23, 1958
60th Anniversary: September 23, 2018
Investment To Build: $58,000 – Today’s appraised value is $6 million
Sculpture’s Meaning:
“Built as a representation of the basic hope of humanity, the sculpture emphasized the symbolism of progress for the city, the Spirit of Detroit endures forever.”
Other Details:
The City of Detroit and County of Wayne seals are prominently displayed in the symboled marble wall behind the sculpture.
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.
When installed, the 26-foot sculpture was the largest cast bronze statue since the Renaissance period.
The Spirit of Detroit has become a symbol of the City of Detroit, appearing on logos for many city government departments.
In 2008 $170,000 in restoration improvements were made to The Spirit of Detroit in time for its 50th Anniversary in 2008. Restoration funds came from operational savings primarily from energy conservations.
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