Spirit of Detroit Statue

Detroit-Wayne Joint Building Authority commissioned Marshall Fredericks in 1955 to create a sculpture for the city to represent hope, progress, and the “spirit of man.” The 26 foot bronze sculpture was completed in 1958 and covered with acid to oxidize the metal, giving it a green hue. It the time, it was the largest cast bronze statue created since the Renaissance. 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 the Detroit Red Wings won the Stanley Cup in 1997, The Spirit of Detroit donned the team jersey in celebration. It has since worn multiple outfits for special occasions. However, due to concern over damage to the statue, city policy now provides that it will only wear a jersey if the team wins a national championship, and $25,000 is donated to the maintenance and preservation of the statue.