Image courtesy of Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum Archives
On any given day, as you walk past the bustling intersection of Woodward and Jefferson, you can’t help but pause and take in the towering,26-foot sculpture, approx. 20,0000 pounds bronze figure of the Spirit of Detroit. For over 60 years, it has stood watch, witnessing the ups and downs of life in the city. More than just a statue, it feels like an old friend, one that’s been through everything with Detroit. From the early days of the auto industry to overcoming tough financial times and coming back stronger, the Spirit of Detroit represents resilience, hope, and togetherness. It’s not just a symbol; it’s the soul of Detroit, always finding a way to bounce back.
The City of Detroit commissioned artist Marshall Fredericks in 1955 to create the sculpture that is now the Spirit of Detroit. The statue was shipped from Norway and placed right outside of the Coleman A. Young Buiding. However, before the sculpture was completed and dedicated to Detroit on September 23, 1958, Fredericks created the Wayne County seal displayed on the county flag that is still used today.
Patination process in 1957, Image courtesy of Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum Archives
With outstretched arms, he holds a golden orb representing God in his right hand, while in his left hand, he holds a bronze family symbolizing human relationships. Fredericks intended for this piece to reflect Detroit’s devotion to spiritual and human values. This message continues to resonate with city residents and visitors.
Megan McAdow, Director of the Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum, explains the meticulous process of restoring the Spirit of Detroit. The restoration artist carefully selects the appropriate patina color that aligns with the artist’s original intention. After applying the patina (a chemical reaction), the sculpture is coated with wax to protect it from the elements.
“With these large outdoor sculptures, they’ve been overseeing an annual, what we call cyclical maintenance, just like a routine maintenance washes it off, cleans up the wax, reapplies wax, but every 15 years or so, the elements, the wax, all of that need to do a full restoration, ” McAdow said.
Change is inevitable as Detroit continues to grow and experience an economic resurgence; the Spirit of Detroit remains a constant in the city that continually reinvents itself. The statue reminds us of the city’s deep-rooted identity and fight. Its presence at the heart of downtown is a testament to Detroit’s resilience.
Fredericks’ attention to detail is evident in every inch of the sculpture. Its smooth, flowing lines give it a sense of grace and power. At the same time, the patina of the bronze weathered over time adds a layer of character that reflects the city’s rough edges of beauty. The wall behind the statue is inscribed with a biblical verse: “Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” This verse, taken from 2 Corinthians 3:17, echoes the theme of freedom and spiritual strength that Fredericks aimed to convey.
Robert Zahorsky’s role as the sculpture restorationist in Michigan comes with its own unique set of challenges. Michigan experiences all four seasons, and the weather conditions have damaged the sculpture over time. Several restorations have been made over the years. The state’s weather patterns, characterized by high humidity, frequent rain, fluctuating temperatures, and winds from the Detroit River, make his job much more challenging than it may seem at first glance.
August 2024. ‘The Spirit of Detroit’ as the sculpture prepares for a new coat of patina, Image courtesy of Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum Archives
“Once we wash it, we’ll put another darkening patina on it to get it to a flat color or tone value, and then we go and build up this patina through the application of these chemicals over and over and over, and it builds up,” Zahorsky said.
“Then, once we get it to the correct color that they want, we go ahead and seal it with some special mixtures of wax, for a couple of different coatings of wax, and that seals it up for a little bit so it doesn’t run and drip.”
The Spirit of Detroit has taken on a life of its own over the years, including the name Detroiters gave the sculpture. More than just a work of art, it has become a focal point for the city’s triumphs. The sculpture can often be seen with oversized jerseys, commemorating significant achievements by the home teams. Whether it’s the Lions making it to the Superbowl (Lions are going all the way this season!), Red Wings making a playoff run or the Tigers heading to the World Series (Playoffs here we come), the Spirit dons the team’s colors, standing in solidarity with the city’s fans.
But the statue’s connection to the community runs much deeper than sports. Following the 2013 bankruptcy, the largest in U.S. history, the Spirit of Detroit symbolized perseverance. As the city began its recovery, the statue became a rallying point, reminding Detroiters of their collective strength and will to overcome adversity.
Today, the Spirit of Detroit is more than just a statue; essentially, it’s home, a rallying point for social justice movements, charitable causes, and city-wide celebrations. It’s also an Instagram moment, a time to observe and reflect. It also serves as a backdrop for cultural events that happen at the Spirit Plaza, including food trucks, yoga as the sunsets, or even finding your dance partner on the ballroom dance floor in the summer. The Spirit of Detroit stands as a proud guardian of Detroit’s past, present, and future.
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