Last updated on .
Spirit Plaza is a public square in Detroit, Michigan, across from Hart Plaza where Woodward Avenue meets Jefferson Street. The plaza currently hosts food trucks, public events, and performances.
Spirit of Detroit
You can find the famous Spirit of Detroit monument at Spirit Plaza. The monument was dedicated on September 3, 1958, and is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. It was created by sculptor Marshall Fredericks and cast in Oslo, Norway. At the time it was erected, it was the largest cast bronze sculpture since the Renaissance.
In the spirit’s left hand is a sphere emanating rays to symbolize God. In its left hand is a family, which represents all human relationships. Behind the spirit are panels featuring the seals of the city of Detroit and Wayne County. Another panel includes an inscription from 2 Corinthians (3:17):
“Now the Lord is that Spirit and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” II Corinthians 3:17
In front of the sculpture is a plaque indicating the artist’s intention:
“The artist expresses the concept that God, through the spirit of man is manifested in the family, the noblest human relationship.”
Monument to Joe Louis
Crossing Jefferson Street towards Hart Plaza, in the median you’ll find the Monument to Joe Louis, also known as The Fist. The monument was dedicated on October 16, 1986, and was sculpted by Robert Graham. It commemorates the legendary boxer, who lived in Detroit.
The fist is 24 feet long and in the shape of a battering ram. It represents the power of Louis’ punch both inside and outside the ring, referring to his efforts to fight racial injustice and Jim Crow laws.
Detroit Armenian Genocide Memorial
Also in the median and just west is the Detroit Armenian Genocide Memorial. It was dedicated to the memory of the 1.5 million Armenians exterminated during the 1915 Armenian Genocide under Ottoman rule.
