The name emerged from an inscription from 2 Corinthians on the marble wall behind it: It includes the seals of the city and the county in which the statue is located. A plaque in front of the sculpture bears the following inscription: "The artist expresses the concept that God, through the spirit of man, is manifested in the family, the noblest human relationship."
History
1950s
It was commissioned in 1955 for a cost of $58,000 and dedicated on September 23, 1958. In its left hand, the large seated figure holds a gilt bronze sphere emanating rays to symbolize God. The people in the figure's right hand are a family group symbolizing all human relationships. The 26-foot sculpture was the largest cast bronze statue since the Renaissance when it was first installed. It was cast in Oslo, Norway.
1980s
In 1984, the marble panels behind the statue were replaced. During the 1980s and 1990s, a facsimile of the statue was featured on the Detroit Police Department's insignia and on decals affixed to the sides of its police cars.
2000s
The statue underwent a restoration, funded by foundations and other private donations.
In the past, a local prankster had painted green footprints heading out from the statue and leading to Giacomo Manzù's naked Passo di Danzabronze sculpture nearby.
As one of Detroit's most easily identifiable landmarks, a sketch of the statue appears as the central element of most of the logos of Detroit's city departments and services.
An image of the statue appears on the "Spirit of Detroit Award" certificate, which is issued by the Detroit City Council to a person, event, or organization deemed to have performed an outstanding achievement or service to the citizens of Detroit.
The Spirit of Detroit is featured in the 2011 Chrysler 200Super Bowl commercial, "Born of Fire", which featured Eminem along with widely known landmarks of Detroit.
