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This was an interesting sight to see. I would recommend doing some research on it before going to it to full understand and appreciate the artistry and philosophical aspect behind it. This is a street with different things piled on top of each other (to put it frankly). Honestly, it wasn't that aesthetically pleasing to me, but that also really isn't the point. You will see lots of clocks and times painted on boards throughout the street. According to the website, the clocks have become a theme in this project because it to help us reflect "where we have been, where we are now, and where we are going". This exhibition was created by the artist Tyree Guyton in 1986. When you Google this project and read about the motivation behind creating this exhibition, it's pretty interesting and meaningful. I would recommend googling "The Heidelberg Project". Once you do, there will be some suggested links under the main website link. If you click "virtual tour", it will give you information on each of the artwork on the street. You can look for the artwork and read on it. I kind of wish the project had some helpful written blurb in from of each artwork, but it's ok, I'm sure it would interrupt the street as a whole if too many written blurbs were placed in front of each artwork. You can park on the street.
This outdoor art project requires driving through some residential space and getting a tour of the non-touristy part of Detroit, which reveals some interesting architecture in various states of decay. The exhibition takes up a full block at least, in which there are several houses but also a lot of open green space. It's a very modern kind of exhibition that is provocative while being hard to wrap your head around. There were certainly some interesting sights formed by the various abandoned cars and other detritus. It's a quiet area, and I was a bit surprised that the only other tourist that joined me on a nice day was a cat. Signage offered the opportunity to donate money to whoever's in charge of this thing and suggested a tour could be arranged. I think you'd have to be someone who is interested in art or motivated to explore; I could imagine some people wondering what was going on or why they bothered. But I do encourage people to explore.
After driving around Detroit for three days and witnessing the degree of urban decay first hand, it was a thing of beauty to see this street and the how decay was turned into art, essentially reclaiming this neighborhood for the people. This should be a stop for anyone spending a couple of days in Detroit.
Heard about this place some years ago and had my eye on going. It's an outdoor art installation. It's interesting if you read up on the story behind the art. The neighborhood's deterioration and poverty are political, to say the least. Sometimes art is very complex. The artist himself was there! Got to say our hellos. We walked around and saw piles of shoes, toys, the foundation of a house, the famous spotted house, a sunken in car, and many other things collected and turned into a visual of some of the issues you see in certain neighborhoods in Detroit (or perhaps across the country). There's this unmistakable theme about time. Lots of clocks and times written all over the place. Not exactly sure what that meant but perhaps it meant that as time passes, things don't necessarily get better? For some of us who grew up in different zip codes, we might find it hard to appreciate. It might not make sense. To me, it's mostly sad and disheartening. But I'm grateful this art installation gives people the opportunity to learn more. Art is the vision of the artist and what they want us to gain from what they've created.
The Heidelberg project is probably the most unique and one of the most memorable attractions that my family and I stumbled upon while taking a weekend getaway in Detroit. My kids had an absolute blast rummaging through this unique art display. My wife and I had a good time seeing a bunch of stuff from our childhood on display in a different artistic way. The gentlemen who happened to create this was actually out there doing his thing when we was there. He was a super nice and humble guy. He lit up like a Christmas tree when he seen my 4 daughters. He absolutely loved that the youth was enjoying and taking in his creation. The whole thing is about 3-5 house lots long on both sides of a single road. You can drive through slowly and check everything out or you can do what me and my family did and park on the side road to avoid blocking others views and get out and check out the finer details while walking through. Overall extremely cool place. Five stars from me for creativity and making something on your own and having it be successful plus my whole family had a fun time. Well Worth the 10-15 min trek from our hotel in downtown Detroit to check this place out.
Definitely the definition of unique and craziness oh just one big mess I don't know what request process it. It is interesting art project I guess which Detroit is filled with. But it is just one thing after another different art project soon garbage person. Just all kinds of things to check out while you're there because words don't really describe it well enough
This was one of my most favorite places to visit in Detroit. The Heidelberg Project is an outdoor art project in the McDougall-Hunt neighborhood on Detroit's East Side created by the mastermind artist of Tyree Guyton. I was in awe to see a street that was created with flavorful artwork. My mind was blown away to see how used and discarded items can be turned into something fun. If your ever in Detroit please add this to your places to visit. Great for tourist coming in from all over to visit and enjoy. I was also lucky to meet and be greeted by the man himself Tyree Guyton. Very friendly, great personality with positive energy. I was intrigued on the history of how Tyree Guyton and his grandfather had transformed many abandoned houses and vacant lots into massive pieces of art. Mr. Guyton also has integrated streets, sidewalks, and trees into an enormous work of beautiful and creative art. One of the greatest places to visit in Detroit.
Spent a weekend with the wife exploring Detroit. First time in the city for both of us and we stopped here on our way back out of town. It might just be that Detroit felt like a really sad city to begin with, but this art project further highlighted how everything in these neighborhoods is in disrepair and a little bit spooky. There were some cool elements to the project (particularly the "Heidelberg Project" sign), but other than that it kind of felt like I was walking onto a hoarder's property. Definitely not a highlight for us--I think your time would be better spent at Eastern Market or the Motown Museum.
This is an amazing place to visit. A lot of people I talked to were always scared to go because of the area. I'm at Wayne State University a lot, and I always feel safe. I can understand the fear though. This is a really safe place to visit during the day. If you are into art and unique things you will love this street that is decorated with strange objects. Even houses are painted and decorated. All of the items are donated. It is an amazing opportunity to look at something that was part of a political protest. There is so much history behind it. All of the art is making a statement. Things have been updated and changed, and continue to change every year. There are quite a few volunteers that help look after the street. We saw this booth with a man that gave us fliers and shared some history about the project. He talked about ways people can help and how many have donated objects or their time to keep the project alive. It is conpletely free to visit, so if you are in the area it is worth a stop.
I stopped by the Heidelberg project the last few hours in Detroit before I had to head to the airport. I had heard about it for years, so I was happy that I finally had an opportunity to check it out. The artwork spans two streets, but some art instillations are not part of the Heidelberg project, and it clearly states that on their artwork. I bumped into a friendly woman who was working in a booth that had more information about the history of this place. She gave me a brochure which explained it a bit more: the mission of the Heidelberg project is to change the lives of people and neighborhoods through art. This is evident by some up and coming initiatives where they are hoping to do more art with the youth in the area. Overall, an interesting place to check out if you're in the area. Also, they accept donations at their booth but I think most people that I saw today were just browsing on their own.
What a great way to bring life to an area that is forgotten to most. It's a little crazy, a little bizarre, , but life in Detroit isn't always explainable.
This was probably one of the coolest displays of art I have ever seen. You don't quite approach it all at once - you get pieces of it, bit by bit, and then all of a sudden you're in the middle of the Heidelberg project. There are piles of arranged figments of mass media. One of the houses on the street has been burned down, but that's simply been incorporated into the art of the street. Absolutely amazing - definitely makes you think about the waste we produce and the images we see in mass culture. Must see if you are ever in the area!
A pile of junk or art? The answers isn't the eye of the beholder. My take... someone has a passion here and is trying to do something. I did see some junk but I also saw that someone has taken the junk and madenit into art installations which I enjoyed looking at and trying to interpret. I would suggest getting out of the car and walking around. 2 odd things that occurred while visiting: 1. 3 cats circled the car in front of us and refused to move. The driver had to get out of the car and physically move them. They were not afraid of people. 2. A woman was walking around the project wearing a picture frame around her neck like it wasn't odd... It's something to experience. read more
Came to Detroit just for the art scene so, of course, we couldn't pass up The Heidelberg Project! It was top of our list to see! If you're not familiar with The Heidelberg Project, read up on it before you visit so you can appreciate it and be knowledgeable on what you are seeing. While we were there, we were lucky enough to meet with the artist and creator, Tyree Guyton. He was so informative, so friendly, and just an all around pleasure to meet and speak with. Keep in mind that The Heidelberg Project is always in progress. Tyree is always inspired and adding to the art. Also, keep in mind that some things you may see online are no longer present. I had seen pictures of the vinyl record house and the teddy bear house and was disappointed to see they were no longer standing when I visited. I heard that they burned down. Either way, they were vacant homes which will only last for so long. The Heidelberg Project is a vital part of the Detroit art scene and is a must see for visitors! read more
7 months ago
4 months ago
3 years ago
This was an interesting sight to see. I would recommend doing some research on it before going to it to full understand and appreciate the artistry and philosophical aspect behind it. This is a street with different things piled on top of each other (to put it frankly). Honestly, it wasn't that aesthetically pleasing to me, but that also really isn't the point. You will see lots of clocks and times painted on boards throughout the street. According to the website, the clocks have become a theme in this project because it to help us reflect "where we have been, where we are now, and where we are going". This exhibition was created by the artist Tyree Guyton in 1986. When you Google this project and read about the motivation behind creating this exhibition, it's pretty interesting and meaningful. I would recommend googling "The Heidelberg Project". Once you do, there will be some suggested links under the main website link. If you click "virtual tour", it will give you information on each of the artwork on the street. You can look for the artwork and read on it. I kind of wish the project had some helpful written blurb in from of each artwork, but it's ok, I'm sure it would interrupt the street as a whole if too many written blurbs were placed in front of each artwork. You can park on the street. read more
This outdoor art project requires driving through some residential space and getting a tour of the non-touristy part of Detroit, which reveals some interesting architecture in various states of decay. The exhibition takes up a full block at least, in which there are several houses but also a lot of open green space. It's a very modern kind of exhibition that is provocative while being hard to wrap your head around. There were certainly some interesting sights formed by the various abandoned cars and other detritus. It's a quiet area, and I was a bit surprised that the only other tourist that joined me on a nice day was a cat. Signage offered the opportunity to donate money to whoever's in charge of this thing and suggested a tour could be arranged. I think you'd have to be someone who is interested in art or motivated to explore; I could imagine some people wondering what was going on or why they bothered. But I do encourage people to explore. read more
After driving around Detroit for three days and witnessing the degree of urban decay first hand, it was a thing of beauty to see this street and the how decay was turned into art, essentially reclaiming this neighborhood for the people. This should be a stop for anyone spending a couple of days in Detroit. read more
5 years ago
Heard about this place some years ago and had my eye on going. It's an outdoor art installation. It's interesting if you read up on the story behind the art. The neighborhood's deterioration and poverty are political, to say the least. Sometimes art is very complex. The artist himself was there! Got to say our hellos. We walked around and saw piles of shoes, toys, the foundation of a house, the famous spotted house, a sunken in car, and many other things collected and turned into a visual of some of the issues you see in certain neighborhoods in Detroit (or perhaps across the country). There's this unmistakable theme about time. Lots of clocks and times written all over the place. Not exactly sure what that meant but perhaps it meant that as time passes, things don't necessarily get better? For some of us who grew up in different zip codes, we might find it hard to appreciate. It might not make sense. To me, it's mostly sad and disheartening. But I'm grateful this art installation gives people the opportunity to learn more. Art is the vision of the artist and what they want us to gain from what they've created. read more
The Heidelberg project is probably the most unique and one of the most memorable attractions that my family and I stumbled upon while taking a weekend getaway in Detroit. My kids had an absolute blast rummaging through this unique art display. My wife and I had a good time seeing a bunch of stuff from our childhood on display in a different artistic way. The gentlemen who happened to create this was actually out there doing his thing when we was there. He was a super nice and humble guy. He lit up like a Christmas tree when he seen my 4 daughters. He absolutely loved that the youth was enjoying and taking in his creation. The whole thing is about 3-5 house lots long on both sides of a single road. You can drive through slowly and check everything out or you can do what me and my family did and park on the side road to avoid blocking others views and get out and check out the finer details while walking through. Overall extremely cool place. Five stars from me for creativity and making something on your own and having it be successful plus my whole family had a fun time. Well Worth the 10-15 min trek from our hotel in downtown Detroit to check this place out. read more
1 year ago
Definitely the definition of unique and craziness oh just one big mess I don't know what request process it. It is interesting art project I guess which Detroit is filled with. But it is just one thing after another different art project soon garbage person. Just all kinds of things to check out while you're there because words don't really describe it well enough read more
7 years ago
This was one of my most favorite places to visit in Detroit. The Heidelberg Project is an outdoor art project in the McDougall-Hunt neighborhood on Detroit's East Side created by the mastermind artist of Tyree Guyton. I was in awe to see a street that was created with flavorful artwork. My mind was blown away to see how used and discarded items can be turned into something fun. If your ever in Detroit please add this to your places to visit. Great for tourist coming in from all over to visit and enjoy. I was also lucky to meet and be greeted by the man himself Tyree Guyton. Very friendly, great personality with positive energy. I was intrigued on the history of how Tyree Guyton and his grandfather had transformed many abandoned houses and vacant lots into massive pieces of art. Mr. Guyton also has integrated streets, sidewalks, and trees into an enormous work of beautiful and creative art. One of the greatest places to visit in Detroit. read more
7 years ago
Spent a weekend with the wife exploring Detroit. First time in the city for both of us and we stopped here on our way back out of town. It might just be that Detroit felt like a really sad city to begin with, but this art project further highlighted how everything in these neighborhoods is in disrepair and a little bit spooky. There were some cool elements to the project (particularly the "Heidelberg Project" sign), but other than that it kind of felt like I was walking onto a hoarder's property. Definitely not a highlight for us--I think your time would be better spent at Eastern Market or the Motown Museum. read more
This is an amazing place to visit. A lot of people I talked to were always scared to go because of the area. I'm at Wayne State University a lot, and I always feel safe. I can understand the fear though. This is a really safe place to visit during the day. If you are into art and unique things you will love this street that is decorated with strange objects. Even houses are painted and decorated. All of the items are donated. It is an amazing opportunity to look at something that was part of a political protest. There is so much history behind it. All of the art is making a statement. Things have been updated and changed, and continue to change every year. There are quite a few volunteers that help look after the street. We saw this booth with a man that gave us fliers and shared some history about the project. He talked about ways people can help and how many have donated objects or their time to keep the project alive. It is conpletely free to visit, so if you are in the area it is worth a stop. read more
I stopped by the Heidelberg project the last few hours in Detroit before I had to head to the airport. I had heard about it for years, so I was happy that I finally had an opportunity to check it out. The artwork spans two streets, but some art instillations are not part of the Heidelberg project, and it clearly states that on their artwork. I bumped into a friendly woman who was working in a booth that had more information about the history of this place. She gave me a brochure which explained it a bit more: the mission of the Heidelberg project is to change the lives of people and neighborhoods through art. This is evident by some up and coming initiatives where they are hoping to do more art with the youth in the area. Overall, an interesting place to check out if you're in the area. Also, they accept donations at their booth but I think most people that I saw today were just browsing on their own. read more
3 years ago
3 years ago
This was probably one of the coolest displays of art I have ever seen. You don't quite approach it all at once - you get pieces of it, bit by bit, and then all of a sudden you're in the middle of the Heidelberg project. There are piles of arranged figments of mass media. One of the houses on the street has been burned down, but that's simply been incorporated into the art of the street. Absolutely amazing - definitely makes you think about the waste we produce and the images we see in mass culture. Must see if you are ever in the area! read more
Some places on Earth can elicit all sorts of emotions and reactions within a matter of minutes. Tyree Guyton's surreal Heidelberg Project is one of those places. On display in an almost stereoptypical desolate inner-city Detroit neighbhorhood where there are more vacant lots than residential buildings, the Project can inspire wonder, sadness, joy, anger, and confusion, almost simultaneously. (Re-reading that last sentence, I find that it sounds cornball and hippie-dippie to my own ears, but it also still rings basically true in this case.) Both my and my wife's (late) fathers were painting-and-drawing professors at big State U. art schools, and my wife works in art-related field. You'd think that would give us some inside edge on evaluating art, but I think it has just made us more confused. (Or maybe I should just speak for myself.) Anyway, I think our general impression was that the individual pieces out on Heidelberg weren't all that impressive but that the whole installation is vastly more than the sum of its parts. The sculpture garden is really nice, and the "Animal House" around the corner is somewhow really affecting, too. As far as I know, a one-of-a-kind experience. P.S. We observed a number of suburban-looking vehicles cruising down Heidelberg attempting a drive-by art viewing, their occupants apparently afraid to plant their feet on the ground of this rough-looking neighborhood. Silly, silly. Park you car and walk down the street and spend a little time here (while respecting the residents). It's the only way to experience this place. (I'm guessing the neighbors get fatigued with all the visitors traipsing up and down the street, but I'm also guessing that they view the drive-through art-viewers as just plain insulting.) read more
5 years ago
Amazing and unique place to explore and take pictures. Feels sketchy but not unsafe. Unique road that's a must see for the nitty gritty vibe of inner city Detroit. read more
I don't get it. I know art is in the eye of the beholder, but....this "project" consists of a landscape of everyday items retrieved from burnt out or abandoned homes. I guess at least something is being done with the leftovers. I gave 2 stars for the recycle and bringing in tourism dollars, but overall this evoked no emotion from me other than being incredulous. If you go make sure it is during the day and not alone. Still not a "safe" place to wander. No cost to stroll down the street. read more
Hubby and I have visited a few times. He is suspicious; I am hooked. In my opinion,Tyree Guyton has achieved the almost-impossible aim of enlivening a dying neighborhood without ennobling it. In hubby's opinion, dots and stuffed animals aren't really art. Regardless of your eventual take on this neighborhood, it is worth seeing, because it is truly one-of-a-kind. Mr Guyton's work is enhanced by Timothy Burke's work and the whole neighborhood is an Only-In-Detroit experience you shouldn't miss. BTW - Even suspicious hubby gives this a grudging four stars because of what it represents - a unique art installation on a public street in a major city. read more
I use the word awesome all the time so how do I describe Heidelberg Project other than FREAKING AWESOME. Where else would you find a block filled of random things. It is creative to a point. Some were very artistic, creative, and stood out more than others. Some were a little repetitive and a little of a clutter but still pretty cool and a good place to come and see. Some were disturbing. It was a quick drive thru don't know if I would park and walk around. When I went no one else was there. Free Detroit attraction. read more
3 years ago
What can I say. We are in Detroit for the first time for a sporting event for the weekend. While coming to Detroit the first time I wanted to check out some of the art that the city had to offer. Well we stumbled across the Heidelberg Project which was only a quick 10 minute Uber ride from our downtown hotel. Once turning off of the Main Street it is as if you are transformed into an impoverished and eerily abandoned neighborhood. Our Uber driver says, "this place used to be better kept, and I am surprised you didn't want to keep the Uber to take a few pictures and then leave". When traveling we explore fearlessly to uncover less glamorized areas because they too are connected with history and culture. Begrudgingly and excitingly we exited the Uber and started to explore..... I initially awe struck. One of the first exhibits at this "art junkyard" was a collection of different shoes stringed to a chain link fence. You can tell that these collections of shoes were added at differing moments and all had differing stories from past owners. Directly behind this fence is colorful and eye pleasing artwork of time, both digital & analog. Eventually these consistent clock paintings began to make me lose the sense of elapsed time. It was weird and groovy, pretty trippy. Immediately thereafter there is a wooden and glassed encased community book box that was inhabited by a small kitten. The kitten, first of many, seemed happy and at ease in this environment. There is sparse traffic that passes through thus cats have a playful relationship with the many black squirrels that also seem to fit within this ecosystem. Makeshift homes for the kittens made out of old car hoods have hay floors and multiple food and water sources. The art is a magically and nostalgic collection of items that warped me back into my childhood (early 80's baby)...... it was nice that someone still cared about this collection of junk to transform it into something, ANYTHING, other than waste at landfills. You name it, it was there, jet skis, boats, television sets, grocery carts, stuffed animals, Ben Wallace Detroit Pistons Jerseys, vehicles, car doors, children toys, power wheel cars, wheelchairs, snowboards, skis, and did I mention the highly curious and cute kittens. Ahhh the kittens so curious and welcoming, and this is coming from a dog person who typically thinks cats are sneaky and are waiting for the perfect moment to end my existence lol. Back to the overall art exhibit and the gratefulness that an artist cares to turn one person's trash into art it was amazing. I seen things that in my adult life I had forgotten had been a part of my upbringing, and that I was thankful for. Speaking with the creator of this, Detroit native Tyree Guyton, he spoke so elegantly of his mission. He stated this project is his life passion and that the junk pieces actually are donated from all around the world to this Detroit creative initiative. All in all, sure the neighborhood is filled with abandoned houses and lack upkeep, but if you can brave through your apprehensiveness, you will be rewarded with a one of a kind art experience. read more
The Heidelberg Project really is something else. I'm from Heidelberg, Germany and really wonder why they named it this, there are no similarities whatsoever, it has left an imprint on my mind forever, the same goes for my family. We went around the block twice just to take it all in again, truthfully I would have gone a third time, it is so different, so amazing, such a life changing impact. I don't have an artistic bone in my body but this really is art. I stared, thought, felt what was going on here, it was so real, surreal and insane all at the same time! I loved it, was creeped out, intrigued, so many emotions....WOW! One can not put this in words, I hope it stays around for a long time, this is something I would go back to see again everytime I am in Detroit and would go show and recommend anyone to go see! read more
Ever cool! Art is everywhere on this street. Inside the main house there are a few rooms with exhibits. The girl in there was friendly. There were a couple of locals hanging out of the street but I just ignored them. read more
Quirky artwork project strewn in the midst of Detroit. Worth checking out and taking a walk through to view the various pieces that create this large art 'exhibit' through the neighborhood. It's unlike anything I've ever seen before and is something that is quite unique to the area of Detroit and tells quite the story. read more
A must see when in Detroit. It's a great spot to see. We went during the day and felt perfectly safe. Neat to drive around the neighborhood. Lives here all my life and never went down.... glad I went. Pretty cool to see in person. If you go at night you're going to miss a lot. read more
This was a random stop for us on ouR drive Saturday, but thought it would be cool to check out. So much can be told by seemingly random pieces of 'trash' scattered around. This art election highlights the blight that has stricken the community and it is interesting to see it among people's homes. It is crazy to thinkk this is just a couple blocks away from Indian village. There is such a disparity between some areas of Detroit just separated by near blocks. Definitely an eye opening stop that I would recommend! read more
6 years ago
Very cool outdoor artwork to check out if you're in and around Detroit visiting. On the Eastside, not the safest neighborhood but this street itself is under surveillance at all times. Neighbors are friendly if they're outside, as people do still live in some of the homes. Third time visiting this site and the artwork changes a bit each time. read more
11 years ago
If it weren't dumping snow and wasn't freezing cold, I would've loved walking around the blocks of art work, but instead we had to see it inside a warm warm car. I saw reviews of this place and since we were in Detroit, we had to at least see it! Another great freebie to do in the area. The Heidelberg Project is an art installation across several blocks. Some on actual houses, some in the middle of just grass, but it's quite unique...sometimes risque, sometimes a little vulgar, but heck I liked it! I'll hopefully one day make a trip out there and get to experience in all its glory and outside of the car! read more
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3600 Heidelberg St
Detroit, MI 48207
McDougall-Hunt
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