The Heidelberg Project

The Heidelberg project is something that, in many ways, truly defines the spirit of the City of Detroit. It encompasses the relentless drive, inability to give up, and ability to see beauty in the unsightly, which make Detroit what it is.

Nestled in the heart of midtown, The Heidelberg Project is a public art piece that occupies roughly two city blocks, on Heidelberg Street (just south of Mack), between Ellery and Mt Elliot. In 1986 by local artist Tyree Guyton started the Heidelberg Project, partially to encourage arts education for Detroit youths. What exist snow are several (unoccupied) houses and several vacant lots, all decorated with various items that were once trash. The houses remain empty, but are now adorned with a plethora of colors and items. On the corner of Heidelberg and Mt. Elliot there is a sign that does not explain what the project is about, but rather explains the “restrictions” upon visiting. It explains that everything is copyrighted and that any images are only to be used for personal or educational reasons. The sign also reminds viewers that this is more than just a piece of public art, it is also the neighborhood to numerous families. One corner of the sign reads: “Please do not photograph residents. Especially children.”

Everything in the area is decorated; at least half a dozen houses and even more empty lots are filled with a unique form of “found art.” When one first comes onto the street, it is almost hard to believe that it is real. It is truly an incredible sight to behold. Even one house or one lot would be impressive, but the sheer magnitude of the project is certainly one of the more impressive parts of this immense piece of art.

Last year, the Heidelberg Project celebrated its 25^th anniversary. It has seen many changes, including demolitions and additions to the project. Numerous houses that were once part of the project have since been destroyed, due to “city planning” under the supervision of then Detroit mayors Coleman Young, and later Dennis Archer.

One thing that is somewhat different about the Heidelberg project is that it is completely public. Not only can you come and go freely, but also you can go up and touch things, even leave a shoe in the infamous shoe oven. It is pretty miraculous to wander around inside this enormous art project, and not have limitations as to how close to anything you can get. It adds a deeper level of connection between the art and the viewer.

One could ask “The Heidelberg Project is nearly twenty six years old, how is it relevant to the modern art scene?” It is relevant because it is constantly changing. With some parts becoming old, and constant additions to others, the Heidelberg project is different every day. It is not a piece that was made twenty-six years ago, but rather a piece that is twenty-six years in the making. You will never see the same Heidelberg twice.