The Heidelberg Project is an extraordinary outdoor art installation located in the McDougall-Hunt neighborhood on Detroit's east side. Founded in 1986 by artist Tyree Guyton with the support of his wife Karen and his grandfather Sam McKie ("Grandpa Sam"), this project has become a symbol of resistance against urban decay. When Guyton returned to his native Heidelberg Street after serving in the army, he was struck by how severely his childhood neighborhood had fallen into disrepair due to social issues and the 1967 riots. In response, he began painting houses with bright, colorful dots and decorating them with objects gathered from the surrounding environment.
The Heidelberg Project became a political statement, a challenge against neglect and poverty that had caused many people to avoid this area even during the daytime. Thanks to the project, the street was revitalized, attracting both locals and tourists. Guyton worked daily on the project with children living on the street, as well as giving lectures and workshops nationwide, emphasizing the importance of creativity in reviving neglected places.
The project attracted significant attention and even received the Rudy Bruner Award for Urban Excellence silver medal in 2005. However, its history was not without difficulties: several works were destroyed by decision of the city authorities. One of the most well-known examples was the demolition of the "Children’s House" in 1989, along with the destruction of other buildings in 1991 and 1999. Starting from 2013, several houses suffered from arson, with some being completely destroyed.
The Heidelberg Project gained worldwide recognition as an example of how creativity can foster hope and inspire a new outlook on the future. To this day, some houses, such as the "New White House" and the "Number Houses," remain symbols of the project.
Current information:
Address: 3600 Heidelberg St, Detroit, MI 48207, United States
Contact: +1 (313)-458-8414
Hours:
Mon-Sun 08:00-19:00 (08:00 AM - 07:00 PM)
