A Special Gift

Detroit Mayor Louis C. Miriani presents President Dwight D. Eisenhower with a small-scale bronze of The Spirit of Detroit.jpg

Detroit Mayor Louis C. Miriani presents President Dwight D. Eisenhower with a small-scale bronze of "The Spirit of Detroit," 1960

The President of Finland Dr. Urho K. Kekkonen receives "The Spirit of Detroit," 1961

Detroit Mayor Jerome P. Cavanagh presents President Lyndon B. Johnson with a small-scale bronze of The Spirit of Detroit.jpg

Detroit Mayor Jerome P. Cavanagh presents President Lyndon B. Johnson with a small-scale bronze of "The Spirit of Detroit," 1964

Marshall Fredericks presents Princess Benedikte of Denmark with a small-scale bronze of "The Spirit of Detroit" at the DIADEM banquet in Copenhagen, 1965

Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands with a small-scale bronze of The Spirit of Detroit.jpg

Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands with a small-scale bronze of "The Spirit of Detroit," 1965

Detroit Mayor Roman S. Gribbs presents President Richard Nixon with "The Spirit of Detroit," 1971

Detroit Mayor Coleman A. Young presents King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden with a small-scale bronze "The Spirit of Detroit," 1976

Detroit Mayor Coleman A. Young presents Mayor Nishiyama of Toyota City, Japan with a small-scale bronze of "The Spirit of Detroit," 1983

Small-scale bronze of The Spirit of Detroit inside presentation box.jpg

This small-scale casting of The Spirit of Detroit was intended for President John F. Kennedy, but he was assassinated before it could be presented to him.

As one of the most recognizable symbols of the city of Detroit, it is only appropriate that small-scale models of The Spirit of Detroit were often given to visiting dignitaries during their trip to the city.

The Spirit of Detroit was usually presented to the distinguished visitor by sculptor Marshall Fredericks, along with the current mayor of Detroit, during an official ceremony. Often the guest of honor would also receive a key to the city in addition to the sculpture.

This exclusive group of recipients includes three mayors, six heads of state, and three sitting American Presidents. Several of these gifted Spirits have made their way over time to presidential libraries and museums and European royal palaces where they are on display for visitors to enjoy.