“a memorial to the boxing legend”
The Monument to Joe Louis, known also as "The Fist", is a memorial to the boxer at Detroit's Hart Plaza. Dedicated on October 16, 1986, the sculpture, commissioned by Sports Illustrated magazine from the Mexican-American sculptor Robert Graham, is a 24-foot-long (7.3 m) arm with a fisted hand suspended by a 24-foot-high (7.3 m) pyramidal framework. It represents the power of his punch both inside and outside the ring. Because of his efforts to fight Jim Crow laws, the fist was symbolically aimed toward racial injustice. Graham referred to the sculpture as a "battering ram". The sculpture was vandalized by two white men in 2004, who covered it in white paint and left a sign which read, "Courtesy of Fighting Whities". Graham responded that the piece was "working" if it aroused passion. Showing title of piece in 2013, art dealer and art historian Eric Ian Hornak Spoutz was quoted in the Detroit News stating that the value of the sculpture is between $1,000,000 and $2,000,000
Cool piece of art and history. Hint: for your pictures, to get your fist proportional in size to 'fist bump' the statue, stand across the street from it.
This thing is massive! Its worth grabbing a quick selfie in front of but also in the middle of a busy street so you can't park right beside it!
One of the most recognizable symbols of Detroit, the Joe Louis Fist represents not only Joe Louis's efforts as a boxer and civil rights leader but also the city's gritty determination. Perfect spot for a photo!
Be the first to add a review to the Joe Louis "Fist" Statue.
Joe Louis "Fist" Statue
Hours
- Sun - Sat: 12:00 am - 11:59 pm
Problem with this listing? Let us know.
Has RV parking changed? Let us know.
-
Parking
-
Pets Allowed
-
Restrooms
-
Wifi
-
Wheelchair Accessible
-
Credit Cards Accepted