Hart Plaza
1 Hart Plaza, Detroit, MI, 48226
Set along the Detroit Riverwalk in the heart of the city’s downtown, Hart Plaza is one of the most vibrant open-air cultural hubs in Detroit. The space and its futuristic Horace E. Dodge and Son Memorial Fountain (known locally as Dodge Fountain) were designed by artist Isamu Noguchi in the 1970s, and its two open-air amphitheaters and wide square host festivals and performances for thousands of attendees each summer.
The basics
Many downtown Detroit sightseeing tours stop at Hart Plaza and other nearby attractions, such as the Monument to Joe Louis (The Fist), the Spirit of Detroit, Comerica Park, and the Detroit Riverwalk. Visit this landmark square paired with a city food tour or as part of an architecture tour of Detroit, or attend a riverfront festival to experience the plaza at its liveliest. Top events include the Detroit International Jazz Festival, the Windsor–Detroit International Freedom Festival, and Motor City Pride.
Things to know before you go
Hart Plaza sits along the Detroit Riverwalk, an easy stop during a scenic stroll through the city’s downtown.
During events, food and drink stands are available, and there are public restrooms.
Visitors can enter for free when events are not being held, but must purchase a ticket to enter during select concerts and performances.
The plaza is level and paved, easy to navigate with a wheelchair or stroller.
How to get there
Hart Plaza is located along the Detroit River, a quick walk from nearby downtown attractions like the Spirit of Detroit and Monument to Joe Louis (The Fist). If you’re driving, you can park at one of the many nearby parking garages. You can also take a city bus, or use the city’s MoGo bike-sharing service.
When to get there
By far the best time to visit Hart Plaza is during one of the festivals or events held in the square each year. Most events take place during the summer season, so check the city’s official website to see what’s scheduled between May and September.
Open-air art in Detroit’s Hart Plaza
One of Detroit’s top public spaces, Hart Plaza is home to a number of outdoor artworks that can be admired for free when passing through. The most famous is Noguchi’s Dodge Fountain, marking the center of the square. Other abstract contemporary works include the circular Transcending Arch monument and the soaring Pylon. History lovers will appreciate the Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac Statue and Martin Luther King Jr. Sculpture, as well as the International Memorial to the Underground Railroad.
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