Monument to Joe Louis (The Fist)
Detroit, MI
Paying tribute to legendary Detroit boxer Joe Louis, who defeated German opponent Max Schmeling in a symbolic American victory during World War II, the immense Monument to Joe Louis (The Fist) is one of Detroit’s most recognizable public works of art. This 24-foot (7.3-meter) arm with a fisted hand—suspended by a towering pyramidal frame—represents Louis’ power as both an athlete and a civil rights activist.
The basics
Sightseeing tours of downtown Detroit generally stop by the open-air Monument to Joe Louis (The Fist), as well as visiting other nearby city highlights, such as The Spirit of Detroit, Hart Plaza, Comerica Park, and the Detroit Riverwalk. You can also pair a stop to admire this 1986 work by artist Robert Graham before or after a food tour or other culinary experience or as part of an architecture tour that covers the city’s historic and modern buildings and landmarks.
Things to know before you go
- The Fist sits on an island along busy West Jefferson Avenue, with four lanes of traffic on each side: Use extreme caution when crossing to get a closer look at the installation.
- The nearby Spirit of Detroit Plaza has eateries for snacks and drinks.
- The artwork sits within an open-air square with no shade, so wear a hat and sunscreen on sunny days.
- The site is easy to navigate with wheelchairs or strollers as it’s level and paved.
How to get there
The Fist is located between downtown Hart Plaza and Spirit of Detroit Plaza. It’s easily accessible on foot from several nearby attractions and numerous parking garages sit within a 2-block radius. City buses stop just opposite the monument, or you can use Detroit’s bike-sharing service to reach the statue.
When to get there
This open-air installation is not well-lit at night, so visit during the day to get the best view (and photos) without braving the tricky traffic. There is no shade or shelter at the statue’s site, so avoid the elements and Detroit’s extreme temperatures by touring on a clear, mild day.
Detroit’s top public art installations
Public art is a main feature in the Detroit cityscape, including everything from massive sculptures—like the Monument to Joe Louis—to colorful murals and monumental fountains. Works to admire include the Stevie Wonder mural at Detroit’s Music Hall Center, street art in Eastern Market, the James Scott Memorial Fountain on Belle Isle, the Horace E. Dodge and Son Memorial Fountain in Hart Plaza, and the United We Stand sculpture at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History.
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