Heidelberg Project

Errrr… dont really like complaining about a free attraction, but I dont see the merit here. Not teally weird or eccentric, just confusion with a childs level of creativity. Like something a precocious 4^th grader would come up with in art class. Plus alot of the better ones were burned down…

If it weren’t dumping snow and wasn’t freezing cold, I would’ve loved walking around the blocks of art work, but instead we had to see it inside a warm warm car. I saw reviews of this place and since we were in Detroit, we had to at least see it! Another great freebie to do in the area. The Heidelberg Project is an art installation across several blocks. Some on actual houses, some in the middle of just grass, but it’s quite unique… sometimes risqué, sometimes a little vulgar, but heck I liked it! I’ll hopefully one day make a trip out there and get to experience in all its glory and outside of the car!

Definitely one of our highlights as we went through Detroit. Important civic conversation, national topic, and venue for art. Take the time to read whatever handouts are there, talk to whatever people are there (including any staff who help run this operation), and make sure to budget for reflection time. I also spent some time Googling the history of the project, as it helped to know how many houses had been burned down and when, which helped even more to contextualize what I was taking in. What I liked the most about visiting HP was taking a little bit of its history with me, the story sticks with you and pushed me to reflect on my own neighborhood.

This is an amazing activity to do with people who are new to the area. I took my friends from NY here and they thought it was the coolest attraction. Very unique. I’d recommend going in the day time, so that you can actually get out of the car and walk around and see the attractions better! Overall lots of fun, check it out!

You like art? You like to sound cool, hip and down with the underground? Then get here playa cuz this is as good as it gets. Fucked up houses in fucked up Detroit looking good as fuck cuz of some good old fashioned TLC. My god what a place to take a stroll, smootch yo girl or just generally get inspired to get off your fat ass and do something g worthwhile with your life.

Amazing!!! Hundred percent worth checking out! Everywhere you look there is so much to see. The neighbourhood folks were totally cool. I enjoyed the gift shop too and buying a souvenir there and supporting this initiative. I think this project is a good reflection of the spirit of this city. There seems to be a spirit of turning the tides on a tough situation with resilience and creativity.

Truly unique. I have never been to a project of this scale and magnitude. It’s really unfortunate that so much controversy surrounds this piece just because somebody has a voice and point of view. Let’s get empowered people! Accept the eccentric, and even more, embrace it and let it thrive!
As a creative professional, I can admire and appreciate the symbolism behind these homes. They may be abstract in their frame of mind and odd to see visually, but the deeper meaning is remarkable.
Please do be respectful of the residents, and enjoy this one-​a-​kind Detroit attraction. I just hope that more people are aware that it’s these kinds of movements that will bring more acceptance and understanding to the city.

This project truly leaves your mind wondering what was going through the artist mind when he came up with this idea. I love driving through at night when I visit Detroit as it creates a strong sence of appreciation for what the motor city has been through. Even if you are not intrigued by the project you are sure to drive away appreciative of the artist description of Detroit history. Take some time to visit this project and see how an artist gave an entire city a voice to share their struggle.

The project is very interesting. I live in the area so i make a point of driving by often and taking my friends to see it when they are visiting. It’s captivating. It’s an artists’ take on a city that is having problems but is worth the fight.
The eerie feeling you get when driving through the neighborhood is amazing. it’s hard to find an art project that touches you in this way. It pulls you in, you can almost feel the struggle of the city. As a native, it touches me even more because it’s a morbid representation of a city that i love.
There are still people that live in the houses.
Its free to drive through and see the project i would suggest it in a date if you are in the area because it’s a cool conversation piece thats free of charge and convenient to see.

When you learn the history of why this was started, it really becomes more than just a collection of junk that someone is calling art. It’s about Detroit, the phoenix rising, the neighborhoods that we have lost and the knowing your neighbors that we had as kids that has been lost.
It’s been many, many years since I have come down to see it, and on a cold, wet, blustery day, we brought my friend to see it. She was amazed by what she saw — and as an artist, she can appreciate it.
The clocks. The hands of time. The ravages of time. The clock faces.

Living in the area my whole life and finally went to it. Found it to be very strange. If you go, go in the daytime, lock your doors and carry a pistol. 75% of the houses in the neighborhood have caught fire and yet haven’t been torn down. The project itself is very strange. Don’t make a special trip.

Just one of the incredibly interesting (and suggested) sites in Detroit. I’ve found myself here on three separate occasions. Each time after a mass burning. I’m not entirely sure what to think of Heidelberg, nor if it’s any longer a positive art project. The nearby neighbors often protest the stream of outsiders visiting and accuse those tourists as vandals; however they define such accusations. The apparent amount of work and obvious dedication from its composers is the most breathtaking feature of this block. I believe to understand the point of the project but wonder, now, if its existence is necessary. Meaning that the inspiration behind its construction could be better suited with clean development; perhaps even a museum in dedication to the artists who created it and their work. OF COURSE that would mean ownership, entrance fees and further possible disruption to the neighborhood. A sort of conundrum.
No matter where you’re from or the reason behind your visit to Detroit SEE THIS PLACE before the community continues to destroy it (arson). It’s sure to inspire something within anyone.
I wonder if Detroit just needs an open burning pit. I’ve only ever seen so much cultural acceptance of arson in the deep south otherwise.

This falls right into line with what I call a unique tourist area!
When going out and exploring you need to find different things to see and cultures to experience. Sure this is not like going to the mall or a historic museum, but I was fascinated by the unique vibe at the Heidelberg Project.
As your driving down some abandoned streets you suddenly find yourself through the «Looking Glass» there are other tourists and friendly people on site here. Just to see the displays and form of art is worth a visit and a great place «Off the Beaten Path»

After living in Detroit for three years I have finally made it to the Heidelberg project. Please go during the day so you can walk around and take pictures of everything. If there’s no one around and its dark just do a drive by. Also be respectful, there are people who live on this street.
It was really fun to look at all the displays. Wish people were more respectful: there has been a bunch of fires the last couple years. I didn’t get to see the house with all the stuff animals attached to it. =[
There are a lot of bugs so if you want to wander all over please wear hefty shoes.
A must-​see if you are live in the area or visiting.

Art is subjective, we all know that. Heidelberg Project made it onto our «must see» list while visiting Detroit. If you want loads of historical information (the who, what, why), check out the website. There are also pamphlets inside the small welcome center/​gift shop on Heidelberg Street.
It wasn’t hard to find. Put the address in your GPS, and it will take you through a residential area, but will put you right on the street corner. There’s no missing it — haven’t you seen the photos? The homes of Heidelberg are real and are occupied by real residents, there were signs posted everywhere requesting that you do NOT take photos of the residents and that you DO be respectful of their property.
Some residents sat on their porches and glared at us, while others were more inviting. The lady seated on the porch of «The Yellowhouse Guestbook» was super friendly and asked me, «do you want to sign my house?» Um, yes, I absolutely want to participate in (sort of) vandalizing property! For $ 1, you can write your name and city on her house. She takes photos and posts them on a Facebook page. I couldn’t pass up the kitsch and «helping the community» thing for only a buck.
Although only one block long, we spent a little bit of time here looking at everything. Of course the most eye-​catching thing on the block is the polka dot house. It got a little wacky and redundant at times (some homes were less art work, more something from «Hoarders.») But overall it was a fun and interesting experience, although the general decay of the community is disturbing and depressing. Still, have your camera ready.
Even if you’re reading the reviews, looking at the photos, and thinking, «uhm, weird, I don’t get it,» go anyway. There isn’t anything like Heidelberg Project anywhere else.
We stepped inside the little gift shop, where they sell t-​shirts and tote bags, and it was in there that we learned that had been SIX arsons in a short period (a year or so?) which explains why the block felt so vacant. Get to Heidelberg before it’s gone.

The Heidelberg Project is one of those quintessential Detroit displays that everyone should at least drive through. And the spirit of it continues to abound in hope. Having suffered 9 fires in less than a year, it still stands strong and proud.
Every time I go there’s something different there, and something new I notice, and something old I look at closer. Check it out… enjoy… appreciate the details that are not so subtle…

First and foremost, let me state, I’ve never been one to go to see art displays, nor have I been to the DIA. But things are starting to change.
I’ve visited The Heidelberg Project these past 2 weekends. The 1^st time with my wife, and then this weekend with my 2 daughters (12 & 8). I am amazed by all the things I missed from my 1^st visit when I came with my girls. Looking at the same displays, new things popped out at me and my mind started racing trying to interpet what Tyree Guyton was trying to convey with his artistic display.
It spans a block of so, and the neighbors seem to be friendly. I even bought ice cold bottled water from a Husband and Wife that sits at the start of the street in a big yellow house. :)
Drive thru, I bet you’ll want to get out and take a closer look — I guarantee it!!!
When I’m downtown, I’ll be checking it out again…
My daughters really enjoyed it, and my youngest has me leave a donation at the numbers house. :) I had each of them take pics with their iPods, and they sent their favorite ones to me. The things that caught their eyes were amazing…
:)

This was probably one of the coolest displays of art I have ever seen. You don’t quite approach it all at once — you get pieces of it, bit by bit, and then all of a sudden you’re in the middle of the Heidelberg project.
There are piles of arranged figments of mass media. One of the houses on the street has been burned down, but that’s simply been incorporated into the art of the street.
Absolutely amazing — definitely makes you think about the waste we produce and the images we see in mass culture. Must see if you are ever in the area!

Def a «when in Detroit» touristy attraction.
Don’t let the neighborhood scare you. Most of the locals know you’re an out-​of-​towner (hello! Asian girl w/​White fiancé in a top down Porsche!). My fiancé is {cautious} in Detroit. Me? Bleh, I work in the ER, puleease. Don’t get rough w/​me friend.) and they stare as you go by but they know you’re there to explore Tyree Guyton’s art.
Check out the website for a quick rundown on the Heidelburg Project. It really is «Using art to provoke thought, promote discussion, inspire action and heal communities…»
We were intrigued and confused at the same time. Made me reflect back 12 yrs ago during my Art History days at my liberal arts High School. «Trash art on crack» per fiancé.
Do a drive by through Heidelberg Street, Mt. Elliott and Ellery Streets then park. It’s not big and you could easily spend ~1hr photographing, observing, picking your brain.
Edited to add on 7÷4÷13:
Tim burke of detroit industrial gallery asked me to give credit to his metal sculpture artwork. He is an autonomous artist with a studio gallery within the Heidelberg Project. Look for the yellow house with the giant logo.

I use the word awesome all the time so how do I describe Heidelberg Project other than FREAKING AWESOME. Where else would you find a block filled of random things. It is creative to a point. Some were very artistic, creative, and stood out more than others. Some were a little repetitive and a little of a clutter but still pretty cool and a good place to come and see. Some were disturbing. It was a quick drive thru don’t know if I would park and walk around. When I went no one else was there.
Free Detroit attraction.