Heidelberg Project

Detroit is home to one of the most unique art installations in the country. The Heidelberg Project is an outdoor art exhibit on Detroit's east side. Created in 1986 by artist Tyree Guyton, the Heidelberg Project was initially created as a protest to his neighbourhood's disintegration after riots in 1967. After leaving his neighbourhood for a long period of time, Guyton came home to find his community in complete dilapidation and he subsequently set forth to breathe beauty and life back into the decaying homes.

In an effort to transform the neighbourhood, he began to paint the dilapidated houses vibrant colours and shapes and found unique items to affix on the lifeless walls. What was once an undesirable neighbourhood to live in was suddenly coming alive and catching the attention of many Detroit locals. They began to help Tyree on his many projects and the Heidelberg Project has since become an art inspired space where they even opened an art centre to inspire local creativity. 

You can now stroll freely, exploring the several uniquely decorated houses, from a house with colourful polka dots to another completely covered in baby dolls. Every corner you turn there is something magical to see and you can easily spend hours admiring the countless hours of this labour of love. 

The outdoor exhibit is completely free and is open from 8am-7pm daily.