Exploring the Heidelberg Project – Detroit
Yes, these are stuffed animals hanging on a house. You aren’t seeing things.
I had heard about The Heidelberg Project and decided to go explore it myself. It is named after the street it is on, Heidelberg St. in Detroit. It sits in one of the worst parts of the city. I won’t go into the details of how it came to be and why. You can read all about it on the Heidelberg website & here. I will however invite you to explore it with me, via these shots.
Some people happened to be shooting a video of sorts that day. It was nice to have company since the streets were pretty void of humans and Detroit has its cast of characters always roaming the streets. It is not necessarily dangerous, but trust your instincts and don’t put yourself in a bad situation. You’ve been warned.
There was so much to see everywhere. So many details. The street art collection is always changing, with things being added and detracted, but the main structures remain.
Cars seemed to be represented all over the properties, and they were boards propped up with painted cars on them.
This was my favorite house. So much to see. I have photo vignettes with close ups in the 3 photos below.
The street itself was even part of the art. Polka dots painted in the streets and on the sidewalks.
A boat full of stuffed animals aptly named Noah. Alot of religious themes are thread through out the different houses and art. It’s interesting to pick up on them.
The “Penny Car” below, has pennies glued all over. Funny enough, the car also has a Santa inside, and sticking out the back with a toilet seat.
Need to make a call? No problem. Pick a phone up. It’s not connected to anything. Reminds me of Alanis Morissette: “Nobody callin’ on the phone, except for the Pope maybe in Rome”.
Signs with ironic and warning messages are everywhere. Read the one with the lady in the background.
Numbers anyone?
Want to go see it for yourself? Get some Directions to the street (not to be confused with the museum address). It really is a must see in Detroit. Lots of amazing art that really gets you thinking. Some tips on visiting are: don’t go alone, go in a group and use common sense. Always follow your gut and don’t do anything stupid, and of course go in the day. While you can see alot of it from the car, you will miss the little details unless you walk up to the houses. I can’t wait to go again soon. It is really a gem, grab your cameras and go!
