A Local's Guide to Detroit
Man in the City Art Installation
The "Man in the City" art installation is one of Detroit's most unusual public art projects. Created by artist John Sauvé, the series features brightly colored human silhouettes placed on rooftops and buildings throughout Detroit and Michigan. These eye-catching sculptures encourage visitors to look up and explore the city's skyline while discovering neighborhoods, public art, and hidden landmarks.
This guide includes a Detroit Man in the City map, self-guided walking routes, neighborhood sculpture clusters, and a complete list of sculpture locations across the city.
Design – The figures are stylized flat-steel sculptures, typically painted bright orange, though some variations exist.
Locations – There are more than 30 sculptures throughout Detroit and more than 60 locations across Michigan.
Symbolism – The artist intended the figures to serve as a metaphor for urban life, representing themes of isolation, ambition, observation, and anonymity.
The largest concentrations of Man in the City sculptures can be found in Downtown Detroit, Midtown, Eastern Market, Corktown, and New Center, making them easy to explore on foot, by bike, or along the QLINE corridor.
"Man In The City" By Neighborhood
"Man In The City" Detroit Map
Man in the City" Downtown Walking Route"
This Downtown walking route is roughly 0.7 miles (about 15 minutes of walking) and takes you through the historic Broadway and Madison districts into the heart of Greektown.
1) Detroit Opera House (1526 Broadway St)
Sculpture Spot: This is one of the most prominent figures in the city, positioned high on the rooftop overlooking the intersection of Broadway and Madison.
2) Boll Family YMCA (1401 Broadway St)
Walk South: Just a half-block south on Broadway.
Sculpture Spot: Look at the modern roofline of the YMCA building.
3) Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts (350 Madison St)
Walk East: Head one block east on Madison Street toward Brush Street.
Sculpture Spot: Perched on the roof of this historic 1928 jazz and theater venue.
4) Finish: The Old Shillelagh (349 Monroe St)
Walk South: Head south on Brush Street for two blocks into the Greektown district.
Sculpture Spot: Mounted on the roof of this legendary Irish pub at the corner of Monroe and Brush.
Extension: If you have energy for more, walk three blocks south from the Old Shillelagh to hit the Detroit RiverWalk to find the sculpture near the Cullen Plaza carousel.
"Man In The City" Midtown Walking Route
This walking route through Midtown covers approximately 1.2 miles and allows you to spot several "Man in the City" sculptures while passing some of Detroit's most famous cultural landmarks.
1) Start: The Majestic Theatre (4140 Woodward Ave)
Sculpture Spot: Look at the rooftop of this historic bowling alley and concert venue.
2) Great Lakes Coffee Roasting Co. (3965 Woodward Ave)
Walk South: Cross Woodward to find this spot.
Sculpture Spot: Perched on the corner of the building above the outdoor seating area.
3) Detroit Artists Market (4719 Woodward Ave)
Walk North: Head back north on Woodward past Forest Ave.
Sculpture Spot: Mounted on the building’s upper edge.
4) The Scarab Club (217 Farnsworth St)
Walk North: Continue toward the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) and turn right on Farnsworth.
Sculpture Spot: Look at the roof of this historic artists’ enclave located directly behind the DIA.
5) The Park Shelton (15 E Kirby St)
Walk North: Head to Kirby St.
Sculpture Spot: Perched high atop this historic luxury residential building at the corner of Woodward and Kirby.
Distance: This route is a roughly 20-minute walk (0.7 to 1.2 miles depending on street crossings).
Bonus: If you have more time, you can hop on the QLINE (which is currently free) to travel between the Midtown stops and Downtown locations like the Detroit Opera House.
"Man in the City" Neighborhood Clusters
To see multiple sculptures within an hour, these neighborhood clusters are your best bet. Each is a walkable or short-drive circuit that groups several "Man in the City" figures together with other iconic Detroit street art.
Cluster 1
Eastern Market Circuit
(35-45 Minutes)
This is the densest area for public art. You can easily walk this loop to see the sculptures and the famous murals of Eastern Market.
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(2489 Russell St): Look up at the roof above the storefront.
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(2457 Russell St): Just a few doors down from Rocky's.
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Poultry Market Buildings
Check the rooftops visible from the I-75 Gratiot exit ramp overlooking the market area.
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Bonus: While walking between these, you’ll pass the new RoboCop Statue and the Loveful Hands interactive sculpture at
Cluster 2
New Center Arts Hub
(30-40 Minutes)
These locations are a very short drive from one another in the historic Milwaukee Junction and New Center area.
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(2679 E Grand Blvd): A massive industrial building with a silhouette on the skyline.
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Packard Plant
(1580 E Grand Blvd): Located just down the street on the rooftop of this legendary (and massive) former factory.
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(899 W Baltimore Ave): A short 5-minute drive west; look for the "Man" on this historic Nabisco building.
Cluster 3
Corktown & Woodbridge
40-50 Minutes)
This route combines the city’s oldest neighborhood with the eclectic Woodbridge area.
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(1266 Michigan Ave): A prominent rooftop spot in Corktown.
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(5169 Trumbull St): Drive 5 minutes north to Trumbull to see the figure watching over the intersection.
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(5926 Lincoln St): Just a 2-minute drive from the pub. This is a must-visit because it features a rare ground-level sculpture you can stand right next to.