I was first introduced to Marshall Fredericks at the National Museum of American Art in Washington, D.C. years ago. The taut athletic body of his polished bronze 'Torso of a Dancer' just pulled me in. I never forgot it. There is a slightly different version on display here, too. The gigantic space at this museum that holds Fredericks' works is overwhelmingly packed. (Be careful not to poke an eye out on a protruding arm, leg or toe.) Filled with white plaster originals, this marbled space is a fitting tribute to this prolific artist whose works dotted public spaces in the US. His idealized, hopeful figures captured the energy of post-war America. Obviously, to Detroiters, Fredericks is best known for the 'Spirit of Detroit' sculpture at the base of Woodward Avenue. The original plaster version is here and it's great to get a closer look at this iconic work. I was also fascinated with another smaller gallery that holds over 300 objects from the late artist's sculpture studio. It's enough to get a good sense of his working environment. Housed on the university campus, this museum also has some outdoor sculptures, too. Is it worth the drive from Detroit to check out this collection? Definitely. read more

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My favorite stop in Saginaw Beautiful it's on Saginaw valleys campus Amazing collection and helpful and knowledgeable staff Plan at least an hour or more read more

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This is a museum is basically plaster casts that were used to make the actual sculptures. There weren't any other people there, so I was able to talk to the young man who was working there for a long time. He was charming and seemed to be knowledgeable. The casts were of some fairly famous statues -- at least in the Detroit area. I particularly liked the one of the bear and the boy, which had been at Northland Mall when I was growing up. For some reason, I always associated it with "The Jungle Book". The exhibit of war toys was very poignant. I didn't really look at what the actual artist did with photographs of the toys, but the children's drawings were sad and captivating. There was also a whole area of student art. I didn't go in, but it looked like it was also very good. Definitely a place worth stopping. There's no admission fee, but they do ask for $5 donation. read more

I knew Marshall Fredericks had a strong local history with his iconic Spirit of Detroit, the cool Lion and Mouse statue at Eastland Mall and the other sculptures at the 3 other Directionland Malls that I didn't go to cause they weren't on my side of town. I didn't know dude got around so much with monumental works in Cleveland, New York and lots of other places. Hell, since coming here I happened on Marshall Fredericks sculptures in Royal Oak that I saw plaster mock ups of at the museum. Admission is free, though you really ought to drop some scrilla in the donation box. Try to come on a nice weather day so you can properly enjoy the array of outdoor sculptures. This place is a great way to spend an hour or two. The main gallery inside is a bit claustrophobic feeling with work after work tightly packed in. It's kind of a cool sensory overload and it makes ol' Marshall look very prolific but I feel like the sculptures could benefit from a little breathing room so as to consider each on its own. Especially since the ones outdoors have such elbow room. I imagine financial considerations made this impossible though. I can't really complain too much for a donation suggested museum. There's not much in the way of inexpensive souvenirs. I figured they'd have some cheesy little Spirit of Detroit trinkets but no. They had a documentary DVD but I wasn't paying $15 for only 17 minutes of material. I made do with postcards. In addition to the eponymous Marshall Fredericks work there's also a rotating special exhibit gallery. It was devoted to Asian tapestries when I want. I'd include a pic or two but that gallery was deemed no photography and I decided to behave myself even though nobody was around. read more

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Hooray for this museum! I have been wanting to visit for years - finally made it happen. Great collection of plaster models, wall reliefs and sculptures. I love seeing Fredericks' work throughout the metro Detroit area, but it was really nice to see so much of his work in one place. The museum and garden take approximately 1-2 hours to explore. This museum was well worth the drive from Detroit. Highly recommended. read more

Marshall M Fredericks Sculpture Museum - marshall fredericks | plaster - Museums Near Me - Saginaw, Michigan

I go to SVSU, but had never been able to make it into see the sculptures. On my orientation date over a year ago, I briefly peeked in, but that was short-lived. I knew that there was a large sculpture of Jesus on the wall that I was interested in seeing, but due to the hours of operation, I could only see the feet and head of the sculpture from a side-angle window. I made it in there today and oh my. This sculpture stands at 28 feet tall (although it looks much taller than that in my opinion), and is the most breathtakingly beautiful piece of art that I have ever seen. I stood there in front of it for almost twenty minutes just looking at it. Not only is it wonderfully crafted, but for myself (a Christian), it held a powerful aura of Christ. The rest of the art in the museum is unique and quite beautiful as well. Definitely worth a visit to go to. read more

Marshall M Fredericks Sculpture Museum - Christ on the Cross - Museums Near Me - Saginaw, Michigan

I have always been a fan of his work. As a child I remember his sculptures at malls in metro detroit. I am very glad I visited this five years ago. There was a special exhibit with Tyree Guyton's work. So this was truly a win win. read more

Too quiet. That is honestly my only complaint. The one visible staff worker creeped around behind us while we walked around the gorgeous but tiny museum. Fredericks is the kind of artist that makes you want to jump and play. We were amazed and entertained by the exhibits...except when we felt like we were being watched. Aren't museum workers trained there? We left without any insight or education or interest in supporting this museum. Two days layer, we visited the space and military history museum in Frankenmuth. We had a normal museum experience there. Greeted, engaged, led... We love Marshall Fredericks' sculptures but we did not donate and we will not return because we did not feel welcome read more

A fantastic gallery and incredible work by one of Michigan's (and America's) most talented and engaging sculptors. Whether you appreciate fine art, or are a novice, a child, newbie or know next to nothing about art, this is a wonderful and accessible place. Beautifully designed, the space is filled floor to ceiling with large and monumental size molds, models and sculptures created by this magnificent artist. There are references to history, classical literature, mythology, children's stories, animals and religion. What is most captivating, however, is the joy and humor that this man clearly had in his work. Children are sure to be delighted by the animals and it's a beautifully designed and light filled space. The adjoining gallery, actual studio (transferred and installed here is incredible) as well as the exterior and landscaping sculptures outside and along the perimeter. Our guide could not have been more enchanting, lively and helpful. Please know: the museum is set within the campus of Saginaw Valley State University, so it might be hard to find if you don't know that going in. Was told that many local people do not even realize that it is there and the fact that it is beautifully maintained and completely free to visit was exceptional. The quality of work here is on par with visiting a world-class museum such as the The Whitney Museum of American Art or the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. I adore this museum and so did my mother and cannot say enough good things about it. Thank you for a lovely afternoon! :) read more