After nearly 15 years, a RoboCop statue is finally installed in Detroit

An imposing 11-foot bronze statue of the iconic sci-fi character RoboCop has been unveiled in Detroit, capping nearly 15 years of planning and preparation. The 2.5-ton sculpture, capturing RoboCop as portrayed by Peter Weller in the 1987 film, now stands outside the Free Age Production Studio in Detroit's Eastern Market.

"I absolutely love it," said Jim Toscano, owner of Free Age Production Studio. "It looks fantastic, it's incredibly striking, and it has already attracted many visitors."

The journey to this moment began in 2011 when former Detroit Mayor Dave Bing replied to a tweet suggesting a RoboCop statue for the city. Although Bing noted there were "no plans" to create one, the exchange inspired fans to initiate a campaign to make the idea a reality.

Brandon Walley, president of the community arts organization Imagination Station, and Jerry Paffendorf, co-founder and CEO of Loveland Technologies, launched a Kickstarter campaign that successfully raised $67,436 to fund the project. Detroit sculptor Giorgio Gikas completed the statue in 2017, but its installation faced delays, including legal approvals from MGM, which owns the rights to RoboCop.

Walley shared that with the statue now in place, organizers are planning an official unveiling ceremony, which may feature an appearance by Peter Weller himself.

Author: Grace Ellison