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Detroit Institute of Arts, Detroit, MI

Photo: Sailko, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and resized.

MuseumsIconicRainy-Day PickHistory Buff

Detroit Institute of Arts

5200 Woodward Ave · Detroit, MI

Why you should go…

The Detroit Institute of Arts fills a Paul Cret-designed Beaux-Arts building on Woodward Avenue with more than 65,000 works across over 100 galleries. Its centerpiece is Diego Rivera's Detroit Industry Murals, five sets of massive frescoes commissioned by Edsel Ford in 1932 that surround the central marble court. The building was dedicated in 1927, and William Randolph Hearst's armor collection lines the main hall leading to the court.

  • #art museum
  • #diego rivera
  • #murals
  • #midtown detroit

Good to know

General museums guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Check the special exhibition separately

    Touring shows usually carry their own ticket and their own opening hours, listed apart from general admission.

  • Look for the free window

    Many museums run community days, member evenings, or discounted late openings. It is worth a look before you pay full price.

  • Travel light through the door

    Large bags and backpacks often have to go to a coat check, and lines for it move slowly at opening.

  • Weekday mornings beat weekend afternoons

    School groups clear out by early afternoon midweek, while weekends stay busy from late morning on.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Detroit Institute of Arts, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Museums
    History Buff

    Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History

    Under $25

    One of the world's largest and oldest independent museums dedicated to African American history and culture.

    Steps awayMore like this

  • Museums
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    Ford Piquette Avenue Plant

    Under $25

    Walk the 1904 brick factory where Ford built the first Model T, now a museum filled with more than 65 rare early cars.

    0.7 mi awayMore like this

  • Shopping
    Foodie Favorite

    Eastern Market

    Free

    Shop for local produce, flowers, meat and specialty foods in historic open-air sheds in Detroit's sprawling public market district.

    1.5 mi awaySwitch it up: Shopping

  • Theatre & Events
    Date Night

    Fox Theatre

    $50+

    See a Broadway tour, concert or comedy show inside Detroit's ornate 1928 movie palace, with more than 5,000 seats.

    1.6 mi awaySwitch it up: Theatre & Events

  • Sightseeing
    Iconic

    Comerica Park

    Under $25

    Watch the Detroit Tigers at a downtown ballpark with giant tiger statues, a carousel and a baseball Ferris wheel.

    1.6 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Museums
    History Buff

    Uncle Tom's Cabin Historic Site

    Under $25

    Underground Railroad museum and heritage site honoring Rev. Josiah Henson near Dresden, Ontario.

    48 mi awayMore like this