Things to Do at Detroit Institute of Arts
Complete Guide to Detroit Institute of Arts in Detroit
About Detroit Institute of Arts
What to See & Do
Diego Rivera's Detroit Industry Murals
The museum's crown jewel - massive frescoes covering Rivera Court that depict Detroit's industrial might. They're controversial, beautiful, and utterly captivating, showing everything from assembly line workers to the cycle of life and death.
American Collection
An impressive range including works by Georgia O'Keeffe, Edward Hopper, and Andy Warhol. The collection does a nice job of showing how American art evolved alongside the country itself.
European Masters
You'll find works by Van Gogh, Picasso, Matisse, and Rodin here. The Impressionist collection is particularly strong, and seeing these pieces in Detroit rather than the usual New York or Paris museums feels special somehow.
African Art Collection
One of the finest collections of African art in the country, displayed with the respect and context these pieces deserve. It's educational without being academic, if that makes sense.
Arms and Armor Gallery
This might sound niche, but it's actually fascinating - medieval and Renaissance weapons and armor displayed as the art pieces they truly are. Kids tend to love this section.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Tuesday-Thursday 9am-4pm, Friday 9am-10pm, Saturday-Sunday 10am-5pm. Closed Mondays except holiday Mondays.
Tickets & Pricing
General admission $14 for adults, $9 for seniors/students, free for children under 17. Detroit residents get free admission. Special exhibitions might have additional fees.
Best Time to Visit
Friday evenings tend to be less crowded and have a nice atmosphere. Weekend mornings are good for families. Avoid the first hour on weekends if you prefer quieter viewing.
Suggested Duration
Plan for 2-3 hours minimum, though you could easily spend a full day here. The Rivera murals alone deserve at least 30 minutes of your time.
Getting There
Things to Do Nearby
Just a few blocks away, this is the world's largest museum dedicated to African American history and culture. The And Still We Rise exhibit is particularly powerful.
A great complement to the DIA, showing Detroit's story from its founding through today. The Streets of Old Detroit exhibit lets you walk through recreated historical scenes.
A pleasant area to walk around with some interesting architecture. The campus has that lived-in college town feel that's nice to experience.
The broader neighborhood has been revitalized with good restaurants, coffee shops, and local businesses. It's worth exploring before or after your museum visit.
About a 10-minute drive north, this Art Deco masterpiece is worth seeing for its striking lobby and architecture. Albert Kahn designed it, and it's genuinely spectacular.