Lovingly referred to as “Motown,” Detroit is much more than the automobile industry hub. This metropolitan city, right by Windsor Canada, continues to rebound after its historic bankruptcy. Besides being a powerhouse for sports and some of the best cuisine in the country, here are ten of the most intriguing things you can do inside some of Detroit’s historical buildings and institutes.
1. Detroit Institute of Arts
The Detroit Institute of Arts is a major art museum located in Midtown Detroit, Michigan, USA. As a nonprofit organization, it is one of the largest and most significant art collections in the United States. The museum was founded in 1885 and officially opened to the public in 1888.
The Detroit Institute of Arts has a diverse collection that spans a wide range of cultures, time periods, and artistic styles. It houses over 65,000 artworks, including paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, textiles, and more. Some of DIA’s notable works in the collection include pieces by artists such as Vincent van Gogh, Diego Rivera, Rembrandt, Edgar Degas, and many others.
One of the most famous attractions at the DIA is the Detroit Industry Murals by Diego Rivera. These murals, created in the 1930s, depict the automotive industry and its impact on society. The museum also has an impressive collection of African, Asian, Native American, and European art.
The DIA is housed in a Beaux-Arts building designed by Paul Cret. The Detroit museum underwent a major renovation and expansion that was completed in 2007. The expansion added new gallery space and improved facilities for visitors.
2. Motown Museum
The Motown Museum is a historical site located in Detroit, Michigan, USA, dedicated to preserving the legacy of Motown Records, one of the most groundbreaking record labels in the history of popular music. Motown Records was founded by Berry Gordy Jr. in 1959 and pioneered the development of the “Motown Sound,” characterized by a blend of soul, R&B, and pop music. Some key features of the Motown Museum include:
1. Studio A: The museum includes Studio A, where many legendary artists recorded their hits. Visitors can get an up close look at the original equipment and instruments first hand that were used to create some of Motown’s most iconic songs.
2. Exhibits and Memorabilia: The museum features a collection of exhibits showcasing memorabilia, photographs, and artifacts from the Motown era. This includes costumes, instruments, and personal items belonging to Motown artists.
3. Motown Hitsville Wall of Fame: This wall recognizes the numerous artists, musicians, and producers who contributed to the success of Motown Records.
3. Detroit Historical Museum
The Detroit Historical Museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history of the city and its people. The museum features a variety of exhibits that cover different aspects of Detroit’s history, such as the city’s founding, its role in the automotive industry, cultural developments, social movements, and more. The exhibits often use artifacts, photographs, and multimedia presentations to tell the story of Detroit. Detroit has a rich musical history, and the museum may feature exhibits on the city’s contributions to music, including Motown, techno, and rock.
4. Greektown Casino
Greektown Casino is situated in downtown Detroit’s historic Greektown neighborhood. It’s part of the city’s vibrant entertainment and nightlife district. The casino offers a range of gaming options, including slot machines, table games, and poker. Even though online gambling in Michigan is legal, visitors still flock to the amazing restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues to socialize and experience Detroit’s amazing cultural mecca at night life.
The hotel features rooms and suites, and staying there offers convenient access to the casino and other attractions in the area. Like most casinos, Greektown Casino offers a variety of gaming experiences, including slot machines, table games (such as blackjack, poker, and roulette), and potentially other specialty games.
5. Detroit Opera House
Originally opened in 1922 as the Capitol Theatre, the building was designed by renowned architect C. Howard Crane. It operated as a movie palace for many years before undergoing extensive renovations in the 1990s to become the Detroit Opera House. The Detroit Opera House features a stunning Beaux-Arts architectural style, and its interior is known for its grandeur and elegance and a premier venue for a variety of performing arts, including opera, ballet, Broadway shows, concerts, and other live performances. It serves as the home of Michigan Opera Theatre.
6. Detroit Symphony Orchestra
The Detroit Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1914. It has a long and distinguished history, contributing significantly to the cultural life of Detroit and the broader musical community. The primary performance venue for the Detroit Symphony Orchestra is Orchestra Hall, located in the Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Music Center in Detroit. Orchestra Hall is renowned for its acoustics and is considered one of the finest concert halls in the United States.
7. Detroit Escape Room Adventures
Detroit Escape Room Adventures offers escape room experiences. Escape rooms are interactive adventure games where players work together to solve puzzles, decipher clues, and complete tasks to “escape” from a themed room within a set time limit. Also, Escape rooms come with various themes, such as detective mysteries, historical adventures, horror scenarios, or fantasy quests. Each room has a unique story and set of challenges.
8. Detroit Science Center (Michigan Science Center)
The Michigan Science Center serves as a hands-on science museum and educational center. The institution is dedicated to promoting science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education and engagement. It aims to inspire curiosity and exploration in visitors of all ages. The facility often includes a planetarium, offering astronomy-related shows and presentations to enhance the understanding of the universe.
9. Motor City Wine
Located in Corktown, one of Detroit’s historic neighborhoods known for its unique character, diverse culinary scene, and cultural attractions, Motor City Wine offers a diverse selection of wines. Customers can explore different varietals and regions, and the venue often features a curated list of wines from around the world. Wine enthusiasts can often participate in tastings and events hosted by Motor City Wine. These events may include guided tastings, wine pairings, and educational sessions led by experts with live music.
10. Detroit Public Library
The Detroit Public Library has a rich history. The historic building, known as the Adam Strohm Hall, was designed by Cass Gilbert and opened in 1921. It houses a vast collection of books, periodicals, and multimedia resources. Spend a quiet afternoon reading special collections that focus on Detroit’s history, African American history, and other unique topics. These collections often include rare books, manuscripts, photographs, and other archival materials.
