Although it isn’t the capital of Michigan, Detroit is the largest and most populated city in the state. You’ll find something for everyone, from quality restaurants to historical sites. Detroit’s rich history translates to many activities and attractions throughout the city.
At Dimension Systems, we provide PeopleSoft solutions for your business, and we are passionate about introducing our Detroit favorites to you. Step away from your office and take some time to visit these can’t-miss Detroit museums.
Detroit Institute of Arts
Founded in 1885, the Detroit Institute of Arts has one of the largest art collections in the United States. Within its 658,000 square feet, you’ll find over 100 galleries, a laboratory, auditorium, art reference library, and more. The museum’s collection of over 65,000 works of art appeals to any art lover.
The Detroit Institute of Arts is free for residents of Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties, and free bus transportation and field trips are available for schools in the tri-county area. It’s a great way to expose our youth to art.
Hours:
Tuesday through Thursday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Motown Museum
Detroit is home to Motown Records, which signed such popular acts as the Supremes, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, and the Jackson 5. One of the most exciting parts of this museum is Studio A, where Motown artists recorded their hit songs.
Enjoy photographs and awe-inspiring memorabilia that will take you back to the 1960s. Alongside Studio A, view Berry Gordy’s flat where he raised his family while founding his popular record label.
Seniors and youth can enjoy an admission discount of $5.
Hours from October 1 – May 1:
Tuesday through Saturday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Hours from May 2 – September 30:
Tuesday through Friday, and Sunday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The Henry Ford
No list about Detroit museums is complete without a mention of the Henry Ford. Nicknamed Motor City for its contribution to the mass production of automobiles, it’s only natural that Detroit has a museum and landmark called the Henry Ford.
The Henry Ford spans 250 acres, so there is plenty to see. You can enjoy three main attractions, the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, Greenfield Village, and Ford Rouge Factory Tour, and explore engaging exhibits all about American innovations.
Hours:
Seven days a week: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Red Bull Arts Detroit
If you want to get to know the artists of Detroit, consider paying a visit to Red Bull Arts Detroit, a space dedicated to exhibiting artists’ work. These are artists-in-residence who want to bring their work to the public.
Hours:
Thursday through Sunday: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Michigan Science Center (MiSci)
If you love science, this museum is for you. MiSci is a very hands-on museum with more than 250 exhibits and lab activities. Kids especially love the planetarium and STEM playground, where they can challenge themselves and their imaginations with activities like building and testing paper airplanes.
Hours:
Tuesday through Friday: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday: Noon to 5 p.m.
Dossin Great Lakes Museum
Located on Belle Isle, the Dossin Great Lakes Museum is dedicated to telling the story of the Great Lakes and their 300 years of maritime history. See Miss Pepsi, the William Clay Ford pilot house, and the Gothic Room, which is the impressively reconstructed gentlemen’s lounge of the City of Detroit III, a steamboat that launched in 1911.
Hours:
Friday through Sunday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Holocaust Memorial Center
Located just outside of Detroit in Farmington Hills, the Holocaust Memorial Center is home to exhibits and programs that educate visitors about the Holocaust. Core exhibits include the Eternal Flame and Memorial Wall as well as a timeline of the events of Holocaust history.
Hours:
Monday: 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Tuesday through Thursday, and Sunday: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Friday: 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Museum of Contemporary Art
The Museum of Contemporary Art is right in the middle of Detroit’s cultural center. With a combination of exhibits focusing on visual, literary, musical, and performing arts, this museum celebrates art in all forms. In true Detroit fashion, a repurposed car showroom houses the exhibits.
Hours:
Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Thursday and Friday: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The Ford Piquette Avenue Plant
The Ford Piquette Avenue Plant is the official birthplace of the Model T. This museum showcases Detroit’s important automotive history. The large warehouse building has several cars on display alongside innovations that came to fruition right in the city of Detroit.
All seniors, veterans, students, and children receive a discount on admission. You can also save by visiting the plant as a group of 10 or more.
Hours:
Wednesday through Sunday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History is a museum you don’t want to miss. Not only is it a beautiful building, but it’s also home to the world’s largest permanent exhibit on African-American culture.
When you visit this museum, you’ll walk away inspired and with a greater understanding of African-American history.
Hours:
Tuesday through Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The museum is also open on MLK Day and every Monday during Black History Month from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Detroit Historical Museum
The Detroit Historical Museum is part of the Detroit Historical Society, whose slogan is, “Where the past is present.” This is fitting, considering that this museum takes you back in time through the rich history of Detroit, including the auto assembly line and the city’s role as part of the Underground Railroad.
Enjoy free admission as a Detroit Historical Society member.
Hours:
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday: 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
There is no shortage of things to do in Detroit, and these museums will not disappoint. At Dimension Systems, we have been serving the Detroit area since 1984. Contact us today to get started with customized IT solutions for your business.