Detroit Institute of Arts

The Detroit Institute of Arts is an art museum in Midtown Detroit featuring works from Africa, Europe, Asia and the Americas. The collection includes paintings, sculptures, textiles and furniture from different periods.

Local entrepreneurs founded the museum in 1885 and moved it several times before settling in its current building. Paul Philippe Cret designed the Beaux-Arts structure, which opened in 1927.

The museum houses significant collections of ancient Egyptian artifacts, European masterpieces, African sculptures, and contemporary works, ranking among the top six museums nationwide.

The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday and provides wheelchair access throughout all galleries. Guided tours, workshops and lectures take place regularly.

Diego Rivera painted frescoes on the marble court walls that depict the automotive industry in Detroit. The murals show workers, machines and raw materials from the city's factories.

Location: Detroit

Inception: 1885

Founders: Detroit Museum of Art Founders Society

Architects: Paul Philippe Cret, Michael Graves, Gunnar Birkerts, Suren Pilafian

Official opening: October 7, 1927

Architectural style: Beaux-Arts

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Operator: Detroit Institute of Arts, Inc.

Address: Woodward Avenue

Opening Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 09:00-16:00; Friday 09:00-21:00; Saturday 10:00-15:00; Sunday 10:15-17:00

Phone: +1(313)8337900

Website: http://dia.org

GPS coordinates: 42.35944,-83.06472

Latest update: December 13, 2025 19:43