Whether you’re a resident of Detroit or a visitor, the city boasts some can’t-miss, amazing museums. Grab the family and spend the day at one of these four museums in Detroit, Michigan.
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Detroit Institute of Arts
The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) on Woodward Avenue is one of the finest art museums in the world. It was founded in 1885 and moved to its current location in 1927 to house its rapidly expanding collection. The DIA covers 658,000 square feet with more than 100 galleries, a theater, a state-of-the-art conservation services laboratory, and much more.
You can take a guided tour, join in with the free family fun days, try your hand at pencil drawing, and watch artist demonstrations. The historic theater shows a selection of international and art cinema. If touring the galleries gives you an appetite, Kresge Court offers snacks, meals, and beverages in the indoor courtyard. Alternatively, visit Café DIA on the first floor.
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The Henry Ford Museum
Covering 250 acres, the Henry Ford Museum and the adjacent Greenfield Village is much more than a car museum. In the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, discover the inventors and innovators who pushed the boundaries to get us where we are today. Step on the bus where Rosa Parks made a stand against segregation, and see the first-ever Ford car.
In Greenfield Village, you can visit Thomas Edison’s laboratory and the Wright brothers’ workshop, ride in a Model T Ford and a steam train, walk through historic working farms, and see history from the comfort of the horse-drawn omnibus. For refreshments, visit the Eagle Tavern, the Greenfield Village Store, and the Sir John Bennett Sweet Shop.
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Motown Museum
Located on West Grand Boulevard, the Motown Museum traces the history of how one man’s vision became one of the world’s favorite and most successful record labels. The simple two-story house, known as Hitsville USA, was where Berry Gordy founded his label in 1959. In Studio A, hits were recorded by some of the biggest stars, including Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, Marvin Gaye, and many more.
You can see the flat where Berry Gordy and his family lived and visit the gallery with its display of photos, promotional items, and costumes worn by the Motown artists. Step into Studio A and stand on the exact spot where legends recorded their greatest hits were recorded. The original recording equipment and instruments are on display.
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Michigan Science Center
For the budding scientist in your family, the Michigan Science Center offers more than 250 hands-on interactive exhibits, a 4D theater, the Planetarium, laboratory activities, and more. Visit the exhibition galleries that feature engineering, health and nutrition, motion, space, and the Kids Town.
Join in with the Sparks Electricity Show that explores static electricity, electromagnets, and plasma. Take to the Chrysler Science Stage for a live interactive, educational, and fun show. Or take a seat in the Toyota Engineering 4D Theater for a fully immersive film experience.
One day is probably not enough to see all these museums have to offer. You might just need to book a return visit to explore Detroit’s fabulous family museums.
Image via Pixabay.com
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