Detroit Institute of Arts Tours and Activities

Detroit Institute of Arts featuring art, a statue or sculpture and interior views
Detroit Institute of Arts
Detroit Institute of Arts
Detroit Institute of Arts
Detroit Institute of Arts


Admire artifacts from Ancient Greece and Rome, paintings by European masters and sculptures by American greats at this extensive museum.

The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) is located in the city’s Cultural Center Historic District in midtown. It occupies one of the city's prettiest buildings, a specially designed beaux-arts Italian Renaissance-style complex designed in the 1920s. With a permanent collection worth over a billion U.S. dollars and excellent special exhibitions, this museum rivals the nation’s finest.

You’ll be in awe, gazing at the frescoes that decorate the museum’s grand marble court. Mexican artist Diego Rivera painted these scenes of American workers. Once controversial for their style and subject matter, today these frescoes are considered masterpieces. Make your way inside to see paintings, sculptures, drawings, furniture and much more. There are more than 60,000 items in the various collections, so set aside at least a day to make the most of what’s here.

Be sure to check out the European galleries for masterpieces from the 1400s through the 1900s. You’ll find pieces by Rembrandt, Caravaggio and Picasso, Cézanne, Matisse and Degas. At the American Wing browse the collection of furniture, pottery and glasswork, which includes pieces dating from the 1700s. There are also paintings by such luminaries as John Singer Sargent and Childe Hassam. The General Motors Center for African American Artists was one of the first curatorial departments of its kind in the country’s major museums.

Move on to explore collections from around the globe: Africa, Oceania, Egypt and the Indigenous Americas. Those with an eye for the East will also enjoy the Arts of Asia and the Islamic World. These galleries feature statues, scrolls, clothing and items from the cultures of the region.

The museum also has several galleries dedicated to prints, drawings and photography, as well as a Department of Contemporary Art. There are two cafés and a museum shop.

Head to the DIA on Friday nights for live music, guided tours and workshops. These activities are free with admission.

The Detroit Institute of Arts is open Tuesday to Sunday. There’s a fee to park at all garages and lots in the area, the closest one being the Cultural Center garage. Alternatively, take the Detroit SMART bus from downtown.

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Things to do near Detroit Institute of Arts

The Detroit Institute of Arts offers a vibrant cultural experience with activities such as guided tours, photo tours, and access to various cultural institutions. Nearby, visitors can enjoy live music, theatre performances, and other entertainment options, making it a perfect destination for art enthusiasts and those looking for a lively atmosphere. Don't miss the chance to immerse yourself in Detroit's rich artistic heritage during your visit.

Shopping

Capitol City, located 3.2km from the Detroit Institute of Arts, offers a vibrant shopping experience with family-friendly vibes. For a bit more adventure, Fairlane Town Center is 14.5km away, featuring a variety of stores in a lively atmosphere. The Rust Belt Market, 12.9km out, showcases unique local goods.

Recreation

Little Caesars Arena offers an energetic atmosphere for sports enthusiasts, located 1.6km from the Detroit Institute of Arts. For golf lovers, Chandler Park Golf Course, 8.0km away, provides scenic outdoor vibes. Families can enjoy the Warren Community Centre Indoor Waterpark, situated 13.2km from the museum.

Adventure

At Red Oaks Waterpark, located 11.6kms from the Detroit Institute of Arts, enjoy thrilling water slides and family-friendly attractions. For speed enthusiasts, JD Racing Indoor Karting, 37.0km away, offers an exhilarating motor racing experience. Finally, Pine Knob Ski Resort, 31.6kms distant, provides fantastic skiing opportunities.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near the Detroit Institute of Arts with a visit to the MGM Grand Detroit Casino for a romantic evening, or catch a show at the cultural Fox Theatre. For more excitement, MotorCity Casino offers thrilling gaming just 1.6km away, all infused with city vibes.

Find the best attractions near Detroit Institute of Arts

Visiting the Detroit Institute of Arts offers a diverse range of attractions, including modern event venues, colleges, and vibrant squares. This cultural gem caters to those seeking family-friendly experiences and rich city life. As you explore the area, you’ll find plenty of activities and sights near the Detroit Institute, making it an ideal spot for art lovers and travellers alike.

  • Huntington Place: Located 3.2km from the Detroit Institute of Arts, Huntington Place is a premier event and conference venue, exuding a professional atmosphere perfect for business gatherings. Its modern facilities cater to a variety of events, making it a hub for innovation and networking in the heart of Detroit.
  • GM Renaissance Center: This iconic skyscraper, also situated 3.2km away, offers stunning views of the Detroit River. The GM Renaissance Center is a vibrant symbol of the city’s revitalization, housing shops, restaurants, and corporate offices, capturing the dynamic essence of urban life.
  • Wayne State University: Just 483m from the art institute, this modern university boasts a rich academic environment. With its striking architecture and diverse student body, Wayne State University is a lively hub of culture and education, contributing to the city's vibrant spirit.

Best time to go to Detroit Institute of Arts

The best time to visit Detroit Institute of Arts is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January25.3°F (-3.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February26.2°F (-3.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March36.3°F (2.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighSlightly Low
April46.8°F (8.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May59.4°F (15.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowAverage
June68.9°F (20.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July74.1°F (23.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
August72.9°F (22.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
September66.6°F (19.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
October54.5°F (12.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly High
November41.9°F (5.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowAverage
December32.9°F (0.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Detroit Institute of Arts

To save money on your visit to the Detroit Institute of Arts, consider travelling from January to March when accommodation prices are lower, especially on Mondays. Explore popular free attractions nearby, such as the GM Renaissance Center and Hart Plaza. Use Expedia to find great deals on hotels, aiming for prices around $190 per night, and consider package deals that combine your hotel, flights, and activities for extra savings. Additionally, walking is an excellent way to navigate the area without spending on public transport.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Detroit Institute of Arts are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to August to October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Detroit Institute of Arts is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Detroit Institute of Arts is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. To uncover the most affordable prices and special offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel stay near the Detroit Institute of Arts with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.