Located in Dearborn, the Henry Ford Museum showcases the fascinating history of American innovation. You'll find a 1909 Ford Model T on display, as well as the bus that Rosa Parks made a stand on in 1955. See a kitchen from the 1930s, a locomotive, and other interesting historic memorabilia. The range of items in the museum is wide, featuring interesting pieces relating to manufacturing, transportation, entertainment, and technology.
View nearly 60,000 amazing works of art at the Detroit Institute of the Arts. 100 galleries are filled with sculptures, paintings, and other artworks that will fascinate. The Thinker, the famous sculpture by Auguste Rodin is placed near the entrance. Permanent collections in the museum include Islamic, Flemish, pre-Columbian, European, African, Asian, and American art. Cultural events are held throughout the year at the auditorium and recital hall.
One of the world's largest museums of African American history and culture, this impressive building opened in 1997 and is named after the local doctor and activist who first established it. With 120,000 square feet (11148 meters) of exhibit space, the Charles H. Wright Museum includes several exhibit galleries, a research library, classrooms and a museum store. The anchor exhibit, “Of the People: The African American Experience,” uses Detroit's own history to tell the story of the African-American experience in the United States. Previously, much smaller incarnations of the museum existed, dating back to 1965.
It is just befitting for the former headquarters of Motown Records Corporation to be a repository of this famous label. Motown Museum is an integral part of Detroit's cultural landscape and the country's musical legacy. Chronicling the most reputed African-American record labels in the nation where musical legends such as The Supremes, Smokey Robinson, Temptations, Funk Brothers and Gladys Knight became stars, it is a true ode to music that inspired generations of music lovers.
This promenade in Downtown Detroit runs along the Detroit River from the Joe Louis Arena to Rivard Plaza. The RiverWalk is a popular destination for various activities including walking, jogging, and rollerblading. The RiverWalk passes through and by a number of area landmarks, including the Tri-Centennial State Park Lighthouse, the Detroit River and Hart Plaza with its Underground Railroad Memorial. It's a great destination for the whole family, and even includes a spouting fountain for kids and people of all ages to play in on a hot day.
This small history museum features interesting exhibits about Detroit's history. Stroll down cobblestone, cedar block and brick streets past scale models of 19th Century shops in the Streets of Old Detroit exhibit. In the Doorway to Freedom exhibit you'll learn about the city's key role in the Underground Railroad that helped escaped slaves find freedom in Canada. You'll also learn about Detroit's emergence as an automobile manufacturing center, the history of the city's music scene, and so much more.
The Guardian Building, constructed in 1929, is one of the most recognizable landmark buildings in the Detroit skyline. Bestowed as a United States Historic Landmark, this stunning piece of architecture towers more than 490 feet (149 meter) over Detroit's heart. The opulent Art Deco structure has 36 floors with interiors that are actually just as impressive as the façade. It's home to many financial firms and hence it has rightly earned the epithet 'Cathedral of Finance'. Irrespective of how busy one's schedule is, locals as well as tourists find time to step-in and admire the colorful beauty of this architectural marvel.
Detroit Urban Adventures is one of the most popular tour companies in the city. Urban Adventures offers several different tours, ranging from the "local's" Detroit to a historical walking tour. Tours include a chance to ride Detroit's People Mover, a stop into a popular local businesses for a meal, snack or beverage like a Coney dog or a drink at the Detroit Beer Co. The two hours tours will definitely teach you a lot about Detroit with a very interesting history and give you a feel for the city.
One of the oldest structures of its kind in the city, Michigan Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument graces the famous Woodward Avenue of Detroit. Completed in 1867 by architect Randolph Rogers, this structure pays homage to the fallen heroes of the Civil War. Towering 60 feet (18.2 meter) from the ground, this majestic structure epitomizes freedom and celebrates America. The octagonal pillars depict eagles with their wings stretched out, along with infantry and artillery on two pillars and cavalry and the Marines on others. At the top of the structure is a queen basking in victory, she represents the pride of Michigan.
The Spirit of Detroit has provided a location for reflection for Detroit residents and visitors since 1958. Located at the foot of the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center, this twenty six-foot (seven meter) Norwegian-made bronze sculpture was the largest statue of its kind created since the Renaissance. Despite the gravitas this sculpture commands, the city often dresses the statue up in local sports jerseys or other theme-appropriate costumes during large civic events.
Located at the intersection of the Cadillac Square and Bates Street is an artistic tribute to John J. Bagley, Michigan's 16th governor. A product of architect Henry Hobson Richardson's imagination, this beautiful fountain was brought to life in 1887. It was modeled after the Ciborium located inside Venice's St. Mark’s Basilica, and it rises 21 feet (6.4 meter) above the ground. The basin of the fountain has a width of 7 feet (3.1 meter) which is filled with water pouring through four lion heads. Bragville granite is used in the construction of the structure and its pink hue adds a unique charm to the fountain.
Located at the very center of Campus Martius Park, in Downtown Detroit, is the Point of Origin medallion. The story goes that way back in 1805, when Judge Woodward was commissioned to plan the city after the great fire, he started the survey from this very spot. A medallion marking this momentous new beginning was installed here, where it still represents Detroit's indomitable spirit.