DETROIT – Whether you like art, architecture, old buildings or new developments, tours of Detroit offer an in-depth and informational look at the city.
Below are some free tours offered in downtown Detroit. Be sure to check the websites of the tours for any changes to dates, times or locations.
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Discover Downtown Walking Tour
Saturday, May 27, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Begins in the lobby of One Campus Martius (formally the Compuware Building)
Hosted by Seven Point Two Tours, the tour will show “the new, the old and the bold” in Detroit.
It will focus on street art, modern buildings and sculptures downtown.
The tour will highlight Campus Martius Park, the Guardian Building, the Penobscot Building, the GM Renaissance Center, The Spirit of Detroit, Hart Plaza, Capitol Park, the Theater District, the New Paradise Valley District, the Belt & Z Lot and the new Compuware/Quicken Loans development.
Guardian Building Tours
Saturdays and Sundays (dates and times below)
Begins at the Pure Detroit shop in the Guardian Building at 500 Griswold St.
The tour will show off the 1929 Wirt Rowland-designed building downtown. The building is a National Historic Landmark.
The Guardian Building includes murals by Erza Winter, tile installations by Pewabic's Mary Chase Stratton and sculpture by Corrado Parducci.
Historic preservationist and urban planner Michael Boettcher conducts Saturday tours.
May dates and times:
- May 27 at 11 a.m.
Fisher Building Tours
Saturdays and Sundays (dates and times below)
Begins at the Pure Detroit shop at the north entrance of the building at 3011 W. Grand Blvd.
See the designs of Albert Kahn during the tour of the Fisher Building, known as the “golden tower,” built in 1928.
The interior of the building includes mosaics, painted ceilings, art deco chandeliers, and stone, brass and bronze craftsmanship.
The tour features history about the building and a look at the interior arcade, third floor and 19th floor.
May dates and times:
- May 27 - Start times: 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m.
- May 28 - Start times: noon, 2 p.m.
Skyscraper Walking Tour
The 90-minute skyscraper tour highlights historical architectural gems that Detroit boasts.
The free tour begins in the Pure Detroit shop located in the Guardian Building on the promenade level.
The tours take place every Saturday at 1 p.m.
May dates and time:
- May 27 at 1 p.m.
Detroit Experience Factory Tours
The Detroit Experience Factory features numerous tours highlighting art, architecture and other aspects of downtown and beyond, including tours of Eastern Market and Midtown.
See a full schedule of all tours offered here.