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To those who may only know Detroit from its long-standing (and outdated) reputation, it may come as a surprise that the city has one of the best collections of museums in the country.
Detroit’s wide range of historical, cultural, artistic and scientific collections is part of the reason why the New York Times and Time Magazine have both ranked Detroit as one of the best places to visit in the world.
Related: 5 things out-of-towners need to see in Detroit
Detroit Institute of Arts
5200 Woodward Avenue, Detroit
The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) is one of the largest and most culturally significant art collections in the country. It has more than 100 galleries over 15 square acres of space. It is continually regarded as one of the best museums in the United States. It has won USA Today’s “Best Art Museum” for two years straight (and has been in the top 10 for several years prior).
The DIA’s collection contains pieces from iconic artists dating back hundreds of years, including Monet, Georgia O’Keeffe, Andy Warhol, Rembrandt, Vincent Van Gogh, Picasso, Wassily Kandinsky, Jan van Eyck, John Singleton Copley and literally hundreds of others.
Motown Museum
2648 Berry Gordy Jr. Boulevard / 2648 W Grand Boulevard, Detroit
Based out of Motown Record’s first headquarters and recording studio, Hitsville USA is dedicated to the legacy of the Motown label, its unique style of soul music and the artists that made it an international phenomenon.
The museum brings thousands of visitors every year who want to learn more about the legacy of Motown Records and how it changed the world.
The Motown Museum features a carefully preserved studio where countless iconic songs were recorded -- as well as some of the instruments used during those recordings, in addition to historic memorabilia, costumes, records, photos and more.
Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation / Greenfield Village
20900 Oakwood Boulevard, Dearborn
The Henry Ford is more than just a museum, it’s one of the largest museum complexes in the world. Its diverse collection is seen by millions of people every year.
It could be the most diverse and unique museum on the planet. Its collection began as Henry Ford’s personal collection of historic objects and later expanded to feature antiques, pop culture items and more. It contains the presidential limousine that John F. Kennedy was fatally shot in, an Oscar Mayer Wienermobile, the chair Abraham Lincoln was fatally shot in, Henry Ford’s first automobile, the bus Rosa Parks was arrested in, the courthouse where Abraham Lincoln practiced law (yes, the entire building), a Toyota Prius, Thomas Edison’s last breath in a sealed tube, countless fascinating scientific prototypes and way more than anyone could possibly list.
Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
305 E. Warren Avenue, Detroit
The Wright is one of the oldest independent African-American museums in the world. It’s dedicated to exploring and celebrating the legacy of African Americans, their achievements and their struggle for freedom.
It features dozens of permanent and visiting exhibitions, as well as hundreds of learning and engagement programs. The museum aims to cultivate understanding and unity by reflecting on the highlights and challenges in African American history.
Michigan Science Center
5020 John R Street, Detroit
The Michigan Science Center is a Smithsonian-affiliate science museum that aims to inspire curiosity and appreciation for science, technology, engineering and math. It is continually ranked as one of the best science museums in the country.
MiSci’s goal is to engage with someone’s natural curiosity through innovative and creative experiences. The center serves as a community STEM hub for the entire state with more than 220 interactive and immersive activities, live stage shows, an IMAX Dome Theatre, a planetarium, traveling exhibits and a diverse range of educational experiences.
Cranbrook Institute of Science
39221 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills
If you want to see dinosaurs, you have two options -- the Cranbrook Institute of Science and the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History.
In addition to the Cranbrook Institute of Science, the Cranbrook Educational Community has multiple beautiful spaces worth seeing -- including the Cranbrook House and Gardens and the Cranbrook Art Museum. The Cranbrook Institute of Science has many scientific artifacts, touring exhibits and more.
Almost immediately after entering the building, you’re greeted by a T.rex skeleton, but that’s not the only draw. You can also learn about mastodons, megalodons and other massive creatures that used to roam the Earth, the materials that make up the planet, astronomy, as well as the history of humanity.
Honorable Mentions:
The Heidelberg Project
3600 Heidelberg Street, Detroit
This outdoor art project is located in the McDougall-Hunt neighborhood on Detroit’s east side. With vibrant house paintings and salvaged items attached to the structures, the Heidelberg Project has transformed an area that was once considered blight into a vibrant and welcoming community.
Detroit Historical Museum
5401 Woodward Avenue, Detroit
From cobblestone streets to the assembly line, the Detroit Historical Museum chronicles the legacy and history of the area. Inspired by the NFL Draft, it’s currently running an exhibit that focuses on the history of the National Football League and the Detroit Lions.
Arab American Museum
13624 Michigan Avenue, Dearborn
The Arab American National Museum is the first and largest museum dedicated to the history and culture of Arab Americans. It showcases the contributions of Arab Americans in various fields such as science, medicine, mathematics, architecture and the arts.
Yankee Air Museum
47884 D Street, Belleville
The Yankee Air Museum is an aviation museum located at the historic Willow Run Airport, where thousands of aircraft were built for the war effort during World War II. The museum features exhibits on the real-life Rosie the Riveter, the Tuskegee Airmen, aircraft used during both World Wars and the Vietnam War, and more.