Detroit is full of history and hidden gems. The Motor City is a place for people to physically move and explore the city in a trailblazing way. The best places to visit in Detroit attract locals and visitors alike to experience unique slices that make up the spirit of Detroit. Whether it’s Motown’s greatest treasures, a trip to the DIA, diving deeper into African American history, or a simple stroll through the incredible mural-lined Eastern Market, Detroit has a cool way of getting people out and into the transformative artistic landscape of the Detroit community.
Detroitisit rounded up a magnificent list of the best places to visit in Detroit, including attractions and public spaces that are widely appreciated.
DETROIT INDUSTRY MURALS PHOTO MARIA KORNACKI
DETROIT INSTITUTE OF ARTS (DIA)
In February 2023, USA Today 10Best named the Detroit Institute of Arts as the number one best art museum in the nation. If that’s not enough reason to visit, then Diego Rivera’s sprawling fresco series, “The Detroit Industry Murals (1932–1933)”. Spend a few hours admiring the best of Detroit art from the inside out. The DIA is also one-of-a-kind for its infamous van Gogh “Self-Portrait”. The DIA is always hosting special events and exhibits. Click HERE for more information.
Location: 5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit
4OTH ANNUAL AFRICAN WORLD FESTIVAL,
CHARLES H. WRIGHT MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY
A list of the best places to visit in Detroit wouldn’t be complete without enriching culturally rich historical reminders of the community’s roots. After all, it’s one of the world’s largest museums of African American history and culture. Get lost in the several exhibit galleries. Click HERE to view the website and plan your next visit.
Location: 315 E Warren Ave, Detroit
DOTTY WOTTY HOUSE, PHOTO HEIDELBERG PROJECT ARCHIVES
THE HEIDELBERG PROJECT
The best places to visit in Detroit are unique, to say the least. This next colorful and creative spot is sure to attract the right attention. The Heidelberg Project (HP) is definitely one that you’re better off visiting than only reading about. Get the artistic gears turning with a stroll through this underprivileged neighborhood that now speaks to the greater impact art has on local low-income communities. Painted houses and yards each have something fun to examine, plus a lot of the homes recycle trash and turn it into art installations. Click HERE to learn more.
Location: 3680 Heidelberg St., Detroit
EASTERN MARKET
Antique finds, beautiful flowers, and fresh produce are just some of the many offerings at Eastern Market. Enjoy a day of shopping and then grab a bite to eat, and then you can also take a bike ride down the street to see more art. Detroit has a plethora of galleries and iconic museums for those indoor days. For outside art exploration, you could walk the streets. Vibrant murals are not hard to find here in the Motor City. The annual Murals in The Market is the place for public art. There are over 100 murals in Eastern Market alone, and over 200 murals throughout the city of Detroit. Click HERE to view Eastern Market’s website.
Location: 2934 Russell St., Detroit
MURALS IN ISLANDVIEW
The best places in Detroit have been a local favorite, but there’s always room for more! Check out the latest news for viewing Detroit art. The organizers of Detroit’s Murals in the Market festival recently announced Murals in Islandview. This is a new mural festival that kicks off on Tuesday, Sept. 26 with a happy hour at the Spot Lite gallery. This event is located in and around producer 1XRUN’s new home.
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