Detroit Attractions
MUSEUMS
The Henry Ford is an internationally recognized cultural destination that brings the past forward by immersing visitors in the stories of ingenuity, resourcefulness and innovation that helped shape America. A national historic landmark with an unparalleled collection of artifacts from 300 years of American history, The Henry Ford is a force for sparking curiosity and inspiring tomorrow’s innovators.
The Detroit Institute of Arts has been a beacon of culture for the Detroit area for well over a century. The museum boasts a collection among the top six in the United States, comprising a multicultural and multinational survey of human creativity from prehistory through the 21st century. The DIA includes more than 100 galleries, a 1,150-seat auditorium, a 380-seat lecture/recital hall, an art reference library, and a state-of-the-art conservation services laboratory.
A leading institution dedicated to the African American experience, The Wright Museum opens minds and changes lives through the exploration and celebration of African American history and culture. An amazing adventure of history, art and achievement awaits you at The Wright!
The Motown Museum, or 'Hitsville U.S.A.' is the original birthplace of the Motown Sound. Home to an extensive array of Motown artifacts, photographs, and other memorabilia, the museum tells the story of how a man's vision turned into one of the largest, most successful record companies of all time, and how the music- the Motown Sound- captured the hearts of young people across the globe.
The Ford Rouge Factory Tour offers awe-inspiring encounters with America’s celebrated manufacturing past, present, and future. Pop open the hood on game-changing technology, sustainable design and sheer American grit at America’s greatest manufacturing experience. Experience the awe-inspiring scale of a real factory floor as you rev up your inner engineer. This is where big ideas gain momentum.
The Arab American National Museum (AANM) is the first and only museum in the United States devoted to Arab American history and culture. The museum is committed to dispelling misconceptions about Arab Americans and other minorities by bringing the voices and faces of Arab Americans to mainstream audiences. Since 2005, the Museum has shed light on the shared experiences of immigrants and ethnic groups, and celebrates the diversity of our nation.
MUSIC
This iconic Detroit landmark offers an intimate atmosphere complete with soul food and nightly entertainment. Designated as an Historic Site by the Michigan State Historic Preservation Office, "The world's oldest jazz club" has hosted some of the greatest Jazz performers since it first opened in 1933. Musicians such as Ella Fitzgerald, Miles Davis, Oscar Peterson, George Shearing, Sarah Vaughn, Joe Williams, Maynard Ferguson, Cab Calloway, Woody Herman, Modern Jazz Quartet, and Nat "King" Cole have made this lounge a legend, and a must see during your stay in Detroit!
(right across from The Corner Ballpark)
Known as one of Detroit's best hot spots, Bert's features delicious soul food, a jazz bar, and daily live entertainment. A Complex with 4 clubs under one roof- Jazz Room, Motown Room, Hasting Street Hall and the Warehouse Theater- there's something for everyone! Don't miss the outside Bar-B-Q on Saturday morning with Karaoke and dancing.
Cliff Bell's is a swanky, restored Art Deco club that serves creative, eclectic fare with live jazz on stage nightly. Enjoy classic cocktails, a gourmet dinner and live jazz at a club voted:
2011 Best Jazz Club (Metro Times Detroit)
2010 & 2011 Best Jazz Club (Hour Detroit)
2011 Best Classic Cocktails (Hour Detroit)
2010 & 2011 Best Bar in America (Playboy)
ARCHITECTURE
Catch a spectacular view of the Detroit skyline from Comerica Park, home of the Detroit Tigers. The open-air ballpark opened its doors in 2000 and maintains traditional architecture while adding luxury suites, an incredible picnic area, the most progressive concession areas in the world, topped off with a carousel and ferris wheel for fans to ride. Not only home to the Detroit Tigers, Comerica Park has also hosted some of the biggest bands in rock ‘n’ roll
Presiding over the very heart of Downtown Detroit, the Greater Penobscot Building is an Art Deco masterpiece that has dominated the city's skyline for more than 80 years. Designed by architect Wirt C. Rowland in 1928, the opulent Penobscot features one-of-a-kind decorative friezes and carvings that have been carefully preserved. Many of the museum-quality decorations recall the Penobscot Indians for whom the structure is named. The American Indian motifs are especially noticeable in the entrance archway and in metalwork found in the lobby. At night, the building's upper floors are lit in floodlight fashion, topped with a red sphere.
Nearly a century has passed since the Madison Theatre and office building was the center of attention in Detroit. Now this designated landmark building has been reclaimed and transformed into a collaborative tech hub to encourage partnerships among entrepreneurs.
The building features an Italian Bistro and premium coffee shop, a state-of-the-art event space with an attached auditorium, and a rooftop terrace that offers amazing views of Comerica Park, Ford Field, the Detroit Opera House, Fox Theatre and Greektown Casino-Hotel. The multi-level outdoor space includes a covered grill catering center, a covered bar, lounge area and wraparound balcony to meet, greet and party.
A landmark skyscraper, the Guardian Building is a timeless depiction of creativity and accomplishment that represents a past era enriched by people who believed in the success of Detroit and its many cultures. The building has been designated a National Historic Landmark, the highest honor given by the National Park Service. Nicknamed the Cathedral of Finance, the 36 story building located within Detroit's financial district is a bold example of Art Deco architecture.