The Detroit Institute of Art - A Michigan Masterpiece

By Mark Traston

The Detroit Institute of Art is an art museum in Michigan which houses one of the most extensive collections in the U.S. Located in Detroit's Cultural Center Historic District, it boasts over 65,000 pieces of artwork. Housed within its walls are exhibits ranging from ancient Egyptian art to contemporary art. Works by artists such as Mary Cassatt, Andy Warhol, John James Audubon, and Andrew Wyeth are represented at the Institute. It was the first public U.S. museum to add a van Gogh painting to its collection.

Established in 1885, the Detroit Institute of Art is comprised of 600,000 square feet. Visitors have the opportunity to stroll through 100 art galleries. In addition to galleries, the museum boasts a conservation services laboratory, an auditorium that seats 1,150, a lecture hall that accommodates 380 people, and an art reference library. The museum is often referred to as the temple of art.

When you visit the Detroit Institute of Art, you can enjoy a variety of activities. The museum provides guided tours, lectures, and Art Talks to groups. Visitors can dine at the CaféDIA or Kresge Court Coffee Stop. If you'd like to create your own art, you can attend an Art-Making Workshop. Special Exhibits, films, and behind-the-scenes tours are other options. Families have access to special family audio or guided tours. More family fun includes drop-in art workshops, storytelling, live music, and various other family-friendly activities. Many of these family events take place on Fridays and Sundays. According to its official website, the Detroit Institute of Art upholds the idea that "art is for everyone, learning is a lifelong process, knowledge is based on experience as well as formal study, [and] best practice is based on understanding our visitors and employing effective teaching strategies."

If you enjoy world class museums which provide a variety of educational programs and activities, your family should check out the Detroit Institute of Art. With programs ranging from drop-in art workshops to live music and storytelling, the Institute is the ideal place to visit. The museum's hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 5 pm. on Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Fridays, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. They're closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Adults pay $8 admission while kids ages 6 to 17 are charged $4. Senior citizens get in the door for only $6. Museum members enjoy free admission. The museum is accessible to people in wheelchairs and strollers through the Farnsworth entrance.

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