Photo: Google
Photo: Google
Photo: Google
Detroit Institute of Arts
★4.8(13,564 reviews)$Museum
🕑 2 to 3 hours👶 Best for ages 5 and up. Younger children (5-8) enjoy the treasure hunt style discovery activities and seeing suits of armor, while tweens and teens appreciate the diverse collections and hands-on art-making programs offered on family days.🧡 Saved by 150+ families
About
The Detroit Institute of Arts is a world-class museum that welcomes families with open arms, featuring over 65,000 artworks spanning cultures and centuries. Kids will be captivated by everything from ancient Egyptian mummies and medieval armor to Diego Rivera's iconic Detroit Industry murals. The museum offers excellent family programs, interactive gallery activities, and kid-friendly guided tours that make art accessible and exciting for young visitors.
Highlights
- ✓Diego Rivera's Detroit Industry murals, massive walls depicting Detroit's manufacturing history
- ✓Suits of medieval armor and ancient weapons that fascinate young knights and adventurers
- ✓Egyptian mummies and artifacts in the Ancient Art galleries
- ✓The Kresge Court, a beautiful indoor courtyard perfect for taking a break
- ✓Family Sundays with hands-on art activities and special programming (check schedule)
Pro Tips
- 1.Visit on Friday evenings (until 9 PM) when the museum is less crowded and you can enjoy a more relaxed experience with the kids.
- 2.Stop by the Information Desk to pick up free family activity guides and backpacks filled with interactive materials that help kids engage with specific galleries.
- 3.Detroit residents get free general admission, so bring proof of residency to save on entry fees.
- 4.The Rivera Court with its massive murals is a must-see and kids find the industrial scenes fascinating. Plan to spend extra time here.
- 5.Bring a stroller for younger children as the museum is large, but be aware that strollers aren't allowed in certain special exhibition galleries.
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings (Tuesday through Thursday, 9:00 AM opening) offer the quietest experience, perfect for families who want space to explore. Saturday and Sunday mornings right at opening (10:00 AM) are also good before afternoon crowds arrive.
What to Know
General admission is $14 for adults, $9 for seniors, and free for children 17 and under. Parking is available in the museum's lot or surrounding street parking. The museum cafe offers kid-friendly lunch options, and outside food is not permitted inside galleries.
Seasonal Notes
The museum hosts special family-friendly events during school breaks and holidays. Summer often features extended family programming. Check their calendar for Family Sundays and special workshops throughout the year.
Nearby Eats
Chartreuse Kitchen & Cocktails (about 2 miles away) offers a kids menu in a casual atmosphere, or head to Buddy's Pizza on Conant Street (Detroit's original square pizza) which is always a hit with families.
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