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 Tribute to Auto Leaders & Pioneers |
21400 Oakwood Blvd Detroit, MI 48124 United States +1 313 240 4000 http://www.automotivehalloffam... |
The Hall of Fame is the automobile industry's own monument to its pioneers, innovators and captains. It was located in Midland, Michigan, until this new 25,000-square-foot building was built adjacent to Greenfield Village in 1997. A 65-foot-long, 12-foot-high mural by artist and former car designer John Gable illustrates the history of the motor vehicle. Interactive exhibits and historical information abound throughout the Hall, with biographies of the more than 150 inductees. A package admission can be purchased to include the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Foremost Museum of the Black Experience |
315 E Warren Avenue Detroit, MI 48201 United States +1 313 494 5800 http://maah-detroit.org |
The world's largest museum of African American history and culture, this impressive building opened in 1997 and is named after a local doctor and activist who first established it. With 120,000 square feet of exhibit space, the Charles H. Wright Museum includes several exhibit galleries, a research library, classrooms and a museum store. The anchor exhibit, "Of the People: The African American Experiences," uses Detroit's own history to tell the story of the black experience in the United States. Previously, much smaller incarnations of the museum existed, dating back to 1965. Admission is $8 for adults, $5 for seniors 62+ and children 3-12. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: sbmoore500 |
 Photo: Mark Baldwin |
 Photo: Tyler Bevier |
 Photo: Laura Edgar |
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Contemporary art mecca |
39221 Woodward Ave Detroit, MI 48304 United States +1 248 645 3323 http://www.cranbrook.edu |
One of the area's most prestigious avant-garde art museums is located on the campus of the Cranbrook Schools. Acclaimed contemporary painters and sculptors are featured along with promising new artists, including students at the Cranbrook Academy of Art, in challenging and cutting-edge exhibitions. The museum's permanent collection highlights the accomplishments of decades of Cranbrook graduates working in many different media. This is a popular gathering spot for local artists and art critics and is the center of a vibrant artistic community. It's about a 40-minute drive from downtown Detroit and an hour from Metro Airport. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Stephanie |
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Pleasing Dose of Local History |
5401 Woodward Ave Detroit, MI 48202 United States +1 313 833 1805 http://www.detroithistorical.org |
For 70 years, this small history museum has fought budget cuts to preserve the often-neglected history of Detroit. It makes for an excellent short outing. A basement exhibit allows visitors to stroll down cobblestone, cedar block and brick streets past recreations of 19th-century shops. Another exhibit documents Detroit's key role in the Underground Railroad that helped escaped slaves find freedom in Canada. Also illustrated is Detroit's emergence as an automobile manufacturing center. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for seniors and children and students. Children 4 and under are free. Wednesdays are specially priced at $2.50 for all visitors. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Liza  |
 Photo: Curtana |
 Photo: M. Hanftwurcel |
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Treasure Trove of Information |
5201 Woodward Avenue Detroit, MI 48202 United States +1 313 833 1000 http://www.detroit.lib.mi.us |
A fascinating feature of the Cultural Center is the main branch of the Detroit Public Library. Opened in 1921 and expanded in 1963, the library is made of white Vermont marble and green Maine granite and was designed by Cass Gilbert, architect of the U.S. Supreme Court building, in Italian Renaissance style. Murals, stained glass and even a tiled fireplace add to the grand effect. The library houses eleven departments and six special collections, including the National Automotive History Collection, the nation's premier public automotive archive, and the Burton Historical Collection, a wealth of local history and genealogical information. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Kjersten |
 Photo: Valerie Hinojosa |
 Photo: Stacey C. Saling |
 Photo: Erik Marshall |
 Photo: kiddharma |
 Photo: Don Jozwiak |
 Photo: jessamyn west |
 Photo: Kelly Kietur |
 Photo: Kevin Bunch |
 Photo: Cathy Chesher |
 Photo: Frank Kaelin |
 Photo: meg gustafson |
 Photo: The Green Garage |
 Photo: irocktheseagull |
 Photo: S. J. Lauzon |
 Photo: Angelica Vaccaro |
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A Window Into Maritime History |
100 Strand Drive Belle Isle Detroit, MI 48207 United States +1 313 821 2661 http://www.detroithistorical.org |
On Belle Isle, two cannons from the Battle of Lake Erie mark the entrance to this marine branch of the Detroit Historical Museums. A visit affords a fascinating short course in Detroit's maritime history. Ship models on display range from 19th-century sailing vessels to modern hydroplane racing boats. A 40-ton working pilothouse from the ore freighter William Clay Ford overlooks the Detroit River, where you might see a contemporary freighter gliding past. Another exhibit has yachts owned by automobile magnates in the 1920s and 1930s. Admission is $3.50 for adults, $2.50 for seniors and students and free for children under 4. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Americana on Display |
20900 Oakwood Blvd Detroit, MI 48124 United States +1 313 982 6001 / +1 800 835 5237 http://www.hfmgv.org |
With nine acres of exhibits and millions of artifacts, Henry Ford Museum offers a mesmerizing history of America as displayed in the products that changed the culture of the nation and the world. The museum has a 1909 Ford Model T and many other vehicles, but it doesn't just concentrate on automobiles: it has a locomotive, a 1930s kitchen, the chair in which Abraham Lincoln was assassinated and Edgar Allen Poe's writing desk, along with other artifacts from the realms of transportation, manufacturing, domestic life, technology and entertainment. When here, a visit to the in-house Henry Ford IMAX Theatre might offer good entertainment and relaxation. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: James Winfred Smith |
 Photo: James Winfred Smith |
 Photo: Cory Doctorow |
 Photo: Amy Otto |
 Photo: tdd22001 |
 Photo: Cheriti Sneed |
 Photo: Caroline |
 Photo: chamer |
 Photo: Emma Young |
 Photo: Aimee Dars Ellis |
 Photo: bethany helzer |
 Photo: nickolette22 |
 Photo: MichiPictureGuy |
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Last Standing Riverfront Fort |
6325 W Jefferson Ave Detroit, MI 48209 United States +1 313 833 1800 http://www.detroithistorical.org |
The only remaining fort of many that once stood along the Detroit River, Fort Wayne is an 82-acre site that includes the fort, a barracks, a garrison, a huge parade ground, and a newly restored commander's house. It dates to the 1840s and never saw battle, though soldiers were stationed here as late as the 1970s. The fort itself is open to the public only on special occasions. On the premises are the Tuskegee Airmen National Museum, the Medicine Bear Indian Academy and the Mosaic Youth Theatre. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Melissa Kilbride |
 Photo: S Greene |
 Photo: Karen Milmine |
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Eye-Opening Tour of a Shameful History |
28123 Orchard Lake Rd Detroit, MI 48334 United States +1 248 553 2400 http://www.holocaustcenter.org |
Founded in 1984, the Holocaust Memorial Center was the first institution in the United States to offer exhibits about the Nazi extermination of six million Jews in Europe during World War II. It's an eye-opening and breathtaking museum, offering a wide range of information and raising important questions about history. Plans have been announced to triple the size of the center by adding wings for the Museum of European Jewish Heritage and the International Institute of the Righteous, celebrating Jewish culture in Europe and the heroes of the resistance. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Sweet Sounds of the Soul |
18301 W McNichols Rd Detroit, MI 48219 United States +1 313 592 0017 http://www.igmhf.org |
On the northwest side of Detroit, in the heart of gospel music country, this grass-roots music museum opened in 1995. Patterned after the funky Motown Historical Museum, the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and Museum pays tribute to national and local gospel artists, presenting exhibits on gospel music pioneers such as Thomas A. Dorsey, known as the "father of gospel. It also highlights the role the gospel tradition played in the development of Motown singers and other local stars such as Aretha Franklin. The museum relies primarily on donations. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Beads Tell a People's Story |
6559 Grand River Ave Detroit, MI 48208 United States +1 313 898 3007 http://www.mbad.org |
The fourth African bead museum to open in the United States, this repository for a wide variety of ceremonial beads, art works and related objects opened in a former house on Detroit's near west side. Besides a huge collection of beads that carry a wide variety of cultural significance, the museum has books on African culture and history; ivory, silver and other carved objects, and a gallery featuring paintings and sculpture by local African-American artists. It's a short ride from downtown and is a fascinating stop for African history buffs. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Total Racing Experience |
Novi Expo Center 43700 Expo Center Dr Detroit, MI 48376 United States +1 800 250 7223 http://www.mshf.com/ |
If you like things that zoom, this is worth the trip to Novi. Located in the Novi Expo Center, about a 40-minute drive from downtown Detroit, this new museum has a fascinating collection of race vehicles, including some that hold land and water speed records. The Hall of Fame has several motor sports categories including air racing, snowmobiling, motorcycling, boating, trucking and various car racing areas. Driving simulators and other games, slot cars and racing videos are part of the experience of total immersion in racing. It's a unique museum in that it covers so many types of racing vehicles. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Stevie's presence |
2648 W Grand Blvd Detroit, MI 48208 United States +1 313 875 2264 http://www.motownmuseum.com |
Welcome to Hitstville USA; home to the world famous music label, Motown records, the largest independent label in the world. The owner of the label, Berry Gordy Jr. promoted artists, such as Smokey Robinson, The Miracles, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, Jackson Five, Rare Earth and many more. The museum is located in the restored house of Berry and put together by his sister Ester Gordy Edwards in 1985 as a museum. One can browse through the gallery and even check out the famous Studio A, where many hits were recorded. So, step back in time and learn how a small studio in America created some of the world's biggest stars. Guided tours are available. Admission prices for adults are $8 and children (below 12) are $5. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Daniel |
 Photo: Daniel |
 Photo: Kiyo |
 Photo: unevieboheme |
 Photo: Jeff Graham |
 Photo: Charles Holman |
 Photo: David Tansey |
 Photo: Ken Rye |
 Photo: Maggie Mui |
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Living History Told By Real Veterans |
6235 W Jefferson Ave (Historic Fort Wayne) Detroit, MI 48209 United States +1 313 843 8849 http://tuskegeeairmen.org |
On the grounds of Historic Fort Wayne, this museum documents the first African American flying unit, the segregated 99th Fighter Squadron, which served in the U.S. Air Force during World War II. Your guides are real Tuskegee Airmen, veterans who can explain the old photographs and memorabilia and tell their own stories of combat. They were trained at the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. There are wonderful collections of aircraft models and flyers' uniforms&, the leather bomber jackets with white scarves. Detroit came to host the museum because former Mayor Coleman Young was a Tuskegee Airman. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Automaker's History on Parade |
1 Chrysler Dr Detroit, MI 48326 United States +1 248 944 0001 / +1 888 456 1924 http://www.chryslerheritage.com |
On the campus of the DaimlerChrysler Technology Center, this interactive museum covers 55,000 square feet and displays the history and future of the automaker and its products in videos, photographs and hands-on exhibits. Over 75 vehicles, including futuristic prototypes, are displayed. A race track inside the museum features eight high-performance cars. Plenty of history is on display, including information on the Dodge Brothers and former Chrysler Corporation president Lee Iacocca. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: David Brossard |
 Photo: ROGERIOMACHADO |
 Photo: Ricardo Sosa |
 Photo: 'redranch' |
 Photo: MrDolomite25 |
 Photo: South Coast Custom |