DIA

I have lived in Metro Detroit my entire life and it took me seventeen years to visit one of Detroit's most inspirational and historic museums: the DIA, otherwise known as the Detroit Institute of Arts. What led me to finally explore the enlightening museum at the age of seventeen? My wonderful Creative Writing high school class during my junior year. My Creative Writing teacher had arranged for her Creative Writing classes to spend a day observing and taking in all the wonderful art that is exhibited at the Detroit Institute of Arts in hopes that we, her students, would be inspired by the art to write a piece for her class.

What about the DIA?


The foundation for the DIA was laid by a scholar and art historian from Berlin, William Valentiner, who was director from 1924-1945. Because Valentiner had extensive contacts back in Europe, along with support from patrons, he was able to attain many important works that now establish the framework of today's collections.

The DIA has been enriching the lives of those living in or near Detroit (or visiting Detroit) who visit the institution since 1885 - for over a century! Since 1885, the museum had grown tremendously, and now covers 658,000 square feet and includes more than one hundred galleries, a 380-seat lecture and recital hall, a 1,150-seat auditorium, and even an art reference library!

Image from: http://www.detroit-travel-guide.com/detroit-institute-of-arts.html

The DIA's collection of art is among the top six in the United States that one would find. The trademark of the DIa is the diversity of the art collection. From the celebrated works of American, European, Modern and Contemporary, and Graphic art, the museum also constitues a significant amount of work of Native America, African, Asian, Islamic, Oceanic, and Ancient art.


The DIA is located at 5200 Woodward Avenue. Available visiting hours are:

Sunday

10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Monday

Closed

Tuesday

Closed

Wednesday

10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Thursday

10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Friday

10 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Saturday

10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

General admission is $8 for adults, $6 for seniors, $4 for youth (ages 6-17), $5 for college students (with valid school photo ID), children five years or younger are admitted free into the institution, and Detroit residents get in FREE on Fridays!

For more information on the DIA, please visit DIA

So if you are someone who enjoys meandering your wall through what seems like endless hallways of art, a history lover, or an artist who needs inspiration, the DIA is the place to go!