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Detroit Historical Museum
Category: Arts & Entertainment Museums Museums [Edit]
5401 Woodward AveDetroit, MI 48202
Neighborhoods: Midtown, Cultural Center, Wayne State
(313) 833-1805
- Hours:
Wed-Fri 9:30 am - 3 pm
Sat 10 am - 5 pm
Sun 12 pm - 5 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
16 reviews for Detroit Historical Museum
Review Highlights
"...treat for me here is The Streets of Old Detroit exhibit."
(in 5 reviews)
"Who doesn't love seeing a giant train set in action."
(in 3 reviews)
"...it be about the fur trade, the auto industry, or the riots."
(in 3 reviews)
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16 reviews in English
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Review from Annette J.
Dearborn Heights, MI
11/11/2011 3 Check-ins Here
I'm a history nerd so walking into the Detroit Historical Museum is like walking into Disneyland for me. So many exciting things to see and do, I can't stand it!
The first level has a wonderful motor city exhibit that I genuinely love gazing at. I have to admit I don't know much about cars but I love learning/hearing about the way they came to be and how they impacted society. I was also impressed by their acquisition of the first electric car which was produced in 1914. 1914! That blew my mind. It's a shame it wasn't so expensive back in the day otherwise we would all probably be cruising around on electric powered vehicles today! The generator is HUGE and also impressive to see (also makes me grateful for every single outlet in my house).
Their new exhibit, Detroit Toy Stories, is a blast from the past. Walking through I was taken back to my childhood a number of times as I saw a ton of toys that I had played with when I was a wee tot. Many preceded my youth by decades and it was fun looking at all the tin, wood, and cloth toys that our elders enjoyed.
The real treat for me here is The Streets of Old Detroit exhibit. It's amazing to see what our city looked like in the time from the 1840s to the early 1900s. The docents are also amazing and know a TON about this town and it's history. Make sure you stop to chat with them if they're in. And I hope you're lucky enough to catch the druggist who can tell you all the sordid details about old timey pharmacy and even watch him make some asprin!
There are many other exhibits that are just a delight: the Glancy trains, weddings, etc. Definitely plan to spend a day here and take it all in. You won't regret it!Listed in: Detroit Delights, Midtown Magic, History!, More Museums, Plz
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Review from Jacqueline M.
Roseville, MI
10/21/2011 3 photos
Great place to spend a rainy day, or learn more about Detroit! Plus....it is a real bargain! $6 for adults!!! SIX DOLLARS!!! Cheaper than a movie!!
The lower level is great! They have recreated the streets of Detroit. Barber shop, blacksmith, toy shop...it's all there! There is a massive train set that everyone will love. You can watch it go round and round and always see something different in the train village.
Tons of great history facts about Detroit! The founders, the trades, even the street layout has little fun facts!
This is a great spot, you can enjoy it on your own or spend the time with family...again the price is very family friendly!! -
Review from Peggah G.
10/21/2011
I grew up less than a mile away from the Detroit Historical Museum, but I first visited last night as part of the Yelp's Culture Club promotion. I am so glad that the rain and the awful construction didn't keep me away from this event.
My beau and coworker came with me, and they were both pretty hungry, and very lucky that I didn't bring my camera with me. After greeting the lovely Annette at the door the first thing I see is a wonderful statue of a beaver. Of course, we took pictures with it from our crappy phones. Of course, we put a hat on it. There were plenty of things to look at and learn about Detroit all around, and it was gorgeous. There was also a photo opportunity at every corner.
They had a lot of interactive displays and different posters. They had a fallout shelter and different wedding dresses. I thoroughly enjoyed myself. The best part however, was in the basement where they had the "Streets of Old Detroit." There was a little drug store, which turned out to be Vernor's drug store where he created... Vernor's ;).
There were pretty bottles, an old phone, and an old music box thing, but the best part was the docent who was down there. Mind you, I am 26 years old, but he was doing tricks he usually does for kids and I was just as impressed! He told us about how the Vernors drugstore was given to the Museum in 1927, and it wasn't until after 2001 that they actually went through everything and removed the toxins!
He told us about all of the narcotics they found and their benefits (cough suppressant), and the best line of the night, "You don't see a crackhead coughing." This man was an absolute delight. I could have listened to him talk for hours. He also told us that when they went through everything, they found 2.5 pounds of pure opium!
This museum had been storing opium for over 70 years! AMAZING!
If you do go here, make sure you visit the 'druggist' and get the true experience! Parking is kind of a pain since they have now made street parking enforceable until 10pm, but the lot is only four dollars. And it's right next to the Detroit Public Library and the DIA, so you might as well make a day out of it!
I personally cannot wait to go back! -
Review from Eve B.
Detroit, MI
11/22/2010
Ok, so i have to confess. I've been a long time Detroit lover and i can't believe it took my ass this much time to actually peep the Historical Museum!
Either way, Groupon had a deal for the museum a few months back so i decided to take advantage of it and make a nice lil Saturday afternoon a bit more educational with my Boo.
I was very impressed! Not only was it decent size, but there was a lot of variety and fun things to look at.
Of course you had your token rise of the auto industry stuff (BO-ring) but i particularily enjoyed the new Wedding Dress exhibit and the Old Streets of Detroit replica on the lower level.
If you are looking for something enteraining and educational, this place is where it's at! -
Review from Katie H.
Chicago, IL
12/1/2008
I spent the first 25 years of my life in and around Detroit. . .and I never even considered going to the Detroit Historical Museum. I found out what I was missing this weekend.
For a mere $6 admission, there are some pretty cool exhibits here. The auto assembly line replica is neat and the streets of Old Detroit exhibit in the basement is awesome. Hero or Villian was hit or miss - some of the people they profiled weren't all that exciting but I did learn some new and interesting stuff about Henry Ford.
The Museum is definately worth a stop during an afternoon of playing tourist in Detroit. -
Review from Tara R.
Chattanooga, TN
10/27/2009
For The Streets of Old Detroit alone, I heart the Detroit Historical Museum.
The Streets are in the basement and consist of a series of corridors that resemble different decades in Detroit's 300+ year history. The floor ranges from cobblestone to wood to brick. There's a pharmacy store front with all sorts of snake oil on display and an old theater marquee and a barber shop and a bunch of other stuff. When visiting during childhood field trips, I found it to be the trippiest, most haunting experience and I loved it every time. There are mannequins in the windows - creepy!
Sadly, field trips seem to be the primary traffic at this museum. When I was in college, I went there with some friends on a quiet afternoon. We were totally inebriated and laying on the cobblestone streets for what seemed like a long time. No one noticed.
I still like to check out the Streets every now and then. There are other interesting exhibits at the museum, for sure, especially if you love Detroit. But the Streets are sure to enchant even the most anti-D hater.Listed in: Hark! - itecture
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Review from Albert O.
Washington, DC
12/5/2006
If you ever visit Detroit, the city's historical museum should be something you should not miss. For the outside world Detroit is known for being the prime example of urban decay in the 20th Century. The city lost more than half its population from a peak at around 2 million in the 1950s. White Flight, economic stagnation and rampant arson only added to its fearmsome reputation.
The Historical Museum mentions all of this. In fact it recreates old Detroit and gives a clear history of the city's development. More importantly it points out that Detroit is a vibrant city that has contributed to the Motor Age and has had an immense cultural impact because of Motown Records. The Museum also stresses the city's diversity: the Mexican and Greek populations are featured in some of the exhibits.
The museum is basically across the street from the Detroit Institute of Art. To get a much clearer understanding of what Detroit is today make sure to give this museum a visit. -
Review from Tiffany D.
Detroit, MI
10/26/2008
A must for anyone and everyone who is a part of the fabric of Metro Detroit. This our history.
The staff is well versed and tours are recommended. They often have special exhibits as mentioned by previous Yelpers. My favorite part is in the basement, a little bit of Old Detroit. Cobblestone streets and a little taste of how Detroit used to be, and how it might be again.
The historical museum is an underrated gem in the city. -
Review from Sara A.
Detroit, MI
8/14/2008 1 photo
If you're new to Detroit or have lived here all your life the Detroit Historical Museum is a must. It's an informational and fun venture through the history of a city and the places, people, and happenings that made it what it is today. And the staff is excited to share their knowledge with museum goers whether it be about the fur trade, the auto industry, or the riots.
I often find myself going for the special exhibitions that the museum holds like the Tuskegee Airmen display they held several years ago as well as the Gowns of Motown exhibit, that showcased the beautiful and nostalgic gowns of Motown singers and girl groups. They offer one of a kind exhibits that get to the heart of a city often second guessed. One trip to the Detroit historical Museum and you'll have a new found respect and adoration for the once Auto Capital of the world. -
Review from Michael C.
Warren, MI
4/19/2008
There's such an intelligent collection of history here, it's something that should never be skimmed over.
And it'd actually make quite a day for the adventurous; the DIA is right across the street, and the Science Center is a block away. Got a family and need an educational day out? DHM is part of the holy trinity of museums!
The name is misleading in a way; is it a museum of history in Detroit, or a museum of Detroit history? Actually it's a bit of both, but has a leaning towards the latter. If you're at all interested in this strange city of ours, then this would be a great place to have a look.
For quite some time, they've had the lower level made to look like what "classic" Detroit, pre-industrial revolution would've looked like. I'm a sucker for these kinds of exhibits.
But the DHM isn't all dusty and old either. One exhibit that I was VERY fortunate to see was the Techno exhibit. It was a visual narrative (not to get too artsy-fartsy) on the rise (and fall?) of Detroit electronic music, the musicians, and the labels. My favorite bit was the "display" of what a classic electronic studio would have looked like: Roland TR808, Lin9000, the 303... you get the idea. Really spot on.
There's a lot to see for any generation - so check it out if you can! -
Review from Deb M.
Canton, MI
1/23/2011
I can't believe I have never been to this museum. And I admit, the only reason I went is because they had free admission over New Years weekend and I thought it would be nice to add on to our trip to Mexican Town for some grub. But what a huge amount of information packed into a little building. They had a gift shop that even has one of those little penny machines (DH's fav). My favorites were the streets of Detroit, which showed various store-fronts from different eras of Detroit. I also fell in love with the trains. I stood and watched them for a long time (guess I should have had a train set growing up as a child...I feel somewhat deprived now). If you haven't been, it is worth an hour or two of your time.
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Review from Jenna S.
Chicago, IL
7/27/2009
Detroit museums are highly, highly undervisited and that really makes me sad. The Detroit Historical Museum was awesome! In fact, I will even go so far as to say it's better than the Chicago History Museum (sorry, Chicago!).
There's a lot of stuff in here. It'll take you about 1 1/2-2 hours to fully explore the museum, so give yourself some time. When I visited recently, there were free Saturday admissions going on for the summer, so get in while the museum is hot! I have reciprocal admission anyway, but it's awesome to know that museums have free days to accommodate everyone. There's $4 parking in the lot right next to the museum which is pretty reasonable, especially since it doesn't seem to get full at all.
There's a big exhibit near the entrance about the beginnings of a town called Detroit, which means straight. The exhibit details the founding of the town as well as the French settlers who lived there as fur trappers. The exhibit continues through the beginning of the 20th century, detailing the expansion of the city into a bustling industrial town. There's lots to see, including some movies, so make yourself comfortable and take it all in!
On the other side of the first floor, there is a large car exhibit. Obviously, Detroit is the automobile hub of the United States, so the history museum would not be complete without an homage to the auto industry. My favorite part of this exhibit: the very first car EVER driven in the city of Detroit (or the state of Michigan). It was really awesome to see the actual first car preserved right there in the museum. More highlights: a Tin Lizzie that you can actually sit in and pretend to drive (it even has a crank that makes noise when you turn it), history of immigrant auto workers in Detroit and old car commercials from the past.
Upstairs, there's more car exhibit (you can see cars being put together on an assembly line) and a bit more to read. On the other side of the second floor, there's a great exhibit called "Hero or Villian? Metro Detroit's Legacy of Leadership." This was probably my favorite part of the entire museum. The exhibit highlights famous leaders from Detroit like Antoine Cadillac, Augustus Woodward, Lewis Cass, Coleman Young, Ty Cobb and many others. The exhibit features photos and artifacts from each of the person's lives and a description of their role in Detroit history. Then there's my favorite part: two written descriptions of the person and how they did good things as well as bad things. I really liked this exhibit because it showed that everyone has two sides depending on how you look at them, and even good people can do bad things (or vice versa). The exhibit really did a great job of portraying each historical figure in a very objective light so you can decide how you feel about them later. Only downside: LOTS of reading, so be prepared when you arrive to this part of the museum.
And finally, there's the most creative part of the Detroit Historical Museum: The Streets of Old Detroit. Ask any kid that grew up in Detroit, this is the part of the museum they remember best. My boyfriend actually couldn't figure out why he knew this place until he visited as an adult, but he was pleasantly surprised to be back in a place that he remembered from his childhood. Honestly, there isn't much interactive stuff going on down here but it's a really cool look at what Detroit would have looked like in the 19th century. My boyfriend remembers there used to be people in each of the old shops to tell you a bit about what you'd find inside, but I assume budget cuts have forced a lot of these people out of work, which is a total shame. The Streets of Old Detroit was my second favorite part of the museum just because it was so cool to see and walk through. Tons of old artifacts and descriptions of buildings. Oh, and the Glancy Trains are down there too, which are awesome! Who doesn't love seeing a giant train set in action?
Get in here if you've never visited. Detroit is a city with a bad rap, but this museum really sheds some light on a lot of the awesome things that have taken place in this city, even in the last 50 years. There's a ton of history here and more people need to get in and learn about this awesome part of Michigan!Listed in: The Motor City, Get Your Culture On!
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Review from Andrew F.
Detroit, MI
3/31/2011
What a great gem shining in the cavern that is Detroit. So nice to walk through the old city streets in the basement, reviewing the political turmoil of the 60's and 70's, and the founding of Detroit. Well worth the visit.
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Review from Torrie B.
5/24/2010
This is probably one of my favorite museums in Detroit! The basement houses the good ol days, with penny candy stores, and brick roads! There are also amazing guest speakers that take you back into the era of Motown and Henry Ford. If you've never been to this museum, plan to visit today!
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Review from Susan L.
5/27/2009
We lived right across the street from the museum for almost three years - until nearly a year ago - but we discovered it even prior to moving there. It has several wonderful & eclectic exhibits and you need about 1 1/2 hours to fully explore & appreciate the museum. They also have some very interesting lectures and some wonderful walking tours of various neighborhoods. The museum is located across the street from the DIA (Detroit Institute of Art).
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Review from Susan L.
New York, NY
6/28/2009
I never would have stepped foot in the Detroit Historical Museum if there hadn't been a temporary exhibit featuring my great grandfather, Victor Lim. The exhibit was put together by a grad student at Wayne State and displayed the history of Detroit Chinatown. If you're a Michigander, you are probably thinking, "Huh? Detroit has a Chinatown? Where?" Exactly. Back in the day, Detroit had a bustling Chinatown but the unfortunate events of racial strife and rioting in the early 1980's forced many of the Chinatown businesses to close their doors. If it weren't for the Detroit Historical Museum, this exhibit would not have had a home. There are always temporary exhibits making their way through so keep your eyes out for topics of interest. The whole museum probably takes an hour to get through and it only costs $6 ($1 discount for AAA members!). While there was nothing spectacular or must-see in the museum, I'm a full supporter of local museums like this.
