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Detroit Institute of Arts
Rating Details »
Categories: Museums, Art Galleries [Edit]
Neighborhoods: Cultural Center, Midtown, Wayne State5200 Woodward Ave
Detroit, MI 48202
(313) 833-7900
Avedon Fashion Photographs1944-2000
October 18, 2009 - January 17, 2010
This exhibition is a comprehensive study of Richard Avedon's (1923-2004) fashion photographs.
- Hours:
Wed-Thu. 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Fri. 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Sat-Sun. 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
40 reviews for Detroit Institute of Arts
This business is a Yelp Sponsor
9/13/2009
6 photos
11/17/2009
11/11/2009
11/14/2009
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10/2/2009
8/12/2009
Updated - 5/13/2009
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7/23/2008
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Updated - 9/18/2008
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9/11/2007
One of the Business' Favorite Reviews What's This?
Oh DIA, I miss you. I can honestly say there aren't many museums I really care for, but you are a national gem. The Diego Rivera courtyard with mosaics on the ground and murals in every corner is breathtaking. Truly epitomizes art with a message. As an activist with huge ties to the Labor Movement I learned a lot about Detroit labor history here. You can spend so much time analyzing each piece, definitely worth listening to the lecture from a tour guide.
Of course I went to other areas in the museum as well which also contained great pieces, including political art, but the courtyard is really what I remember the most.
If you're ever anywhere near Detroit, this place is DEFINITELY worth the visit.
I am embarrassed to say that it took me an entire year to step inside the DIA. Embarrassing because...I have been studying design one block from the DIA for the past year. Anyway, it was worth the wait.
The DIA has the 5th largest art collection in the United States. It also has one of the largest Reubens collections in the world.
The architecture of the building itself is truly amazing and really enriches the whole experience. I am amazed at how small the building seems from the outside and how endless it seems when you are inside.
I recommend checking out the Diego Rivera mural. Which is truly amazing.
The other thing that I like about this museum is that it offers free admission to Detroit residents. Talk about giving back to the community! I've been back several times and am looking forward to more and more journeys as I always find something new to awe over.
I also hear that the cafeteria there is great. I'll have to try it next time. The DIA is a dream to have within our reach.
My favorite things at the Detroit Institute of Arts -
- The Diego Rivera Court - Of course! The light, the richly colored frescoes, the visual history of the auto industry (the hint of doom), the creepy picture in the corner of the Christ baby being delivered by scientists
- The Chapel that overlooks the Kresge court - speaking of Christ babies, check out sweet baby J on the box where they would have kept the eucharist (look where he's sticking his arm!)
- The Detroit Film Theater - a beautiful art house theater, with a balcony, and a swank cafe on the mezzanine, red velvet curtains galore
- The fountain out front - from which you get a great view of the Detroit Public Library
- The prints and drawings gallery - a series of cozy, wood paneled nooks where you are always sure to find some intricate and engrossing pen and pencil sketches. It's the most serene space in the city.
- The Impressionist art - 'cause I'm corny.
- the gift shop - and I honestly hate shopping, but they have some beautiful, fun trinkets and books. Also a great way to support the museum
Unfortunately for us working class types, the DIA is no longer accepting the Museum Adventure Pass (available for many other cultural institutions at your public library). But, I applaud them for accepting it as long as they did. And really, I have no problem giving up a dinner out to spend a day at the DIA!
If you have never visited the DIA before and you love art, make sure to get there right when they open. I once spent a Wednesday there from 10-4 (open to close) and still didn't see everything I wanted to see.
The DIA is a wonderful place to get lost in. Don't be discouraged if you see tour groups because there are many private rooms filled with an almost overwhelming sense of quiet and, of course, priceless art. The website says that this museum is the 5th largest in the nation for art, and I definitely believe it.
I just saw the Avedon exhibit which was gorgeous and inspiring especially for photographers. The exhibit was quite crowded, however, with many people blocking pictures until you hovered long enough for them to move. I hate doing that but I did try and wait my turn several times only to have others cut in and block. Oh well. I will also add that my guest was displeased at the lack of Avedon merchandise available in the gift shop. You will have your pick of a $100 book with pictures of the exhibit, about 15 different postcards, and two different posters.
If you visit the DIA, make sure to go next door on Kirby st (just keep walking on Woodward, don't TURN on Kirby st like we did) to Good Girls Go To Paris Crepes. Delicious and cheap and filling!!
This is a great museum. It was full of very famous works of art. They also have a good inexpensive cafeteria. I have been to many art museums, and I think this is one of my favorite's here in the USA.
This museum is a treasure. Ever since I first visited the DIA I find I can't go too many months without visiting again. It is one of my favorite things in the Detroit metro area and one of the first places I recommend people visit. I'm counting down the days until the Richard Avedon exhibit opens.
If you are a member of the Ann Arbor DIstrict Library make sure to ask about the Museum Adventure Pass before you visit the DIA. You can "check out" a pass up to one week before your trip that will admit two people for free to the museum. It's a very good deal! Please note, however, that the pass only includes admission to the permanent collections. If you are visiting the DIA with the intention of seeing a special exhibit, you are better off purchasing a full access pass.
I'm going to be honest here people so hold onto something: I don't really completely like the new renovations. The DIA now feels more corporate and the food court is a big blah blah no no. The only real bonus is that Kresge court is now mostly free of those annoying screaming children so I can enjoy a beer or glass of wine in peace. But what I really don't understand is why there is a corporate coffee joint in the DIA, come on really? you can't support a local business? really?
But in all, I have always loved this museum whether it is roaming through the galleries staring at stuff or doing the Friday night drawing in the galleries. And we can't forget the live music and artist talks.
The only positive side to the renovations is that it seems to have become more kid friendly.
Normal Rockwell Exhibit! Get down there to see it - I think it ends this week (5/17?).
This was one of the best exhibits I have seen in a long time, but if you are going in the afternoon, save time for the last room because there are about 300 pictures in that last room.
I loved this exhibit because it really felt like I was walking through important eras of history that define us today. Whether you are an art fan or a history buff (I happen to be both), you must see this exhibit.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/26/2009
The DIA will always have a special place in my heart. It was the first field trip I went on in… Read more »
I forgot about first fridays....went the other night and enjoyed myself thoroughly. The student Art exhibition brought back memories of playing "Art-O" (My elementary school art teacher's version of bingo, teaching us famous paintings). At check in, I thoroughly enjoyed the clerk telling me not to visit the "overpriced expensive store" as my eyes glanced over to the baubles on display. I learned that there are always interactive activities as well as live music worth at least sitting under the Rivera murals for...
I love art, and I love museums...hoping more interesting exhibits will make their way to the newly remodeled DIA.
I love the DIA. I always have. I always will.
My favorite memory of the DIA was actually during its most resent renovation. At that time, you didn't have to pay to get in. I was with my older sister. We walked in on a man, who appeared to be homeless, having a romantic moment with a priceless statue. The dude was sucking on its boob. My sister, the amateur art historian, cried out "Don't touch the artwork!" While I tried to hold back laughter. The statues suitor quickly ran away. My sister found a volunteer to assure proper cleaning. Only in Detroit. I love it here!
Since the renovations the DIA is as wonderful as ever. It is just an amazing place with so many famous paintings. It has gotten a lot of slack for "dumbing down" their exhibits but I think it's great. It makes understanding art easy for everyone, this creates more curiosity and better exhibits. Bravo Graham Beal.
I've gone twice in six months after growing up in Metro Detroit and not once making it to the DIA.
I paid extra for the Norman Rockwell special exhibit. It was very good! The building is great, the art is world-class, and the company's right. Well done!
This isn't a place where you passively look at art, you can create your own here. I also took art classes at the Center for Creative Studies where we had "field trips" to the DIA and did quick sketches of various sculptures around the museum.
I'm not sure if this is still going on, but the Friday night events at the DIA were the highlight of my weekends. There was live music and performance art, free art classes with all the materials provided, people-watching and independent movies to see. If they're still doing this, check it out. It's great for singles, couples, families, both young and old.
We went for the Rockwell exhibit, which was pretty good (as good as Rockwell can be) and stayed to poke around. The Chess exhibit was interesting- though somewhat questionable as well- some of the sets on display were less than impressive- but taking a seat and playing a game was fun enough. Then again I've done that in dozens coffee shops and my own house enough times..
Overall the collection at the DIA was just... meh. Nothing really exceptional to behold.
I was told I'd be surprised by how good the DIA's collection is, but I was still surprised by how good the DIA's collection is. Firstly, it's huge, and in three hours I barely scratched the surface. Secondly, the modern and contemporary art exhibits were surprisingly good and even had a fair number of heavyweight pieces. It was a good afternoon.
It's definitely a bit labyrinthine. There's an entire COURT inside the DIA, with buildings and everything. It's not completely clear which exhibits are on which floor and how to get to those floors. I would've appreciated a little more signage both for directions and for information about the individual pieces. (I'm also one of those dorks who appreciates the headphone-tour dealie many museums hand out).
Also, the gift shop is really neat (gotta remember to hit it up next year for Christmas gifts) and the cafe food isn't too bad.
ah, the DIA. as a life-long fan, i remember the days of traveling there on school trips and standing in the awe-inspiring rooms just gazing at the grandeur of....everything. the art is wonderful and diverse, but the building the museum is housed in is gorgeous as well.
yet, with the new renovations came great disappointment. gone were the days of an old, eerie museum that felt like a part of the antiques and ancient items it held. i always had this feeling of curious fright whenever going to the museum, just to see the wonders it would hold. i'm glad i have those memories, as the current state of the museum feels all too modern, sterile and conventional. it lacks that individuality it once held. though, i still love the DIA. it's enjoyable for anyone and it's a great way to introduce and instill appreciation of art and culture into your children. you should go!
*** i've always been a casual fan of the DIA and now ... ***
they have added a Calder sculpture outside for all to adore.
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
i love, love, love Calder ... this warrants a visit at the very least.
*** no longer wistful of the Calder piece in Grand Rapids, nice! ***
This place is WAY worth the trek to the big D. It's a voluminous museum with exhibits from around the world. I am completely impressed by what a gem this place is, especially after being spoiled by the Philadelphia Museum of Art. I have already seen the Cezanne and Beyond exhibit as well as the Norman Rockwell one. I will definitely be back again!
We lived right next-door to the DIA for nearly three years (until almost a year ago), although we even went there twice before living in Detroit. The museum's interior is lovely and the Diego Rivera murals are a real highlight. Although I certainly don't think the DIA's collection overall is on a par with the top art museums in other American cities, it's a very good museum.
I was one of the first 100 people to enter the new DIA when the doors opened last November and gladly accepted their complimentary t-shirt. I'm a big fan of Art and have been to museums in Chicago, New York, London, Florence, Rome and of course The Louve in Paris. I'm here to tell you that the new DIA is one hell of a cool place to go and competes with ever other Art Museum I've ever visited.
Whether you go by yourself, the family, the girls or on a date, this is the place to be in Detroit. It's only $8 to get in, but I believe its better to buy a membership and USE IT! Don't forget that memberships to the DIA are tax deductible. You'll get invited to all sorts of events and save 10% in their gift shop.
The DIA has plenty of interesting volunteer opportunities, and I was proud to hold one of them until the gas crisis hit and I had to stop driving two hours round trip to do something that I loved.
It is the perfect place to take out of town guests or invite a date.
After my bag inspection and having to wait fifteen minutes to get a special sticker placed on my bag since I had a laptop (otherwise you cannot bring a bag into the museum), I finally made it through the special exhibits.
I was happy to see some Degas artwork here, as well as the works of his contemporaries. One thing I noticed was that when"they" (critics) said they dumbed down the little blurbs by the artwork, they weren't kidding. I felt like I was reading something for a third grader -- and I'm no art snob. You don't see the word "impressionist" anywhere in the room when you're looking at impressionist artwork, for example.
One thing not mentioned about the Diego Rivera mural is that you can get this awesome little interactive PDA that walks you through the artwork panel by panel. You learn a lot about the history of Detroit at the time as well as get to see footage of Rivera at work. Rivera himself considers this his most important work.
I wish I had skipped the first part of the museum and spent more time in the back, near the contemporaries. It's a beautiful space and definitely deserves at least three hours of your time.
Since it has been remodeled, many will come to find the layout a lot more intuitive, and packed with art! (I mean... they've only been doing renovations for how long?)
The contemporary art section in particular has been expanded tremendously. It's to the left of the Rivera hall - definitely check it out!
One thing I do like is that the DIA puts on some sort of event during their FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE! It's anything from live music, to a workshop, to a showing of some sort. Last month I was fortunate to see Randy Weston and Alex Blake play a jazz set... and it was amazing. The best thing about FNL is that admission is free for residents of Detroit! If you live in city limits, then this would be a free Friday night out. Who can argue with that?
I've been to museums in a number of cities, and 2008 is the year that I can finally say that the DIA is doing Detroit proud. Get there as fast as your feet will take you!
One of the best museums in the country - great collections, worthwhile programs, fun events! Detroit Film Theatre is a Detroit gem - go!
The renovations are complete, and this place is awesome. I find myself just grativating there on my days off. I love the improvements, making the place a little more friendly to people who aren't naturally into art. There are quizzes and games for the kids to participate in the artwork. It's a blessing if you ever take kids there.
It's the fifth largest museum in the country, and we are lucky to have some of the pieces it contains. We get the big exhibitions that tour the country, which is so important for the arts culture in our city.
Friday nights the museum is open til 9pm and they always have something different going. Live music, painting demonstrations and classes, readings. Just go, already!
Plusses: GREAT armory, wonderful pop/modern art collection, cool layout, huge, clean, and contemporary.
Minuses: Limited collection of impressionists and classics, $8 admission fee, Closed Monday and Tuesday, Located in the ghetto, bag inspection, NO CHEWING GUM?
While the museum is definitely worth checking out if you are in town, it certainly isn't a "Destination museum" like MOMA, The Met, Chicago, etc. As a matter of fact, there is vastly superior museum in Toledo Ohio....and admission there is free.
A larger collection would benefit the vast size of the museum and security guards/volunteers who actually cared as much about guiding you to a specific area as they do about the "no chewing gum" rule would be great. I understand the gum rule, but seriously fellas, I'm 28 and educated....save the rule for the 10 year olds who might mistake Frankenthaler's piece as a waste basket.
This museum is the one thing that gets me into Detroit from Ann Arbor. Its permanent collection is unbelievably outstanding: legacy of a city that just isn't what it used to be!
Most of the important areas of art are well covered, including most eras of European history. Really famous works are numerous, including notably a great painting by Artemisia Gentileschi, murals by Diego Rivera and many more.
So amazing!
Even since my last visit in November 2007, they have made so many updates to the collection and to the technology in the museum. We decided to purchase the Audio Tour ($2 price tag is too good to pass up) and I thought it was worth it. There were a good number of pieces throughout the museum that had the little audio tour symbol and I am under the impression they are adding more. They did not have this audio tour at the grand re-opening in November, so I think they are slowly adding audio for most of the pieces in the museum. Once it is completely finished, I think it will be a fine presentation of the museum and the works of art contained within it.
I really enjoy at this museum that some of the pieces of artwork contain information about the artist and the time period in which it was created, as well as information about what you should look for in the work. Information like lighting in a certain period, symbolism, etc. I thought it was really helpful since I'm pretty useless when it comes to extracting meaning from art. I liked that the descriptions drew my attention to important aspects of a painting or other work of art so that I could get the most out of my visit.
I especially appreciated the interactive Diego Rivera exhibit. The DIA added an interactive hand-held computer device that walks you through the making of the Detroit Industry mural. You can rent the little computer device for FREE from a desk on the east side of the gallery. I thought it was really awesome to be able to listen to detailed description about the construction of the mural and details about the symbolism behind the pieces of the mural. I thought it was really interesting to be able to hear testimony from scholars on the subject as well as historical facts about the opening of the exhibit and why Rivera chose to paint what he did. The next time we go back to Detroit, I will definitely go to the DIA to do this again because I only finished about half of the interactive presentation. The presentation itself - all parts included - would probably be over an hour of information, but there are chairs set up in the gallery so you can just sit and admire the scene. Very cool indeed.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/1/2008
I've only been once, but I loved it!
We went on the night of the grand re-opening of the museum,… Read more »
Since I have a strong affinity to European Old Master paintings,I would consider this art museum to be one of the very best in the United States.It has splendid collections of Early Italian Art(Sano di Pietro,Allegretto Nuzi,Fra Angelico,Botticelli,Sassetta),Later Italian Art(Titian,Caravaggio,Canaletto,Pannini),Dutch Master paintings(Frans Hals,Jacob Van Ruisdael,Rembrandt,Musscher),French Baroque paintings(Chardin,Largilliere,Pater)and Twentieth Century European paintings(Picasso,Matisse,Beckmann,Kirschner,Muell er).It also has a fine collection of Renoirs,Degas',Van Goghs,and Whistlers.This huge art museum also has splendid Contemporary Art(Alex Katz,Anselm Kiefer,Marisol),American paintings(Melchiors,Hassam,Dewing,O'Keefe)and Afro-American paintings(Benny Andrews,Woodruff,Jacob Lawrence).I have spent many hours at this source of Detroit pride and I love it more than ever.
If there were ever a reason to visit Detroit, this is it. A massive collection keeps you wandering for hours. The museum takes great strides to display its collections in decorated environments that support the artwork. For example, the medieval work is displayed in a room with stone walls. Contemporary work is shown in more sleek areas. The building is a maze with several floors.
The best part is that the people that work here actually care about the work. Lots of time and effort goes into the galleries and displays. As a person that has visited several art museums around the country, I would say that this one ranks within the top 10. Its a must see and great for anyone that enjoys art.
Anyone that ever visits Detroit, for business or family, an especially all those to live there, need to visit the DIA.
What a great museum, as someone who lives in DC, city where all the museums are free, I still make it a point to visit the DIA when I am there.
Last time I was there I saw an Annie Leibowitz show. It was her photography of American Musicians...a very eclectic group...from the Roots to Johnny Cash and everyone in between.
I museum is host to great traveling shows and has an awesome permanent collection.
Detroit gets flak for a lot reasons, but at least it has a world-class art museum. It is one of the largest publicly owned museums in the U.S., and the scope of the collection is both wide and deep.
I guess everybody else will mention the Diego Rivera mural, so instead, let me just offer up a moment of silence.
*silence, silence, silence*
The DIA should be on your must-see list if you are in Detroit permanently or temporarily. Be ready to pay for parking and admission.
A great museum. I feel like many people know about it but don't feel its worth while to come check it out. You really should.
They have a huge collection of art and one of the most spectacular things to see is the famous Diego Rivera mural. Very impressive 27 panels showing the Ford auto industry of Detroit.
On Friday nights they are opened later, until 10pm so you could bring a date here and wander around for hours.
The also have special movies shown here at the Detroit Film Theatre. You have to check the schedule but the offers are always impressive and rare.
Whether you're looking for Old Art, American Art, African Art, Native American Art, or Modern Art, the DIA has got you covered. For a while it has been under major renovations, and now I must say it's much better than before. They have added more hands-on options for those that don't understand "Don't Touch" or "You Break, You Buy". There is absolutely no way I can complain about this Museum. This review does not have any spoilers...you must go to see what the raves are about.
The DIA has gone through years of renovation and expansion. It is finally re-opening in Nov., 2007.
The additions, on both North and South side, are pretty much in line with the original building. It is a fairly conservative design with expensive materials (marble all over!).
One of the major improvements is the creation of promenade, which runs through the museum as a backbone. It is so much easier to move between different galleries. The Rivera Court is still the anchor and the center of the museum. It has also become more kids friendly with quizzes and special displays.
The Great Hall is cleaned up, decorated with sparkly leaves and looking fabulous!
Personally, I wish DIA hadn't played it so safe - although there are many improvements, the whole layout of the museum is still a little boring and lacks the "Wow" factor.
Still, it is a great museum with so many masterpieces to enjoy.
A fine museum better than the ones here in San Francisco which collectively still have a terrible collection. The Diego Rivera 4 wall fresco commands a 20 min sitting every visit I make
I'm not a fan of labyrinths, but I am a fan of getting lost in museums. Even if it's in Detroit ;). I love the DIA. It's so beautiful. Walking up the steps into the lobby... you could spend hours watching the glittered lobby reflect the daylight, or even analyzing each piece of the Diego Rivera mural.
I think the Detroit area is full of hidden gems, & this is one of them. I love the Diego Rivera mural there. There have also been some great special exhibits there while I was living in the area too...Degas, Van Gogh. The museum has special Friday events too. If you want to include the Detroit Film Theatre as part of this, they also show artsy films.
DIA rocks, especially on Friday nights.
I grew up going to the DIA and I love it. I'm eagerly waiting to go back post-renovation. The Rivera mural is beautiful of course, but no one's mentioned the brass donkey! Make sure to pet him for luck before you leave :)
As a Detroiter, I'm proud of the DIA; and the DIA makes me proud to be a Detroiter. I've visited the major museums on both US Coasts and in Chicago, the Louvre and Musee d'Orsay in Paris, the Uffizi and Accademia in Florence, and a handful of minor museums all over Europe and the States. Among all of these, the DIA is in my top 10, and top 4 or 5 in just the States. The DIA isn't just a local hidden gem, but a national one. The Rivera mural by itself makes the DIA a nationally important museum. But the early modern and modern European collection is equally deserving.
As a former Detroiter, I can't wait to visit the all new improved DIA. I haven't been there in years. They always had great collection and all the top shows come through the DIA. Think about it - auto money = great art. The Rivera mural is worth seeing even if you aren't impressed by the DIA's small but amazing collection of famous masterpieces. It captures the essence of the auto workers in the River Rouge plant. This wonderful small museum is in a pocket of ok in a sea of not so great Detroit neighborhoods. Don't stray too far outside of this area. You'll know it when you leave it.... It is in the center of the Wayne State University, College for Creative Studies (my alma mater), and Medical Center campuses. Be cautious when visiting but definitely visit.
