Visit the DIA website to learn more and plan your trip!
So the last time I had been to the DIA was waaay back in late middle school/early high school. Clarence and I decided to adventure down there on a Sunday to take it all in. Now, we got there around 12:30-1:00 and had another engagement at 4:00 and we didn't even cover half of what was there to look at.
The cost to get in was $8, but if you are a student there is a discount and if you live in Wayne, Macomb or Oakland counties you can get in for free! But let's face it, $8 for 3 floors of art, artifacts, history and so much more -- it's a steal.
The DIA is located on historic Woodward Ave, right in midtown near Wayne State University.
As we wandered in there were special exhibits displayed in the promenade. There were sculptures and carvings and this cool wood mural type piece.
The first area we wandered into was the Native American exhibit. It was full of artifacts, tapestries, jugs, clothing, sculptures, musical instruments...you name it.
The intricacies of the work was amazing.
Next we wandered into a special exhibit.
It leaves June 29th, so I am glad we caught it! No pictures were allowed in the exhibit but it was all drawings of cities and countrysides. There were watercolors, lithographs, etchings, etc. it was amazing, the fact that people can create those visuals with their hands is crazy to me.
Next, I was starving. I didn't want a hangry situation on my hands so we swing by the CaféDIA, located right next to Prentis Court. It had a bunch of great options - 4 hot food stations, that served everything from pizza to quesadillas. There was also two soup options and an extensive salad bar. Plus -- desserts! It was super convenient and reasonably priced.
After eating some chicken strips, French fries and a slice of cheesecake -- we moved onto the Ancient Middle East exhibit.
Then I got distracted that the photography exhibit was closed and we went upstairs and found ourselves in this GRAND room.
We then found ourselves in the European: Medieval and Renaissance exhibit. Let me tell you, those paintings were HUGE. My favorite parts were the hand carved woodwork.
Also, the stained glass pieces were out of this world. Stained glass is so amazing.
The European: Medieval and Renaissance exhibit is above, and at times, overlooks Kresge Court. While we were there, someone was playing the piano and people were eating down there and sitting on couches --- it was a delightful scene.
At this point we were realizing we only had about an hour left and we still wanted to hit the Islam exhibit. We wandered through the Modern exhibit, just for a shortcut, and I look forward to returning to explore it further.
On our way to the Islam exhibit, we wandered into Rivera court which had two GIANT iconic Detroit murals.
This mural is often seen on t-shirts, postcards, etc. I did not get a shot of the other one, but it is similar in content-- depicting Detroit as the "motor city" and the assembly lines.
Lastly, the Islam exhibit. I think the ancient writings were the best thing there. The artifacts were awesome as well, the colors were so vibrant.
I love colors.
I encourage everyone to go visit the DIA. Take as many hours as you can spare and go. Street parking on Sundays is free!
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