Arts
The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) is an outstanding big city museum made excellent by Diego Rivera’s legendary Detroit Industry murals. Depicting the kind of manufacturing muscle that made Detroit famous, these murals are truly gifts to the city and anyone who comes to the DIA.
Fox Theater was the city’s premier movie house when it opened in 1920. But like many of the grand movie palaces in the U.S., it fell on hard times. It has since been lovingly restored and today is a venue for major live entertainment.
Detroit also is home to the Michigan Opera Theater. The city’s International Jazz Festival, held in various locations around Detroit, proclaims itself to be the largest such musical gathering in North America. Other music festivals include those focusing on country western and one for gospel. The Fisher Theater and Masonic Temple both host live theater of all stripes.
Each summer, Detroit celebrates its artists with the Festival of the Arts. For visual and performing artists alike, the festival is as educational as it is entertaining for the entire family. The Detroit Film Center offers educational opportunities as well as exhibitions.
And, what would the city that gave the world the Supremes, the Four Tops, Stevie Wonder and Rare Earth be without a permanent tribute to their music? Even with a brief history, the Motown Historical Museum is one of Detroit’s most popular tourist attractions and a tribute to the genius of Berry Gordy, Jr.