Detroit Institute of Arts

Could a museum save a city? Here at the Detroit Institute of Arts, that very nearly happened. The DIA, as Detroiters affectionately call it, stands as a testament to the power of art and the resilience of a city. Founded in 1885 as the Detroit Museum of Art, the DIA’s current home on Woodward Avenue opened its doors in 1927. This grand Italian Renaissance-style building, designed by Paul Philippe Cret, houses over 65,000 works from across the globe and throughout history. Inside, you’ll find everything from ancient Egyptian artifacts to contemporary masterpieces. The DIA boasts one of the most significant American art collections, alongside a renowned General Motors Center for African American Art, one of the first of its kind. Did you know the DIA was the first American museum to acquire a Van Gogh and a Matisse? These iconic pieces, purchased in 1922, helped to establish the museum’s reputation for embracing groundbreaking art. Speaking of groundbreaking, no visit to the DIA is complete without experiencing the Diego Rivera Court. Here, the monumental Detroit Industry murals, commissioned by Edsel Ford in 1932, depict the city’s industrial heart in vibrant fresco. Rivera himself considered this work to be his greatest achievement. The murals haven’t been without controversy though. During the McCarthy era, a sign was placed near the murals declaring Rivera’s political views “detestable” while simultaneously affirming the artistic merit of the work. But the DIA’s story goes beyond the art within its walls. Fast forward to 2013. Detroit is facing bankruptcy, and creditors eye the DIA’s collection, valued in the billions, as a potential asset to sell. Imagine the city selling its cultural soul. A crisis was averted through a remarkable act of community and state-wide collaboration known as the “grand bargain.” Private foundations, the state of Michigan, and the DIA itself raised millions to protect the collection, ensuring it would remain in Detroit, accessible to all. The DIA transitioned back to its pre-1919 status as an independent non-profit, securing its future and further cementing its role as a beacon of hope for Detroit’s revitalization.