Ever wondered about the hidden stories within Detroit’s artistic heart? Look closely at the Scarab Club. This isn’t just any building. It’s a living testament to Detroit’s creative spirit. Founded in 1907 as the Hopkins Club it was later renamed the Scarab Club. This was in honor of Robert Hopkins a master marine and landscape painter. His successful showing at the Detroit Museum of Art spurred this creation. The Scarab Club quickly became a haven for artists. It also served as a place for art lovers.
The Scarab Club’s mission was simple. It aimed to connect artists and enthusiasts. It wanted to encourage artistic expression in Detroit. The club also sought to provide exhibition and workspace for its members. These goals remain largely unchanged today.
For years the Scarab Club held lavish costume balls. These events were legendary. As many as 1800 Detroiters attended annually from 1917 through the 1950s. Imagine the grandeur the vibrant costumes the energy. The Scarab Club’s annual balls were featured in local newspapers and even Life Magazine.
But the Scarab Club is more than just parties. It’s a repository of history. The ceiling beams in the members-only lounge served as a unique guest book. Vachel Lindsay the famous poet was supposedly the first to sign. Over 230 others followed including Norman Rockwell Diego Rivera and Marcel Duchamp. Even William Milliken a Michigan governor signed these historic beams.
Today the Scarab Club continues to thrive. It hosts concerts poetry readings exhibitions and workshops. The building itself is a masterpiece. Designed by Lancelot Sukert a club member and protégé of Albert Kahn. It boasts Renaissance Revival and Moderne styles. A glazed terracotta scarab emblem adorns its south facade. It’s a breathtaking mix of history and artistry. It is listed on the US National Registry of Historic Places. It is also designated a Michigan Historical Site. It is a treasure of Detroit’s heritage. The Scarab Club is truly a Detroit icon a place where art history and community converge. Come step inside and feel its rich legacy.