Midtown

History
Must-Sees
Where To Stay

Why Visit?

Welcome to Midtown, one of Detroit’s most culturally rich neighborhoods. There’s truly something for everyone in Midtown. Most people come to explore the neighborhood’s 12 cultural institutions. It’s also great if you’re in the mood for a vibey brunch, want to window shop at cute boutiques and edgy art galleries, or would prefer to see the puck drop at a Red Wings hockey game.

Midtown is especially known for its historic cultural center. This small area, on the neighborhood’s north end, is where you’ll find world-class museums like the Detroit Institute of Arts (home to over 65,000 artworks, including the Detroit Industry Murals by renowned Mexican artist Diego Rivera), and the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History (one of the world’s largest museums dedicated to the African American story), among others.

In addition to its museums, shops, and restaurants, Midtown is also home to some of Detroit’s best entertainment venues.

Featured Image
The Detroit Institute of Arts
Credit: Sara Srinivasan

History of the neighborhood

Midtown’s roots date to the early 1900s, during the nationwide “City Beautiful” movement. This urban planning initiative aimed to bring beautiful architecture and green spaces back into cities, and in Detroit that led to the zoning of what we now call Midtown.

In 1910, Edward Bennett (a city planner famed for the Plan of Chicago) was hired to create a plan for Detroit. Thanks to Bennett, the idea for Detroit’s cultural center was born: a compact area off Woodward Avenue that would be home to an art museum, design school, music hall, and library.

Construction on these elaborate Beaux-Arts and Renaissance-style structures continued through the 1920s, and soon Midtown’s cultural center became the widely-agreed most beautiful part of the city. In 1983, the cultural center was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

The rest of Midtown also grew and thrived throughout the 1900s, thanks in part to Wayne State University and the College for Creative Studies, which drew in more cultural institutions and creative energy to the neighborhood.

Midtown also has a deep history with healthcare. Its first hospital opened in 1863 to treat Civil War soldiers, and was followed in 1910 by the Women’s Hospital, which was revolutionary in its use of a separate maternity ward. In 1985, the various hospitals in the area banded together, and today you’ll find a massive 5 million square foot medical campus called the Detroit Medical Center.

Neighborhood Must-sees

There’s no shortage of ways to spend a day in Midtown, Detroit. Here are the top activities:

  1. Explore world-class museums in Midtown’s cultural center. The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) is a must on any Detroit itinerary, where you could spend a full day exploring its over 100 galleries. Other museums in the area include the Michigan Science Center, Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, Detroit Historical Museum, Detroit Public Library, Hellenic Museum of Michigan, Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit (MOCAD), and more.
  2. Catch a game or show at one of Midtown’s entertainment venues. Get tickets to Little Caesars Arena, where the Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Pistons call home, and many top entertaining artists headline. The Masonic Temple is another Detroit institution where artists have performed for over a century. Midtown is also home to the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, many Wayne State University student productions, and other performance venues like the Majestic Theatre.
  3. Grab a bite to eat at one of Midtown’s foodie hotspots. Detroit Shipping Company is a unique foodhall made from shipping containers, where you can dine from Detroit’s up-and-coming food businesses. For something more upscale, make a reservation at The Whitney, a historic mansion serving elegant dinners and afternoon tea.

Where to Stay

Midtown is a centrally-located, vibrant neighborhood in Detroit and one of the best places to base yourself during your stay. You’ll be nearby many of the city’s top attractions, with easy access to the rest of the city.

AC Detroit at the Bonstelle is one of Detroit’s newest hotels, and is connected to the historic Bonstelle Theatre. Situated between Midtown and the entertainment district, you’ll be walking distance to Little Caesars Arena and other top attractions.

The El Moore Lodge is a boutique hotel located in the heart of Midtown in Cass Corridor, perfect for nearby shopping, dining, and transport. It’s perhaps the “greenest” hotel choice in Detroit, thanks to its extensive sustainability program.

The Inn on Ferry Street is another boutique hotel, set in a series of restored Victorian homes and carriage houses. It’s located in the cultural center, just a five minute walk from many of Detroit’s best museums.

How Can I Get to Midtown?

The QLine is a free streetcar in Detroit that travels up and down Woodward Avenue with multiple stops in Midtown: Canfield Street, Warren Avenue, and Ferry Street. You can also reach Midtown by car or bus.

What is the best way to explore Midtown?

You can explore Midtown by foot, car, or QLine. The shops and restaurants along Cass Corridor, Woodward Avenue, and Canfield Avenue are easily walkable. The museums of the cultural district have parking and can be accessed by car.

Where can I park?

Many of Midtown’s museums and other cultural institutions, as well as some restaurants, have parking lots. There is also metered street parking and multiple parking garages (such as the Wayne State Parking Structure or SOMA Parking Garage). The Park Detroit app can help you find available parking.

Distance from DTW

Midtown is a 20 to 30 minute drive from Detroit Metro Airport (DTW), depending on traffic.

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