10 Instagram Worthy Architectural Must-See’s in Detroit

Story by Samantha Scott

Detroit architecture is second to none. Dawned the ‘Paris of the West,’ jaws drop as you walk throughout the various neighborhoods, taking in the ornate detail, design and the structures as a whole.

In honor of the Detroit Month of Design, we’ve chosen a handful of our favorite place to take selfies, us(ies), boomerangs and more. Check them out!

The Guardian Building

Making its debut in 1929, the The Guardian Building designed by Wirt C. Rowland, is a classic art deco skyscraper, standing tall at 40-floors high. Built with an orange brick exterior that boasts an unrivaled beauty and home to the most stunning lobby in the city. Be sure to see the artistic details of the Aztec design made of Rookwood Pottery and Pewabic Tile.

Fisher Building

The last building completed in Detroit before the Great Depression, this Albert Kahn original was designed and intended for the Fisher Brothers. Find this landmark building in the New Center area, and take in the more than 40 different types of marble and a stunning arcade covered in frescoes and mosaics designed by Geza R. Maroti. It’s hard to believe that it looks just as stunning when the sun goes down.

Penobscot Building

The Greater Penobscot also designed by Wirt Rowland, is a 47-story Art Deco skyscraper with a glowing red globe that makes the Penobscot one of the most recognizable in Detroit’s skyline. The building’s impressive interior has museum-standard ornaments that are a tribute to the native Penobscot Indians.

The Masonic Temple

Detroit’s Masonic Temple is the largest of its kind in the world with over 1,000 rooms including three theaters, the Shrine tower, the chapel, two ballrooms, and many lodge rooms. It was designed by George Mason and houses a magnificent lobby by sculptor Corrado Parducci. Guided tours are available as well as virtual and multi-lingual tours.

Fox Theatre

Built in 1928 by C. Howard Crane as a movie theatre, the Fox Theatre is one of Detroit’s most popular venues for live entertainment. Once in disrepair, this National Historic Landmark was bought and restored to its original grandeur in 1987 by the Ilitch family. Today, visitors can watch a concert or comedy show as well as take tours showcasing its exquisite beauty and extravagant architectural design.

Renaissance Center

Arguably the most iconic building in Detroit’s skyline, the Renaissance Center was designed by John Portman & Associates and opened in 1977. Totaling at a jaw dropping 5.5 million total square feet, the Renaissance Center, stands like the grand entrance to the city, on the riverfront. The building literally has its own zip code and way finder app to help get around it. Trust us, you will need it. Don’t miss out on the Winter garden atrium has excellent views of the riverfront and Canada.

Charles H. Wright Museum

The 125,000 square-foot facility built by the Black owned architecture firm, Sims-Varner and Associates, opened its doors to this iconic museum in 1997. Though this museum. Has a plethora of distinct features, it’s most known for its rotunda and high glass dome atrium.

McGregor Memorial Conference Center

Find one of the most tranquil buildings in Detroit at the Wayne State University campus in the New Center area. Designed by Minoru Yamasaki in 1958, the McGregor Memorial Conference Center features, a zen-like reflecting pool welcoming visitors inside to experience the beautiful geometric patterned skylight.

One Campus Martius

Originally built as the Compuware headquarter building in 2003, the nearly 1 million-square-foot office tower was sold to Bedrock and Meridian Health years later. The glass atrium and arch that stretches across the façade alone are worth the trip downtown.

The Ford House

Discover the private estate of one of America’s most iconic automotive families. The stunning architecture, expansive lakefront gardens and grounds and historic cars all give a glimpse into the Ford family’s life at the estate.

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