Detroit has a rich and prolific history of artistic and cultural contributions, both locally and globally. Today, art galleries can be found all over the city, from downtown to Southwest Detroit, Eastern Market to the Avenue of Fashion. In Midtown alone, there are over 10 art galleries!
Detroit Institute of Arts
The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) is an internationally acclaimed art museum. In fact, the DIA was named the best art museum in the U.S.
in 2023 by USA TODAY. After a visit to this museum, such an honorable accolade only makes sense.
The museum was founded in 1885, and it has been in its current location since 1927. Perhaps most notable, the DIA contains one of Diego Rivera's most acclaimed works, Detroit Industry Murals, and Vincent van Gogh's Self-Portrait, his first painting displayed in a U.S. museum.
The DIA also organizes a robust set of community programs and events, including the Teen Arts Council, contemporary and classic films, and more.
The museum, located at 5200 Woodward Ave., is open Tuesday to Thursday from 9am to 4pm, Friday from 9am to 9pm, and Saturday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm. All residents of Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb countries receive free admission!
Galerie Camille
This fine art gallery is a long-standing staple in the Detroit art’s community. The gallery opened in 1987, and it has been the home to incredible exhibitions, featuring both local and international artists. If you want to get a taste of the gallery’s remarkable pieces, check out its past, current, and upcoming exhibitions.
Galerie Camille also hosts online estate sales, selling rare fine art and antiques items, and sells a unique selection of art books. And if you’re interested in renting this beautiful space for an upcoming event, the gallery offers rental services.
Galerie Camille is located along Cass Corridor at 4130 Cass Ave, Suite C. They are open Wednesday to Saturday from noon to 5pm.
Simone DeSousa Gallery
Simone DeSousa Gallery opened in 2008 as a contemporary art gallery and has since hosted over 100 exhibits, featuring the work of artists both local and global, emerging and mid-career. You can view the gallery’s impressive past, current, and future exhibits here.
Alongside the art gallery, Simone DeSoura EDITIONS “offers visitors the experience of Contemporary Art + Design in the form of a curated ever-changing selection of limited editions that are both collectible and accessible.” This selection includes pieces like jewelry, concept furniture, ceramics, prints, and more. You can check out their online shop here!
Simone DeSousa Gallery can be found at 444 W. Willis, Unit 111. Their current hours are Wednesdays and Thursdays from noon to 5pm, and Fridays and Saturdays from noon to 6pm.
Detroit Artists Market
A nonprofit art gallery, Detroit Artists Market (DAM) was founded in 1932. Originally focused on showcasing and supporting young artists, the gallery eventually expanded to exhibit both new and established artists in Detroit. Now over 90 years old, Detroit Artists Market continues to be a pillar in the contemporary arts scene in the city. Curious about their exhibits? Take a look at their past and current exhibits!
If you’re looking to purchase some unique and creative gifts, DAM also contains a store called The Elements Gallery. This sales gallery includes beautiful pieces, from jewelry to sculptures to cards. You can take a look at their inventory through their online store!
Detroit Artists Market is located at 4719 Woodward Avenue and their hours are Tuesday to Saturday 11am to 6pm.
Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit (MOCAD)
The Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit (MOCAD) began in 1995 and has continued to be integral to the city’s arts landscape. The museum, located in a former car dealership, is 22,000 square feet! MOCAD focuses on creating a bridge between Detroit and the global art world and encourages innovation and experimentation among its showcased artists, creatives, and scholars. MOCAD’s past, current and upcoming exhibitions are a testament to this emphasis on innovative creations.
Believing that young people play a critical role in the arts scene, not just in the future but in the present, MOCAD runs a Teen Council, where youth ages 13-18 plan and prepare events at the museum. It is a real for-young-people-by-young-people model. Participants also receive professional support and training, like college tours, gallery visits, resume development, and more.
If you are driving or walking along Woodward in Midtown, look for the big “EVERYTHING IS GOING TO BE ALRIGHT” neon sign. In case you miss it, the address is 4454 Woodward Ave. MOCAD is open Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday from 11am to 5pm and Thursday and Friday from 11am to 8pm. Be sure to also swing by the MOCAD Café during your visit!
N’Namdi Center for Contemporary Art
The N’Namdi Center for Contemporary Art is dedicated to “enlightenment through the arts.” The center’s current and past exhibitions are evidence of this mission, showcasing powerful and thought-provoking work. With four exhibition spaces, which includes indoor and outdoor performance spaces, the N’Namdi Center for Contemporary Art leaves a marked footprint in the city’s arts scene. The center focuses on both master artists and emerging local artists, including performance art and experimental theater.
They also offer a range of enriching programming, from lectures to family events to artist-in-residence programs.
You can find the center at 52 E. Forest Ave. They are open Tuesday to Friday from 11am to 5pm and Saturday from noon to 5pm.
Wayne State Galleries
Wayne State University’s Department of Art and Art History runs two art galleries on the university’s campus. The Art Department Gallery showcases work created by Wayne State University students, faculty, alumni, and community artists. The gallery typically hosts 12-14 exhibitions each year. The Elaine L. Jacob Gallery focuses on artists of national and international significance. Additionally, the Elaine L Jacob gallery hosts a variety of programs, including panels, artist talks, studio visits, lectures, and performances.
The Art Department Gallery is located at 150 Art Building, 5400 Reuther Mall. The gallery is open in the fall, winter, and summer on Wednesdays from noon to 5pm.
The Elaine L. Jacob Gallery is located at 480 W. Hancock St. During the fall and winter, the gallery is open Tuesday and Thursday from noon to 5pm and Friday from noon to 7pm. In the summer, it is open Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from noon to 5pm.
Scarab Club
The Scarab Club was founded in 1907. As one of the city’s oldest arts organizations, The Scarab Club has deep roots and contributions to Detroit’s arts scene. The Scarab Club is truly an arts hub, showcasing and celebrating visual, performing, and literary arts. For a full list of the gallery’s events and programming, including art exhibitions, a photography group, sketch sessions, and monthly college student meet-ups, check out their events calendar!
The gallery’s online shop, which includes apparel, books, and accessories, is a great gift shop for your art-loving friends and family.
The Scarab Club is situated within Detroit’s Cultural Center at 217 Farnsworth St. They are open Wednesday to Sunday from noon to 5pm.
The Carr Center
Founded in 1991, The Carr Center has remained committed to its mission to “preserve, present, promote, and develop the African and African-American cultural arts traditions within our multicultural community.”
Along with incredible exhibitions and galleries, The Carr Center also boasts a comprehensive programmatic focus: The Carr Center Artist Hub offers support and residencies for artists and arts-organizations to create; The Carr Center Presents hosts performance, film, and visual arts events; and the Carr Center Arts Academy is the hub for the organizations educational programming, including summer intensive courses, in-school classes, early-career professional development offerings.
Both the administrative offices (4750 Woodard Ave, 3rd floor) and the gallery and performance studio (15 E. Kirby Street, 1st floor) are located in Midtown. For details on upcoming exhibits, check out The Carr Center’s website.
Ellen Kayrod Gallery
The Ellen Kayrod Gallery showcases and celebrates the work of metro Detroit artists age 60 and older. Take a look at the gallery’s website to see stunning examples of previous and upcoming exhibits. In addition to art exhibits, the gallery also hosts Artists Talks second Sunday of each month from 1pm to 2pm.
You can find the Ellen Kayrod Gallery within the Hannan Center in Midtown at 4750 Woodward Ave. The gallery is open Monday to Friday from 10am - 3pm.
Center Galleries
Center Galleries is the exhibition venue run by the College for Creative Studies (CCS), an art and design school in Detroit. Located in the Manoogian Visual Resource Center, CCS’s Center Galleries displays contemporary visual, literary, and performance art for both students and the broader community to enjoy. The gallery houses work from both local and international artists and creators.
Center Galleries is situated in the Cultural Center at 301 Frederick Douglass St and its hours are Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm or by appointment.
