Built in 1928 as the Wilson Theatre, the modern Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts has been a staple to the live performance industry in Detroit since its creation. The oldest continuously operating live theater in the city, this 1,700-seat entertainment venue was renovated in the 1970s and remains one of Detroit’s most vital players in the performing arts sector.
Experience art in the great outdoors when you visit the Heidelberg Project in the city’s east side. A project begun by artist Tyree Guyton and his grandfather, Sam Mackey, this project has drawn the interests of artists and non-artists worldwide and sparked hope in the impoverished Heidelberg Street by using bright paint and salvaged items to transform dilapidated houses into colorful works of modern art. This unique attraction is definitely one of Detroit's must-see destinations.
Bibliophiles rejoice! John K. King Books in downtown Detroit boasts four above-ground floors and a basement full of rare and used books for the public to peruse and purchase. The largest independent bookseller in the state, this enormous collection (over 1 million books) accounts for most of the store’s business–but true book collectors will want to make an appointment to view the rarer antiques next door.
Art aficionados will not want to miss a trip to the Detroit Institute of Arts, one of the most significant art collections in the country. This gigantic museum covers 658,000 square feet and features over 100 galleries filled with everything from ancient Egyptian artifacts to today’s top contemporary works.