Downtown Detroit

Detroit Institute of Art Design Holdings
The DIA shows decorative arts and design objects as part of its painting and sculpture exhibits. For example, gallery #234 is a room devoted to Wiener Werkstatte design (Josef Hoffmann, Kolomon Moser, Josef Urban, etc.) which is connected to German Expressionist painting and sculpture. Other galleries have design works integrated into the fine arts displays including mid-century Eames furniture and Russell Wright ceramics, or the counterculture era corrugated industrial cardboard chair and ottoman by Frank Gehry. For information call the Modern and Contemporary Art Dept. 313-833-4020. Location: 5200 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, Michigan.

Detroit Public Library
This structure, built between 1915-21 and designed by Cass Gilbert, houses the two important collections:

National Automotive History Collection: This immense collection of primarily print material from the dawn of the automobile in the later 19th century forward occupies almost the entire fourth floor of the library. It consists of magazines from many countries (complete runs), auto books and service manuals, photos, and some flat designer art and a few models. Contact Librarian Mark Patrick, 313-833-1456 or mpatric@detroit.lib.mi.us

Burton Historical Collection: Has extensive material on Detroit architecture (bldg. illustrations & photos 1858 forward; floor plans from 1920-30s); advertising material and some posters (from 1850 forward). Collection closed fall of 2000. Contact 833-1480. Location: 5201 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, Michigan.

McGregor Memorial Conference Center
One of the finest examples of mid-century Expressive Formalism. This exquisite white marble structure of 1958 by Minoru Yamasaki, reminiscent of the folded paper planes of origami constructions, is located on the Wayne State University campus, and is perfectly harmonized with its “sunken garden” with reflecting pools punctuated by large rocks and occasional trees. Location: Ferry and WSU Mall, Detroit, Michigan.

Guardian Building
One of the best Art Deco buildings in America. This 1927-29 structure by Wirt C. Rowland is an over-the-top extravaganza and a virtual catalogue of every architectural Deco motif from Europe or America. The lobby and the tooled brass elevators are particularly stunning. Location: 500 Griswold Street, Detroit, Michigan.

Fisher Building
This building, designed in 1927-9 by Albert Kahn, is a gem of Art Deco urban architecture. Of note is the multi-story interior corridors (modeled on the nave and transept crossing plan of a Gothic church but reconfigured as an L-shape), and the ornate ceiling decoration and light fixtures (be sure to take the stairs to the 4th floor balconies under the ceiling vaults).
Location: 3011 West Grand Blvd., Detroit.

Fox Theater Detroit
1927-28 edifice, designed by C. Howard Crane and restored in 1987-8, has been described as “the largest and most exotic Eclectic Hindu-Siamese-Byzantine theater of the golden age.” This 5,000 seat movie palace and theater is the largest continually operating theater in America.
Location: 2111 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, Michigan.

Lafayette Park Pavilion Apartments
This 1959 complex of 186 low-rise apartments designed by Ludwig Mies Van der Rohe are arranged around cul-de-sacs and consist of one-story court houses and two-story town houses. The classic girder and glass aesthetic of mid-century Miesian modernism is complemented by brick-walled courts adjoining the one-story units and informal plantings.
Location: 1 Lafayette Plaisance, Detroit, Michigan.

Indian Village
An neighborhood several miles east of downtown Detroit (past the Belle Isle bridge) sporting outstanding mansions of the 1900-30 in various revival styles as well as Arts & Crafts. The area, most easily accessible from Jefferson Avenue, which defines its southern border, extends seven blocks north to Mack Avenue. The best collection of buildings run along three streets: Seminole, Iroquois, and Burns.

Belle Isle
In the tradition of the great urban parks of the 19th century, this island in the Detroit River was claimed for urban recreation and landscape architect Frederick Law Olmstead was commissioned (1880) to develop the park and design a plan for the island though only his concept of a central driveway through the island was retained. Albert Kahn designed and constructed the Whitcomb Conservatory and the Belle Isle Aquarium in 1904, and the new Belle Isle Casino in 1908. In 1925 Cass Gilbert designed the impressive James Scott memorial fountain. Location: Island is at the foot of East Grand Blvd. and E. Jefferson Avenue, Detroit, Michigan.

Pewabic Pottery
A 1907 English half-timber cottage style building designed by William B. Stratton housing a workshop which was at the center of the Detroit Arts & Crafts scene. The small museum on the second floor is dedicated to Mrs. Stratton's original pottery with pieces well representing her entire oeuvre and testifying to her reputation as the best master of glazes in American pottery of the period. Contact 313-822-0954. Gallery Hours: Mon-Sat 10:00 - 6:00, closed Sunday. Location: 10125 E. Jefferson, several blocks east of Indian Village (see entry above).