Detroit Historical Museum

Chronicling the life and times of the Detroit region, the Detroit Historical Museum brings the city’s vibrant past to life through interactive exhibitions and family-friendly displays celebrating Detroit’s industries, culture, and people. Operated by the Detroit Historical Society, the museum is part of a broader commitment to preserving and sharing the region’s rich history.

The Detroit Historical Society manages a collection of more than 250,000 artifacts, including those housed at its sister institution on Belle Isle, the Dossin Great Lakes Museum. Signature exhibitions include the beloved Streets of Old Detroit, where visitors can walk through recreated streetscapes from the 1840s, 1870s, and 1900s, tracing the city’s transformation from frontier town to industrial powerhouse. Additional exhibitions such as America’s Motor City, Detroit: The Arsenal of Democracy, Detroit 67: Looking Back to Move Forward and the Allesee Gallery of Culture explore the defining moments and movements that shaped Metro Detroit.

Visitors can expect an immersive and engaging journey through Detroit’s history, along with a dynamic calendar of events including lectures, book talks, film screenings, family activities, behind-the-scenes tours, concerts, and more. The Detroit Historical Museum keeps the region’s stories alive for new generations to discover and explore.