Wayne State University
Wayne State University’s 200-acre campus extends outward from the Cultural Center and is open to the public, featuring museums, performances, athletic events, and more. The Hilberry Gateway and Gretchen C. Valade Jazz Center, located just outside the Cultural Center, host theatre productions and live music presented by the College of Fine, Performance, and Communication Arts.
The university is home to 13 schools and colleges and holds a Carnegie R1 classification as a leading research institution. A Wayne State education empowers students to build meaningful, transformative careers, and its research drives progress across Detroit and beyond—advancing health, enriching culture, and sparking innovation in every field.
Hilberry Gateway
4715 Cass Avenue
Detroit, MI 48201
Home to Wayne State University’s Maggie Allesee Department of Theatre and Dance, the Hilberry Gateway features a 550-seat main stage and a smaller, intimate Studio Theatre. More than a performance venue, the facility serves as a training ground for actors, dancers, musicians, designers, stage managers, and other theatre professionals—covering the full breadth of performing arts disciplines. Each year at the Hilberry Gateway, Theatre and Dance at Wayne presents a season of timeless classics, bold contemporary works, high-energy musicals, and breathtaking dance performances, alongside student-led productions and community events—all open to the public.
Gretchen C. Valade Jazz Center
4743 Cass Avenue
Detroit, MI 48201
Formerly the home of the Hilberry Theatre, the Gretchen C. Valade Jazz Center has been transformed into a world-class music hall designed specifically for jazz — featuring high-profile performances, a state-of-the-art audio system, and two Steinway grand pianos. Downstairs, the Studio Theatre offers an intimate setting for jam sessions, workshops, film screenings, and live performance. Across both spaces, visitors can catch jazz and other musical performances from Wayne State music students, legendary artists, and everyone in between.
OLD MAIN
4841 Cass Avenue
Detroit, MI 48201
Wayne State’s most iconic building, Old Main originally served as Detroit Central High School before becoming part of the university. In addition to classrooms and academic units within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the building is home to several public attractions including the Wayne State Planetarium, the Gordon L. Grosscup Museum of Anthropology, and the David J. Lowrie Geology Mineral Museum.
CULTURE ACROSS CAMPUS
Wayne State University’s campus is home to museums, galleries, and cultural spaces with collections spanning a range of academic disciplines. From the Elaine L. Jacob Gallery and the Art Department Gallery to the McGregor Memorial Reflecting Pool, the Ethnic Heritage Rooms at Alex Manoogian Hall, and more, there is something to discover around every corner.
