Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA): a practical guide
Quick answer
The Detroit Institute of Arts opens Tuesday to Thursday 9am–4pm, Fridays until 9pm and weekends 10am–5pm; it's closed Mondays. It's free for residents of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties. Its crown jewel is Diego Rivera's Detroit Industry Murals. Two hours covers the highlights.
Hours and prices checked on · Official website
More Detroit Institute of Arts guides
- DIA in 2 hoursWhat to see at the Detroit Institute of Arts in 2 hours: Diego Rivera's murals, Van Gogh, Bruegel, Caravaggio, Whistler and the Babylonian dragon.
- Hours & ticketsDetroit Institute of Arts hours, who gets in free (Wayne, Oakland and Macomb residents), closures, gallery closures and the best time to visit.
- Must-see worksKey works at the Detroit Institute of Arts: Diego Rivera's murals, Van Gogh, Bruegel, Caravaggio, Fuseli, Whistler, Matisse and the Babylonian dragon.
- With kidsVisiting the Detroit Institute of Arts with kids: a 75-minute route with Rivera's murals, the Babylonian dragon, armour, mummies and family tips.
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Why it's worth it
The DIA is one of America's leading encyclopaedic museums, with more than 65,000 works. Its most famous work is painted on its own walls: Diego Rivera's 27-panel Detroit Industry (1932–1933), a tribute to the city's auto workers. It was also the first public museum in the US to buy a Van Gogh, in 1922.
How to plan your visit
- Start in Rivera Court, at the heart of the building, before it fills up.
- Check the official site for which second-floor galleries are open: there are temporary closures.
- On Friday nights the museum is open until 9pm, with more atmosphere and fewer groups.
- If you live in Wayne, Oakland or Macomb county, show ID at the front desk for free entry.
- With AnyArt you can scan each panel of Rivera's murals and hear what it shows.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Detroit Institute of Arts free?
It's free for residents of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties and for members. Other visitors pay admission.
What day is the DIA closed?
Mondays, plus several holidays including Thanksgiving and Christmas.
What is the DIA most famous for?
Diego Rivera's Detroit Industry Murals in Rivera Court.
How long do you need?
About 2 hours for the highlights and half a day to explore properly.
Does it have Van Gogh?
Yes, his Self-Portrait with Straw Hat (1887), the first Van Gogh bought by a US public museum.