Advanced reservations are required to visit the museum. Click the button below to reserve your timed-entry tickets. Upon completion of your reservation, you will receive a confirmation email with a QR code, which must be shown at the museum entrance for admission. 

Tickets

General admission is always free for residents of Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties. Find other admission information on our Visit page >

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we operate the museum differently to ensure a safe environment for our visitors and staff.  

Specific guidelines for attending programs in the Detroit Film Theatre auditorium can be found below.

Hours are reduced to allow for additional cleaning each week. The DIA is open for members only 9 –11 a.m. on Wednesday; reservations are required. Reservations are available for all visitors 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Wednesday; 9 a.m.–4 p.m. on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; and 10 a.m.–5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. 

Each of us plays a role in a safe museum visit, with social distancing and additional health and safety precautions in place. Due to the current nature of the ongoing pandemic, masks are required for ALL visitors regardless of vaccination status.

We prepared for our operations during the pandemic in partnership with NSF International. This was a thorough process, one that considered many variables including state and city guidelines, close coordination with city government and cultural center institutions, and ongoing discussions with our own staff and museum peers around the world. 

Before you Arrive

The DIA will adhere to the protocols below:

Blue line icon of a figure with short hair and bangs wearing a face mask
Masks are required for all visitors and staff, regardless of vaccination status.

 

A blue line icon depicting a COVID-19 vaccination card
Proof of vaccination or negative test required to attend events in the DFT Auditorium or Lecture Hall.

 

Blue line icon of two figures standing apart from each other with an arrow between them showing 6 ft of distance
Social distancing required

 

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Crystal Gallery Café closed | Café DIA and Kresge Court open with limited options

 

A blue line icon of a clothes hanger with a tag hanging off it and a circle with a line through the middle over the top.
No Large Bags or Backpacks; Coat Check closed

 

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Credit and Debit Card Only; No Cash
  • Advance timed tickets are required. Click here to get your tickets >
  • In accordance with the CDC recommendations, masks should be worn indoors, regardless of vaccination status.
  • If you are showing signs of illness at any time, please visit at a later date.
  • Social distancing is required; parties may remain together; children must stay with adults at all times.
  • Use of some elevators will be limited; visitors who are able are encouraged to use stairs.
  • Credit or debit cards only; no cash permitted for any on-site purchases.
  • There will be a single designated visitor entrance, at Farnsworth between Woodward and John R.
  • Social-distancing markers in place at the designated visitor entrance and elsewhere.
  • Acrylic panels in front of the admissions and information desks and the museum shop cashier station.
  • A no-touch or low-touch visitor experience.
  • Enhanced cleaning of high-touch surfaces throughout the day; hand-sanitizer units stationed throughout the building.
  • Coat check is not available; large bags are not permitted; no baby backpacks or children on shoulders; soft front-facing carriers and strollers are allowed.
  • Click this link > for more information on what food options are available; outside food and drink is not permitted. 
  • Wheelchairs and motorized scooters, in limited numbers, are available for temporary use during your visit; please notify an attendant in the lobby.
  • An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present. COVID-19 is extremely contagious.
  • In the interest of your personal safety and community health, please observe all the precautions listed above.

The Detroit Film Theatre asks that audiences follow these requirements and be aware of the measures we’re taking to promote a safe cinema experience. As community health conditions evolve, we’ll adhere to guidelines and recommendations from the CDC, City of Detroit, and State of Michigan health authorities, and best practices set by the Detroit Institute of Arts in partnership with NSF International. All Covid prevention policies are subject to change; visit dia.org or phone 313.833.3237 for the latest details and updates on all DFT programs and Covid-19 prevention policies prior to attending events.

Visitor Requirements

  • To attend screenings and events at the DFT, visitors will be required to show at the door a current photo ID and proof of full vaccination in one of the following forms:
    • original vaccination card or photocopy
    • clear image of vaccination card stored on a phone or electronic device
    • documentation of vaccination from a healthcare provider or the MDHHS Michigan Care Improvement Registry (MCIR)
  • If you have a disability or sincerely held religious belief that prevents you from being vaccinated, you must present a negative COVID test result for entry. The test result must be from either a PCR test taken within 48 hours of entry or from an antigen ("rapid") test taken within 6 hours of entry. Test results can be presented in either paper or electronic form. The test must have been administered by a testing center such as a lab, pharmacy, urgent care or the like. Home testing kit results will not be accepted for entry.
  • All theater visitors, staff, and volunteers will be required to wear a mask once inside the lobby and throughout the program in the theater. Masks will be provided when needed.
  • Children under 12 who cannot yet be vaccinated may attend screenings accompanied by a fully vaccinated adult and must wear a mask.
  • No food or beverages will be allowed in the theater except for bottled water.

DFT COVID Prevention Measures

  • Theater capacity will be limited to 30% to increase audience distancing.
  • Purchasing advance tickets online at dia.org is highly recommended; this will save time and reduce contact.
  • Hand sanitizer stations have been installed throughout the theater.
  • The DFT HVAC system is now equipped with MERV-13 filters to reduce airborne viruses and other airborne pathogens.
  • DFT staff and volunteers have been trained to adhere to enhanced cleaning and Covid19 prevention protocols in the theater, restrooms, front lobby and common areas.
  • The Crystal Gallery Café is closed until further notice.

If you have any COVID-19 symptoms, have been in contact with anyone known to have been exposed to or tested positive for COVID-19, please cancel your visit to the theatre—we will fully refund your order.

 

Can I just show up or do I need a reservation? 

Timed tickets should be reserved in advance online or by calling 313-833-4005. A limited number of tickets are available for each time slot to control capacity. Please consider the museum's closing time when making your reservation.  

How do I make my reservation? 

Click here to reserve your timed ticket or call 313-833-4005. 

Is there a time limit for my visit? 

Visitors are welcome to stay as long as they want. Please arrive within 10 minutes of your reserved ticket time.  

Are hours of operation changing?  

Hours will be reduced to allow for additional cleaning each week. The DIA will be open from 9-4 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. We welcome at-risk visitors from 9-10 a.m. Wednesday through Friday.  

Do I have to wear a mask? 

In accordance with new state guidelines, museum visitors will no longer be required to undergo temperature checks effective Wednesday, June 23. Due to the current nature of the ongoing pandemic, masks are required for ALL visitors regardless of vaccination status.

Have the entrances and exits changed? 

All visitors will enter at the Farnsworth or John R entrances. Visitors may exit at Farnsworth, John R, Woodward or Kirby.  

Can I still get food and drink at Café DIA or Kresge Court?  

Kresge Court is open with a limited menu. Café DIA remains closed at this time. Outside food and beverage is not permitted. 

Will the DIA Shop still be open?  

The DIA Shop will be open with limited capacity. No cash will be accepted; credit/debit cards only. The Shop is open for 30 minutes after the museum closes. 

What will my visit look like? 

Visitor capacity will be reduced and controlled at all locations. Social-distancing markers will be in place at the designated visitor entrance and elsewhere. Visitors can expect a no-touch or low-touch experience.  

What protocols are in place for interacting with staff? 

Acrylic panels will be installed in front of the admissions and information desks and the museum shop cashier station.  

What sanitation protocols are in place?  

Enhanced cleaning of high-touch surfaces will be conducted throughout the day; hand-sanitizer units are stationed throughout the building. All high-touch interactives have been converted to no-touch where possible or removed from the galleries.  

Will coat check or lockers be available? 

Coat check and lockers are not available; large bags are not permitted; no baby backpacks or children on shoulders; soft front-facing carriers and strollers are allowed. Unstaffed and unsecured coat racks are available in Prentis Court. 

Are wheelchairs or motorized scooters available? 

Wheelchairs and motorized scooters, in limited numbers, will be available for temporary visitor use; visitors will notify an attendant in the lobby.  

Will there be a limit on groups? 

Groups, including school field trips, are currently not permitted.  

What added safety measures are being done to ensure the health of DIA visitors? 

The DIA contracted with NSF International to develop a set of processes and protocols for ensuring the health and safety of our visitors and staff.  

Will all onsite events and experiences be operating?  

At this time, there will be no onsite programs or activities available. Virtual films, family activities, and other online programs continue to be offered each Monday through DIA at Home. Click here to subscribe.  

Will there be docents and volunteers available to give tours? 

No tours will be offered at this time.  

What do I do if I start feeling ill while at the museum? 

Please report to a security officer who will assist you. 

DIA's Return to Work Guide >

Face Mask social story courtesy of the Autism Research Institute >

May 27, 2021

We have been notified of a confirmed positive case of COVID-19 from someone who worked in the museum. The team member was last in the building on Sunday, May 23. Contact tracing was completed and there were no close contacts with staff or visitors. Through our enhanced protocols, all areas have been cleaned and sanitized. 

April 12, 2021

We were notified today of a confirmed positive case of COVID-19 for a team member who last worked in the museum on April 8. They have not had any symptoms. After contact tracing, close contacts were notified. There was no close contact with visitors. Because of our regular cleaning procedures, all spaces have been sanitized. 

April 8, 2021

We have been notified of a confirmed positive case of COVID-19 from someone who worked in the museum. The team member was last in the museum yesterday, April 7 and tested positive today. Based on contact tracing, there were no close contacts. Through our regular cleaning protocols, all areas impacted have been properly sanitized. 

March 27, 2021

We have received a report of a positive COVID-19 case involving an employee who was working in the building. The employee was last in the building on Monday, March 22, and developed symptoms the following day. Contact tracing determined that there were no close contacts with staff or visitors. Based on our regular cleaning protocols all areas were properly sanitized.  

March 26, 2021

An employee who has worked in the building has tested positive for COVID-19. The person was last in the building on March 23 and was not experiencing symptoms while in the building.  After contact tracing interviews, it was determined that there were no close contacts with staff or visitors.  Based on our regular cleaning protocols, all spaces have been properly sanitized.

March 26, 2021

An employee who has worked in the building has tested positive for COVID-19. The person was last in the building on March 25 and developed symptoms after leaving work. Upon interviewing the individual, there was no contact with visitors and any close contacts on staff have been notified and instructed to quarantine. Based on our regular cleaning protocols, all spaces have been properly sanitized.

March 25, 2021

A confirmed positive case of COVID-19 involving someone who was working in the museum has been reported. The team member had no close contact with others. Based on our current cleaning procedures, all appropriate sanitization protocols were adhered to. 

March 9, 2021

A confirmed positive case of COVID-19 involving someone who was working in the museum has been reported. The team member had no close contact with others. Based on the nature of the person’s role and our current cleaning procedures, all appropriate sanitization protocols were adhered to. 

January 17, 2021

A confirmed positive case of COVID-19 involving someone who was working in the museum has been reported. The team member was working in a limited area and those colleagues who may have had close contact with them have been notified and instructed to isolate. There was no contact with museum visitors. The areas impacted have been closed and sanitization protocols are underway per established guidelines.

December 9, 2020

A DIA employee in the building during the last week of November has tested positive for COVID-19. Because of the nature of the person’s work, there was no close contact between the individual and any DIA employees or visitors. Through our normal cleaning protocols, any space that the individual occupied was sanitized.

September 17, 2020

A contractor who was in the Detroit Film Theatre (DFT) at the Detroit Institute of Arts on Friday, September 11, 2020, subsequently tested positive for COVID-19. The person was not exhibiting symptoms while in the museum or prior. Because of the nature of the person’s work, there was no close contact with the individual and any DIA employees and there was no contact with visitors. As an added precautionary measure, the DFT and Crystal Gallery were closed and thoroughly sanitized. No other museum areas were impacted.