Events Calendar

Create a pencil drawing to take home while taking a closer look at the collection. For this special drawing experience join us on the lawn as highlight the architecture and nature of our museum grounds, as well as our mammoth Alexander Calder sculpture. (In case of inclement weather, Drawing in the Galleries will take place in the Great Hall)

This year’s Great Lakes Chamber Music Festival marks Artistic Director Paul Watkins’ final year with the Festival. The Theme of the 2026 Festival is ‘Time Signatures’ celebrates the defining rhythm of Paul’s twelve-year tenure. This performance offers a vibrant and rhythm-forward program blending contemporary color, jazz-inflected spirit and Brahmsian drama. Works include:

Join DanceAbility, a welcoming and vibrant space for disabled Detroiters, caregivers, allies, and anyone exploring their relationship to disability. Together, we'll move, groove, and connect in a way that celebrates our bodies and builds community – no dance experience needed! Jive and hustle in the beautiful Great Hall as we embrace museums in a new way: for community, for art that generates art, and for disabled joy. Live music provided by local artists with incredible talent!

The Detroit institute of Arts will be celebrating Pride Month with themed public tours dedicated to LGBTQ+ art and artists, Friday nights in June at 6pm.

A wide variety of artists in the collection will be explored in a docent-led experience, ranging from 19th century sculptors to contemporary painters.

Tours will depart from the Great Hall. No registration required.

Join InsideOut Literary Arts for a performance featuring some of Detroit's most acclaimed youth and adult poets. Poets will perform original work inspired by pieces in the Reimagine African American Art gallery. Join us as we showcase the artistry of local poets and celebrate this world-class collection of African American art. 

This year’s Great Lakes Chamber Music Festival marks Artistic Director Paul Watkins’ final year with the Festival. The Theme of the 2026 Festival is ‘Time Signatures’ celebrates the defining rhythm of Paul’s twelve-year tenure. This performance offers an energetic evening of contemporary voices and vibrant ensemble works, full of rhythmic vitality and bold color. Works include: