The Top 9 Museums in Detroit

Detroit's vibrant and complex history delivers powerful museum experiences. The city also has a thriving arts scene and a legacy of innovation, both of which contribute greatly to the vast museum lineup. There really is something for everyone in a city that promises to inspire and delight.

With so many museums in town, you could dedicate your entire vacation to museum-hopping. It can be easy to overdo it, however, so you will want to choose your museum experiences carefully and maybe visit a few other attractions or tours along the way. To help, we've highlighted the top 9 museums in Detroit.

flickr / Dig Downtown Detroit

Discover Detroit's powerful Motown legacy at one of the city's most iconic museums. Widely regarded as one of the best museums in Detroit, this Motown extravaganza is perfect for music lovers. Disregard its modest exterior appearance and head inside to see (and hear) the greats from Hitsville USA. You'll follow in the hallowed footsteps of music's greatest legends: Stevie Wonder, the Jackson 5 and so many others. The beautifully-preserved studio is the highlight, but the photos are just as intriguing.

Visit Detroit / Gerard Belevender

Striving to preserve African American culture, the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History pays homage to Detroit-based obstetrician Dr. Charles H. Wright with a wealth of fascinating and deeply meaningful exhibits.

While the rotating exhibits offer plenty to appreciate, visitors are most drawn to an experience known as "And Still We Rise" which tells the often painful but always inspiring story of African American resilience. Other highlights include gorgeous stained-glass windows and a vast floor-based mural.

Courtesy of Visit Detroit

One of multiple experiences worth pursuing on the gorgeous Belle Isle, the Dossin Great Lakes Museum spans over 16,000 square feet and tells the fascinating story of the local maritime industry. Many permanent exhibits will educate visitors of all ages, with favorites including a huge bow anchor from the renowned Edmund Fitzgerald and a restored smoking lounge from the S.S. City of Detroit III. Meanwhile, the Built by the River exhibit reveals the important link between the Detroit River and the city itself.

Wikimedia Commons / Michael Barera / CC BY-SA 4.0

No list of Detroit top museums would feel complete without at least mentioning the Detroit Institute of Arts. As a key part of the city's cultural corridor, this amazing art museum has an awe-inspiring permanent exhibit featuring tens of thousands of thought-provoking works. Many ancient pieces are on display, plus compelling modern works. With over 100 galleries and 65,000 pieces, there’s more than one could see in a single day.

Wikimedia Commons / Michael Barera / CC BY-SA 4.0

You could easily get your fill of fantastic visual art at the Detroit Institute of Arts, but that is by no means the only astounding collection in the city. Setting aside an extra afternoon for the Museum of Contemporary Art allows you to experience renowned works showcasing new horizons and perspectives.

Situated within a former auto dealership, this dynamic museum boasts many rotating exhibits from today's top artists. These ensure that there is always something new to see and experience. Regular chats and other interactive experiences are scheduled to reveal the story behind these great works of art.

Wikimedia Commons / Newfoundlandguy / CC BY 4.0

Paying homage to creatives and forward-thinking individuals, the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation highlights some of the most fascinating figures from American history. Deeply meaningful exhibits reveal how innovative thinkers took risks and changed our nation for the better. Many visitors will feel drawn to the Rosa Parks bus, but it's also possible to see a restored Model T, a quadricycle and even the chair in which President Lincoln was sitting when he was shot by John Wilkes Booth.

Wikimedia Commons / Jackdude101 / CC BY-SA 4.0

Discover the birthplace of the Model T at the Ford Piquette Avenue Plant Museum, which is designated as a US National Historic Landmark. Self-guided tours allow you to view dozens of rare automobiles while encountering the fascinating stories of Ford's many innovations. The guided tours are even more rewarding, revealing how Henry Ford "revolutionized manufacturing and put the world on wheels."

Getty Images / Inti St Clair

Although it feels more like an arcade, Marvin's Marvelous Mechanical Museum offers enough historical appeal and educational value to qualify as a true museum. While this unique attraction calls for a trek to nearby Farmington Hills, it is absolutely worth the drive.

Spanning over 5,000 square feet, this memorable museum is chock full of vintage machines, model airplanes and movie posters. This immersive experience feels a bit like stepping into a time capsule and is worth seeing if you've tired of the typical museum scene.

Wikimedia Commons / Michael Barera / CC BY-SA 4.0

While many museums delve into the fascinating history of Detroit, few are as comprehensive as Detroit's main history museum. Meant to preserve and safeguard the city's rich heritage, this museum tells the story of Detroit as America's Motor City and even as the "arsenal of Democracy."

As you tour this wonderful museum, you will also learn about Detroit's important role in the Underground Railroad and discover the Streets of Old Detroit. For a multisensory experience, check out the music exhibit, which pays homage to local favorites such as Aretha Franklin and Bob Seger. With so much to explore, it's clear to see why this is widely regarded as one of the top museums in Detroit for history buffs.

Join the over a million people who are AAA members and start planning your trip to Detroit today. Dream up the perfect trip and use your membership to get the best discounts on hotels, rental cars and entertainment tickets.