Detroit Historical Museum image

Detroit Historical Museum

Tourist attraction History museum Historical society

One of the Best Places To Visits in Detroit


Address

5401 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202

Website

detroithistorical.org

Contact

(313) 833-1805

Rating on Google Maps

4.80 (1.6K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Thursday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Friday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Saturday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Sunday: 1 to 5 PM
  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: Closed
  • Wednesday: 10 AM to 5 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: Detroit (42) museum (31) history (22) visit (21) time (21) great (20) exhibits (15) people (11) recommend (9) experience (9)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Armita Z. 1 year ago on Google • 539 reviews
    A great museum to visit when traveling to Detroit. The entry fee was $10 for adults and $8 for active military and students. The streets of old Detroit was my absolute favorite part of this visit. It was amazing walking through the streets. I enjoyed the fashion and music part. There was also a modern part that had newer artworks. Overall, a great place to visit.
    9 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ken H. 2 months ago on Google • 406 reviews New
    After having lived in Detroit over 30 years and never visited the Detroit historical Museum, I finally made it down there. I had read about the Street of Detroit exhibit on the lower level and it did not disappoint. I was also impressed by the many other detailed exhibits in the three floors of the museum.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kim G. 1 year ago on Google
    Well I spent 3.5 hours in there. It's a cute museum with really interesting historical readings and short films 🎥 I'm hopeful, with our continued donations and visits, they will add to the historical artifacts. The basement floor, "streets of Detroit" is very interesting and cute. You must check it out. Donate and enjoy👍
    9 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Bill H. 8 months ago on Google • 107 reviews
    I walked in expecting a car museum but there is so much more. Vintage Holiday Inn room was cool, presidential limos and diner serving Sloppy Joe's and apple pie are not to be missed. Not everything was super exciting but well worth a trip if you are in Detroit.
    8 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sheila F. 5 months ago on Google • 37 reviews
    Great hidden gem. We learned about Detroit before it was the motor city. Clean and great displays. $9 parking in the lot.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jared E. 3 years ago on Google
    One of my favorite places in Detroit. Such cool history, and a ton of great information! And they have a great staff. We had our wedding here days before the Covid shutdown and everyone involved was amazing. We just returned on our anniversary to visit again.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sean D. 5 months ago on Google • 6 reviews
    Very cool museum with lots of Detroit history and a wide variety of exhibits, parking is easy & the process to buy tickets was quick. A great place to stop if you’ve got some time to spare while in Detroit!
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rick B. 1 year ago on Google
    Nice little time. I recommend visiting if you are downtown and looking for something to do.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Scott N. 6 months ago on Google • 46 reviews
    This museum has a wide range of exhibits and artifacts that capture the history and culture of Detroit. Nice way to spend an hour or two at a very reasonable price ($10 per adult ticket).
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Joe M. 3 months ago on Google • 261 reviews New
    Have not been here since I was a kid on a field trip. It was great to come back and see it as I remembered it and actually have the patience to thoroughly enjoy all the experience. My wife said it was a lot more than she expected and was very pleased.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 True B. 1 year ago on Google
    First, let me recommend the parking meters directly across from the entrance. Save yourself the nine bucks by just using the meters (if they are available). I think for parking at those meters, we spent roughly maybe $4 for a 3 hour visit. We enjoyed ourselves at the Detroit Historical Museum. If you're a resident of Detroit admission is free. Otherwise, the cost is $10 per adult and $6 per child. We liked the scavenger hunt leaflet and the layout of the exhibits. This is a self-guided tour. However, I highly recommend downloading information from the internet before your visit. Doing so may provide you with a better tour experience. I was very disappointed that a lot of the exhibits were unavailable. I was looking forward to the car assembly drop and taking pictures of my nephew inside one of the Henry Ford motor cars. Those attractions are still closed as of today. A restaurant is unavailable however, they do have a gift shop. The gift shop sells everything from Michigan attire, chips, gummies and other little knick knacks. I had to purchase a very delicious smelling Faygo Pop candle that reminded me of growing up in Detroit. My favorite part of the tour was the upper level with the Motown music, the slave and infamous riot exhibits. In addition, customer service was pleasant throughout the museum. Overall, a very informative visit and I would definitely recommend this Museum.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jeff N. 10 months ago on Google
    Really well put together museum representing how Detroit came to be. The train in the basement is a must see. Incredible staff shared his knowledge about the model train.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Prodip C. 5 years ago on Google
    A must visit place in Detroit. Amazing vegetarian feast and spiritual satisfaction is offered at this location. The decorations are amazing (which includes idols and paintings). It has amazing atmosphere and history. Hare Krishna. Jai Radhe Bhallav.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 swhite2469 8 months ago on Google • 61 reviews
    This museum is awesome. I loved my visit. The staff was incredibly kind and there's so much to learn. I can't wait to go again. The tickets are $10 for adults. I loved the fact that the tickets I bought online could be used for any day and time - no reservations necessary. I recommend this museum for everyone. It's family friendly and handicap accessible. I'm looking forward to visiting their museum at Belle Isle.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tia T. 4 months ago on Google • 277 reviews
    This day (there has been many) I went to see The Hustle Exhibit and The Afro American baseball Exhibit. I always enjoy coming to this space and taking my time walking through viewing everything. Looking forward to my next visit.

  • 5/5 Whitley B. 2 years ago on Google
    This museum is a great time. Only takes a few hours to get through the entire thing. Two stand out exhibits on the Detroit Riot and also the Underground Railroad. 10/10
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Billy T. 2 years ago on Google
    My wife & I a wonderful time @ the Museum. Love the history of Detroit.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Valerie 1 year ago on Google
    Great museum with lots of informative displays on topics such as: cars and car manufacturing (of course!), oral histories about the events of July 1967, Detroit's history spanning 200 years, culture, model trains, and of course music!! Paid parking lot next door. I believe the museum is fully wheelchair accessible. Lots of colorful and interesting displays. Plus a gift shop!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Shay M. 2 years ago on Google
    Excellent place to visit for all ages! Displays are always changing and an excellent place to learn about the history of Detroit with lots of hands on experiences, Clancy trains, travel through time downstairs. A place we always go and never disappoints.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 cc c. 1 year ago on Google
    I went for the first time and it was definitely educational. I also noticed how clean and well maintained this museum was as well. It's good for people who can't stand for long periods of time as well. There were plenty of benches to sit on...just bring a small pillow. They also had a snack shop with chips,candy and pop! So it was a very nice Saturday trip I had with my family.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 jason b. 6 years ago on Google
    Hindu people live there
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Quentin M. 2 years ago on Google
    Free on Sundays until the end of December. Very cool place. They have a few new things this year.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jessica L. 2 years ago on Google
    I love this place ever since I was a kid
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tim B. 1 year ago on Google
    I was honored to have my artwork in the Detroit Historical Museum art show as a member of the Detroit Fine Arts Breakfast Club. The show was upfor two months. I have been visiting the Detroit Historical Museum since the 1970s The recreation of early Detroit Street shops in the lower level is mesmerizing. A must stop if you are visiting Detroit.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Sun K. 6 years ago on Google
    I went to go visit for the first time, and people wasn't so nice , or wasn't to friendly , the place is so dead and vibe was horrible, they need to sage it , sorry, the outside looks spooky, I was very disappointed.. Me and my girlfriend went and we are melanin( blacks which they call us) females, I guess they not use to us different people smh
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Laine H. 8 years ago on Google
    Jai sri krsna
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jean b. 6 years ago on Google
    I can't waitt see kid rock he is a nice guy
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mihir M. 6 years ago on Google
    A must visit when in Detroit. This is a historic mansion of autobarons. It was partially converted into a Hindu temple of the ISKCON sect of Hinduism, which focuses on the worship of Krishna. It is a very special, spiritual place & worth several hours inside & around the grounds. It is a relatively safe area to park. Formal tours are by appointment only but you can see much of the grounds, mansion & temple on your own. Considering visiting during the aarti so you can see how a traditional Hindu ceremony is done & having some prasad, or spiritually offered food which tastes really good. If you come during festival time, there is a lot going on & large crowds.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Christian M. 8 months ago on Google
    We went at opening, and it was very nice having the whole museum all to ourselves. Pretty interactive museum. The lowest level impressed me the most, but all the floors were very interesting and fun to interact with. It was very much worth the ticket price (especially for Wayne State students)!!!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lance K. 8 months ago on Google
    The Detroit Historical Museum is great. This place is a must see for anyone that live in or care anything about Detroit. It is very interactive and hands on. The exhibits will bring you from the time of French settlers and the underground railroad to the time of the 1967 riots and everything in between. It's exhibits about Detroit music, sports, cars and people. You will literally walk back in time with these interactive exhibits. Plus the Staff is great, unlike other Museums where you might feel rushed or security is watching you like you are about to steal a million dollar painting, the Staff here let you explore as much as you want. The ticket price was only 10 dollars but it was worth much more.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ramona F. 5 years ago on Google
    You will need a guide to comprehend the deep value of what is being offered and discussed however, if you grasp it , it is the game changer.generous mercy giving beautiful
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Stephen B. 5 years ago on Google
    Community gathering for learning about Krishna consciousness. Enjoyed vegetarian dinner and discussion.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rin B. 7 years ago on Google
    The Hare Khrsnas here are amazing, the food devine (badumpcha!) and the atmosphere soothing. I highly recommend a visit!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rodney G. 1 year ago on Google
    This is a most see museum. There was a tour guide for the lower floor who was great. I learned a lot and the Exhibits were very impressive. Super clean and great staff.

  • 4/5 Aseneth P. 8 months ago on Google
    The family had a great time. I loved the Motown exhibit, I enjoyed a lot of my favs. However, I was disappointed at the charge for my admittance (I live just outside Detroit, but still inside Wayne County, yet I was charged as a non-resident. It was explained that they were working on including the admittance of other cities like the Grosse Pointe and Woods as other Wayne County residents.

  • 4/5 Blake C. 6 months ago on Google • 4 reviews
    The museum is fantastic. I visited during a low traffic time, and got to explore the streets of old Detroit exhibit completely alone which was very cool. That section alone is worth a visit even if you don't look at anything else, it's such a cool experience and so well presented. I did take the time to view all of the exhibits though and there's a nice variety and clearly a lot of care went into designing each exhibit. Artifacts are displayed well, the layout is easy to follow and spacious, and overall I think the museum does a good job of giving brief overviews of a large variety of topics from Detroit's history. As a solo adult I got a lot out of my trip, but I think it would be enjoyable for kids too. Staff were also great: very friendly, helpful, and attentive even though it was a slow day. The only thing that disappointed me was the gift shop. There was an overwhelming amount of sports themed merch, it completely dominated the gift shop. I did find a tiny book shelf shoved in a back corner that had a few options that weren't sports related, but even there sports was the dominant focus. I was pretty surprised by this, since the museum really doesn't have a strong sports history focus. It certainly does have some exhibits about Detroit's history with professional sports, but it's not anywhere near as prominently featured as say the history of car manufacturing or the underground railroad. I usually want something from a gift shop that ties in to what I learned about in the museum, and that connection just wasn't there. I can only assume that sports merch is what sells, and I suppose the museum needs to stock what they can actually make money from, but it was disappointing. Anyway, my ramblings aside, it's a solid museum and well worth a visit.

  • 5/5 Mysaverbox D. 2 years ago on Google
    Great place but not enough parents are doing stuff with their kids. There was one other kid there and that was it for a Saturday. Lots of new stuff, I recommend. I liked learning about the Detroit riots, great part full of stuff I didn't know. You won't be disappointed, you should go here.

  • 5/5 Rob B. 1 year ago on Google
    Fantastic. I'm so glad this place is here. The below ground old city reproduction is incredible. The kids just loved pretending we were in the old 'days'. There is so much to see. The Louis Meijer clock is stunning. The model railroad is amazing. This is a good visit supplement to the DIA which is across the street.

  • 5/5 Holly M. 8 months ago on Google
    I LOVE visiting museums. I am from the west side of the state and ventured over for a concert. The day after I enjoyed exploring the city and the culture. Glad I stopped in. Knowledge is power for sure.

  • 5/5 Daniel M. 2 years ago on Google
    A small but remarkable place, displaying the history of Detroit in an intimate way. I am very happy and thankful to have visited this museum, and I'm planning on returning soon. I highly recommend you visit this treasure, and enjoy not only the exhibits, but also the great people who work there. You'll be happy you did!

  • 5/5 Denise T. 7 months ago on Google
    Awesome place to visit for all ages, you will learn so much and experience history in a life changing way through the simulations!!

  • 5/5 Tree F. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful Museum. I love learning about history & this is a nice place to learn some things about Detroit history. I especially loved the artwork & the lower level. The decade's area was nice too.

  • 5/5 Sarrah A. 9 months ago on Google
    The best museum I have been to and this includes famous Europeans museums, almost all of NYC's museums, and many others across the continental US. Why? Because of brilliant storytelling and environment immersion. This is what I want every museum to be like. Definitely worth a visit and you may find that even nearly 3 hours is not enough.

  • 5/5 Venkat C. 1 year ago on Google
    We were seeking to learn about the history of this great city and 100% did so from our visit. Exhibits, information and signage were all excellent. The assembly line exhibit was not operational which was a bummer. The trains and railroad exhibit was fantastic. The history of the automobile exhibit and the streets of old Detroit were really well done

  • 5/5 Deva Madhava d. 6 years ago on Google
    The Sunday programhas been going on for 40 years here from 4:30-7:30 and the free vegetarian feast at 6 is 'cant miss'

  • 5/5 Abhishek S. 5 years ago on Google
    Absolutely beautiful place, very serene and gorgeous inside, probably the best place I have seen in my life!

  • 5/5 Ramesh R. 5 years ago on Google
    Awesome ambience. Like to be there forever.

  • 5/5 Mamta M. 5 years ago on Google
    Peaceful ambience !!! Soul nourishing spiritual experience

  • 5/5 Xristian 5 years ago on Google
    I love the people here!

  • 5/5 Haritha D. 9 years ago on Google
    ISKCON Temple. Beautiful environment. Sunday keertanas from 4.15 pm.

  • 5/5 Yolanda J. 4 years ago on Google
    It was beautiful. The people we met were very polite, super friendly and full of information.

  • 5/5 M H. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful! In every way.

  • 4/5 Kathy N. 4 years ago on Google
    Much reminiscing about my childhood ages 6-8 years old. I grew up on 607 Lenox. Am very proud to have the memories I do.

  • 5/5 Miranda R. 4 years ago on Google
    I always have an amazing and uplifting experience here! The food was out of this world.

  • 5/5 Umesh G. 4 years ago on Google
    We had a great experience in ISKCON temple in Detroit today. We went there after some time and it was nice to see dedicated families and same devotees and people that we have seen there for the last 10 years. Powerful chanting meditation was so peaceful and spiritual. !!!!

  • 5/5 Yolanda J. 5 years ago on Google
    Just visited the outside not the inside yet..

  • 3/5 Hosea D. 5 years ago on Google
    Nice flower and landscape

  • 5/5 Harish Rammohan Senthil K. 5 years ago on Google
    Profound knowledge and fantastic people

  • 5/5 LaTonia G. 5 years ago on Google
    Hari Krishna' Of My DETROIT RIVER Neighborhood Lives At "FISHER MANSION " !!!#MULTI-CULTURAL. A COMMUNITY WITH PLEASING PARKS AND ACTIVITIES TO ENJOY YEAR-ROUND.

  • 5/5 frantz l. 5 years ago on Google
    Because is a place where God live he is where his name is glorify

  • 5/5 Linda T. 2 years ago on Google
    What a great museum! From the warm, friendly front door gentleman (ugh, i didn't get your name?! A big Thank you!!) to the well displayed collection of Detroits amazing people and past! We loved the history and enjoyed walking on "the streets of old Detroit" on the lower level of the building.

  • 5/5 Vinit M. 7 years ago on Google
    Beautiful Temple

  • 5/5 Dad F. 8 years ago on Google
    Sunday Feast

  • 5/5 Ann G. 2 years ago on Google
    This is a great museum that gives an overview of Detroit's history.

  • 5/5 Ms M. 2 years ago on Google
    If you haven’t been i recommend you go.. i learn so much stuff about Detroit i actually didn’t know anything of.

  • 5/5 Amit G. 2 years ago on Google
    Wonderful museum. Unique in many aspects. 4 floors of jam packed history of Detroit. On the lower floor there is a replica created of shops during 1940 which is a very unique experience especially due to the accuracy and scale of it.

  • 5/5 James L. 3 years ago on Google
    Great staff. Had a fun time. My kids really enjoy going here. Lots to see. They display a rich history of the city. The old Detroit streets downstairs is so cool. We love it.

  • 3/5 Krista B. 2 years ago on Google
    The museum is curated nicely just not as much as I would have liked to see.

  • 5/5 Helena D. 2 years ago on Google
    Went to see the Hudson display with my family. Clean and safe environment. Must wear a mask inside building.

  • 5/5 Paul G. 2 years ago on Google
    One of the crown jewels of Detroit's museums. Can't know where you are headed if you don't know where you have been! The Hudson's memories were especially delightful.

  • 1/5 Jacqueline L. 4 years ago on Google
    Again, not familiar. Sorry

  • 5/5 Alfred “Diego” P. 2 years ago on Google
    This was an insight and enlightening experience, so much information about the men and women behind the automotive industry.

  • 5/5 Tiffanee B. 2 years ago on Google
    The lower level blows me away. I'm obsessed with history, it definitely makes you feel like you were in a time ypu didn't exist. I will be back, I had kids with me and they were killing my vibe lol I'll be alone next time so i can really enjoy it and read everything. Lol

  • 5/5 Cindy R. 2 years ago on Google
    Comfortable place to go with oodles of exhibits pertinent to Detroit. Easy to engage kids there. New exhibits every few months with family favorites in the basement being a large train exhibit and walk-thru early Detroit village of buildings.

  • 4/5 Christopher L. 2 years ago on Google
    Really good but wished there was more on the music side with Motown, Rap/hip hop and Rock.


Call (313) 833-1805 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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