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  • 5/5 Rebecca R. 2 years ago on Google
    I visited on 2/11/22. The beautiful architecture makes this one of my favorite FREE things to do in Detroit. I'll be honest, when googling "things to do around Detroit" I didn't have this high on my list only because I didn't understand the appeal, but I soon found that pictures don't do it justice! This is a must see if you are in the area, and it is free! There is a coffee shop, a US Bank, and a couple of local owned clothing/accessory stores in this building, along with seating and information about the building itself.
    12 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rick B. 9 months ago on Google • 226 reviews
    After all the years of both being in Detroit and coming to Detroit, I realize that there are plenty of things that I still haven’t seen. I can now cross the Guardian building off that list. I actually came down yesterday to see the MLK statue. I ended up finding parking on Fort St, so when I walked down Griswold towards the water, I found myself immediately outside this beautiful work of art. I also was not aware that they host tours on Sundays. When I walked into the gift shop, the lady working told me they started a little bit ago if I wanted to join in, so I did. It was a nice little tour. I enjoy both history and old artistic construction. I highly recommend checking it out.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Michelle F. 1 year ago on Google • 531 reviews
    This is an amazing building circa 1928 that’s still gracefully intact. Amazing architecture style outside. Inside the main hall is a beautiful full length wall painted mural including the demographic map areas of Michigan. On each lower side of the mural you’ll see painted depictions of the agricultural and industrial aspects of what Michigan was built from. The entry atrium has amazing perfectly matched geometric colorful patterns. A must see building done in art deco; beautiful inside and out!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Adventure R. 3 months ago on Google • 269 reviews New
    Free to see on a Sunday, before the Lions game. Very cool building.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 K R. 7 months ago on Google • 753 reviews
    My friends and I just walked inside to see the beautiful architecture of this amazing historical building. They do offer tours, check online to see what's is available. There are some businesses on the ground floor that are open to the public. Some food options, but mostly open during the working hours. There is one public bathroom.

  • 5/5 Anthony S. 2 years ago on Google
    Stunningly beautiful inside and out. Absolutely worth a visit if you’re visiting Detroit, even if for just a couple of days.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tony R. 2 years ago on Google
    SEE THIS BUILDING!!! What a great example of what craftsmanship of the Guilded Age Americans did- it is truly one of the several unbelievable buildings in this beautiful city. We only saw the lobby and also the outside- which is amazing as well. Part of a great self guided walking tour in Detroit.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jeffrey W. 2 years ago on Google
    Unbelievable architecture. What's wrong with the new skyscrapers? Check out what we can do when we put our collective minds together. We create ART.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Katarína K. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful building from outside and even more beautiful on inside. The colourful tiling just makes you happy. It remembered me of Legoland. You can take a look at the reception, however, obviously you are not allowed to go up unless you have an appointment. It is absolutely worth taking look at.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Dejan B. 1 year ago on Google
    Just across the Riverwalk and the Hart Plaza is this beautiful old fashioned skyscraper. The entrance is around the corner, from a side street. It's a working office edifice and basically you can see only the lobby which is really an amazing work of art. The only thing that annoyed me was the security officer was following me all the time (of my 5 min I was there) asking me if I need something.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Bob B. 2 years ago on Google
    Great architecture inside and out. Very impressive structure. Inside, vaulted ceilings, exquisite tile and beautiful stone make this a truely magnificent building highlighting the wealth and opulence in the 1930's, 40's and 50's in Detroit. The outside is a enormous work of art, 30 stories tall. Loved it...A must see.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Scott N. 5 months ago on Google
    The lobby of the Guardian Building is open to the public. It's absolutely worth your time to take a quick walk through to see the amazing architecture. For a more in depth experience, City Tour Detroit, located on the first floor of the building, offers a free tour on Sunday at 12pm and 1:30pm (as of Nov '23). It lasts about one hour. You get the full history of the building along with stops on lower and higher floors that you can't see on your own. If you have the time, I would definitely recommend the tour. It was a lot of fun.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mia C. 1 year ago on Google
    This is a MUST visit, even if just driving through Detroit. The architecture is stunning. The coulours are beyond vibrant - a Masterpiece! Was in the city for only a day. It's in the downtown core. Can casually walk in by the main doors on the ground floor. Recption didn't seem to be bothered. They're most likely used to having people just walk in to take photos:)
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ben H. 1 year ago on Google
    A stunning architectural marvel! Truly stunning Aztec deco lobby, and marvelous details hidden throughout. Especially special is the Tiffany clock, one of 4 in the world (the most famous being on Grand Central). A must-see for any visitor.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 stephen l. 6 months ago on Google • 195 reviews
    Absolutely exquisite building, inside and out. The photos and videos do not accurately convey the scale of the interior.

  • 5/5 David R. 8 months ago on Google • 181 reviews
    This building is an amazing work of art. It's a must-see if you are going to walk around Downtown Detroit. They have done an amazing job of keeping it repaired. It looks brand new! It is a perfect example of the Art Deco style. They are very accommodating in allowing you into the ground floor lobby. It's is amazing

  • 5/5 Mark H. 2 years ago on Google
    A little beautiful gem in the heart of Detroit. Stop by and see beautiful mosaic style architecture.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jason J. 9 months ago on Google
    The Guardian Building is an architectural masterpiece that truly stands out in the Detroit skyline. The Art Deco design and intricate details are awe-inspiring. Don't miss the opportunity to step into the past while appreciating the Guardian Building's timeless beauty.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 darrin r. 2 years ago on Google
    Art deco is cool! Didn't take long to view. Can't go up to top currently. Ground floor is beautiful is you are into artful architecture. If in the area definitely worth the 10 minutes to view.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sri 1 year ago on Google
    Amazing architecture. I loved the bright colors used in decoration and the native American depictions. Public access is allowed to the ground level of the building.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Brandon W. 4 years ago on Google
    If you’re walking downtown you’ll notice a tall building that will gravitate you to walk towards it so you do. Then you notice that there’s some nice etchings on the side of the building and how pristine it looks. Then you step inside and your jaw drops to the floor with how stunning it is inside as well. The building is one of the nicest decorated buildings I’ve ever been into. Especially one that’s done in an Art Deco Fashion. The coffee place inside is also nice and affordable !
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nicholas F. 11 months ago on Google
    Amazing historic building in downtown Detroit! It's gorgeous, I highly recommend anyone to check this place out!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Celeste C. 2 years ago on Google
    Went to the Detroit Land Bank office. Only 4 people allowed in suite at a time. Wasn't there very long. Only one person behind desk, but he was very efficient and courteous. Knows his job. Arrive early to find parking if you don't want to pay $10.00 @ parking lot.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Chelsea G. 5 months ago on Google • 4 reviews
    we had our wedding ceremony and reception at the guardian building in the promenade. it was the most magical space and night, that left us and our guests in aww of it all. Paige was very attentive and responsive in making sure everything was set for our day. If you are considering a unique downtown Detroit wedding, consider the guardian building! you will not be disappointed.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ashley T. 6 months ago on Google • 46 reviews
    This is an absolutely beautiful building. From the outside to the inside. We happened to have fate on our side to arrive in the breathtaking lobby exactly at noon on Sunday - just in time for a free tour given by Melissa at CityTour Detroit which got my friends and I exclusive access to: the original boardroom which was really beautiful and so well designed. We saw the views from one of the top floors, which was an amazing way to see the city. Which I think they said is available to rent, which us genius because itd make an incredible venue. We were also given a tour of the original vault in the basement, which was super cool and creepy. Without the tour you only have access to the lobby and first floor which is totally worth the stop but if you're around on the dates the tour is available check the times and 100% do it that way. You can ask questions, and if you're like me and love architectural design, you can just take in all the intricate details and beautiful artistic interjections. It's like The Great Gatsby, but make it indigenous. 10/10

  • 5/5 Richard M. 2 years ago on Google
    Amazingly beautiful and detailed. Colorful, ornate, and built over 100 yrs ago. Visit and appreciate this building.

  • 4/5 Kyle H. 1 year ago on Google
    Truly a gorgeous building in the heart of the motor city. The building appears to house some store fronts, but unfortunately they were closed on the day I went. Which was a shame. Otherwise this place would have received a higher rating. Only downside is the homeless people that line the building bumming cigarettes and money from you.

  • 5/5 Aaron S. 2 years ago on Google
    Incredible design and a great opportunity to glare into the history of mega-prosperous Detroit. Parking (as in most of the heart of downtown) can be challenging to find or even costly, but coming to the Guardian - particularly if you're already going to the riverfront - is worth it. It's free, it's always open to the public, and it's beautiful. The halls are massive and the interior of the entrance has opulent, bright wall and ceiling tile. The ceiling of the adjoining first floor (and former main bank lobby) is covered in canvas giving a poor impression of what the former space might have looked like, but the space is equally as beautiful; there are this humongous colored glass block windows and brass and enameled features everywhere. Acknowledging its history, there are also diagrams and documents everywhere telling you a bit more about the space and engaging with that history. A very cool (FREE) thing to spend time doing. Do it on the weekend when the first floor is empty of banking personnel and clients.

  • 5/5 Edith J. 2 years ago on Google
    It really is a stunning piece of Art Deco architecture and design. Step inside if you get a chance!

  • 4/5 Carole H. 1 year ago on Google
    I can't believe how beautiful the Art Deco is in this building! It's totally mind blowing and one of the top buildings in the world for Art Deco. There are literally a billion posts on Instagram under #artdeco but the humorous part is the people who work there could care less. I work in a cubical and these people get to stare at this beautiful artwork all day! Lucky them.

  • 4/5 Amanda Sinishtaj A. 2 years ago on Google
    Our wedding at the Guardian Building was better than we could have ever imagined it to be. Although our wedding day was perfect, I do think research and preparation is the only thing that got it there. 1) The Guardian is beautiful, but that obviously comes with a cost. The rental fee for the venue is a bit high, but absolutely worth it if you budget correctly. 2) Bringing the venue to life takes a lot of planning! You do have to use drapery to cover some of the storefronts and bank desks, and you have to ensure that you provide your guests with parking passes for the garage or valet. There's no "on site" parking, but this was something we were willing to sacrifice. The venue is also is not all-inclusive, so be prepared to book outside vendors such as catering, etc. However, they do provide vendors that they have worked with in the past to make things easier! 100% would recommend using vendors who have worked at the Guardian before. It's no easy task throwing a wedding at a historical site, but I would definitely recommend it for someone willing to take on the challenge! The staff at the Guardian was incredibly accommodating and always communicated my concerns with me. If I could go back in time, I'd book the Guardian again in a heartbeat.

  • 5/5 Jordan M. 1 year ago on Google
    Incredible! They don't make lobbies like this any more. Free to enter but the security guards will quickly tell you that you can't do video or panoramic shots. You'll likely see IGers in there. Remember that it is a working bank branch and stay out of the way. My favorite part was the working scale (you can stand on it!) with very outdated references to healthy weights. I feel that might ruin a lot of self esteem.

  • 5/5 Oscar H. F. 1 year ago on Google
    I was very impressed with all the colors. Not just the great shaped but the combination of colors and shapes. You have to go inside and check it out . Best lobby for sure.

  • 5/5 小河马 little H. 1 year ago on Google
    Guardian Building is my favorite skyscraper in Detroit. Go inside and check out the ceiling in the lobby. There’s a history brochure at the security desk. When I went there, there was a wedding ceremony going on. But I was allowed to enter the lobby and takes some photos afterwards Btw, Pure Detroit has free tours on Saturday

  • 5/5 David M. 2 years ago on Google
    A great piece of Detroit history and basically building art. If in the area, go inside and see this beautiful lobby area. Absolutely beautiful, so do miss it.


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Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance

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