The best museums in Detroit in September 2025

These are the top 20 best museums in Detroit, United States, ranked by their rating and popularity in 2025. Click a museum for more information about the museum, including visitor information, exhibitions and reviews.

For a complete overview of museums in Detroit, their exhibitions and discount cards & passes, see our overview page with all museums in Detroit.

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Looking for the best museums in Detroit? These are the best ones:

  1. Detroit Institute of Arts1

    Detroit Institute of Arts

     Detroit, MI
    The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA), located in the cultural center of Detroit, Michigan, is one of the largest museums in the United States. It is situated 3 km north of downtown, making it easily accessible for tourists visiting the city. The museum's location in the cultural heart of Detroit adds to its appeal, offering visitors a chance to explore the city's vibrant arts scene.
  2. Ford Piquette Avenue Plant2

    Ford Piquette Avenue Plant

     Detroit, MI
    The Ford Piquette Avenue Plant is renowned for being the birthplace of the Ford Model T, the car that revolutionized the automobile industry and initiated the widespread use of cars in the United States. Visitors to the plant can learn about the creation and production of this iconic vehicle, which marked a significant turning point in automotive history.
  3. Motown Museum3

    Motown Museum

     Detroit, MI
    The Motown Museum, also known as "Hitsville U.S.A.", is located at 2648 West Grand Boulevard in Detroit, Michigan. This historic site was once the first headquarters and recording studio of Motown, a record label that played a significant role in the racial integration of popular music. The museum is dedicated to preserving the legacy of Motown, its artists, and its music.
  4. Belle Isle Aquarium4

    Belle Isle Aquarium

     Detroit, MI
    The Belle Isle Aquarium, located in Belle Isle Park in Detroit, Michigan, is a public aquarium with a rich history. It was designed by renowned architects George D. Mason and Albert Kahn and first opened its doors to the public on August 18, 1904. This makes it one of the oldest aquariums in North America.
  5. Belle Isle Nature Center5

    Belle Isle Nature Center

     Detroit, MI
    The Detroit Zoological Park, situated in Royal Oak, a suburb north of Detroit, Michigan, is a notable destination for animal lovers. Managed by the Detroit Zoological Society, a non-profit organization, the park is home to a diverse range of animals. The same organization also oversees the Belle Isle Nature Zoo located in Belle Isle, providing visitors with two distinct zoological experiences in the region.
  6. Dossin Great Lakes Museum6

    Dossin Great Lakes Museum

     Detroit, MI
    The Dossin Great Lakes Museum is a historical maritime museum situated on The Strand on Belle Isle Park along the Detroit River. This location offers a unique perspective on Detroit's role in national and regional maritime history. The museum is easily accessible and provides a fascinating insight into the maritime history of the region.
  7. The Heidelberg Project7

    The Heidelberg Project

     Detroit, MI
    The Heidelberg Project is an outdoor art project located in the McDougall-Hunt neighborhood on the east side of Detroit. It was established in 1986 by artist Tyree Guyton, who was assisted by his wife, Karen, and grandfather Sam Mackey. The project began as a political protest against the deterioration of Guyton's childhood neighborhood after the 1967 riots. Over the years, it has evolved into a vibrant and colorful art installation that has transformed the neighborhood and attracted visitors from around the world.
  8. Charles H. Wright Museum of African-american History8

    Charles H. Wright Museum of African-american History

     Detroit, MI
    The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History is a significant cultural institution located in the city of Detroit, USA. It offers a comprehensive exploration of the African American history through various exhibits and displays.
  9. Detroit Historical Museum9

    Detroit Historical Museum

     Detroit, MI
    The Detroit Historical Museum is situated in the heart of the city's Cultural Center Historic District in Midtown Detroit, at 5401 Woodward Avenue. This location is easily accessible and is surrounded by other cultural and historical sites, making it a convenient stop for tourists exploring the city.
  10. Michigan Science Center10

    Michigan Science Center

     Detroit, MI
    The Michigan Science Center, also known as MiSci, is a science museum located in Detroit, Michigan. It is affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution, which is known for its extensive collection of artifacts and exhibits. The museum is dedicated to inspiring curiosity and fostering a love for science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) in visitors of all ages.
  11. Belle Isle Conservatory11

    Belle Isle Conservatory

     Detroit, MI
    The Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory, also known as the Belle Isle Conservatory, is a greenhouse and botanical garden located on Belle Isle. This 982-acre island park is situated on the Detroit River within Detroit, Michigan. The conservatory is the oldest continually-running conservatory in the United States, having opened in 1904. It is named after Anna Scripps Whitcomb, who donated her collection of 600 orchids to Detroit in 1955.
  12. The Scarab Club12

    The Scarab Club

     Detroit, MI
    The Scarab Club, located in the Cultural Center Historic District of Detroit, Michigan, serves as an artists' club, gallery, and studio. It is conveniently situated at 217 Farnsworth Street, in close proximity to the Detroit Institute of Arts and the Detroit Science Center. This location makes it an ideal stop for tourists interested in exploring the rich cultural and artistic heritage of Detroit.
  13. Loren Andrus Octagon House13

    Loren Andrus Octagon House

     Detroit, MI
    The Loren Andrus Octagon House, also known as the Washington Octagon House, is a historic landmark located at 57500 Van Dyke Avenue, just north of 26 Mile Road in Washington Township, Macomb County, Michigan. This unique octagonal house was added to the National Register of Historic Places on September 3, 1971, marking its significance in the architectural and cultural history of the region.
  14. Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit14

    Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit

     Detroit, MI
    The Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit, also known as MOCAD, is a unique institution in the city of Detroit. Unlike traditional museums, MOCAD does not have a permanent collection. Instead, it focuses on showcasing contemporary art through a variety of exhibitions and events. This approach allows the museum to constantly offer fresh and innovative content to its visitors.
  15. Detroit Children’s Museum15

    Detroit Children’s Museum

     Detroit, MI
  16. First Congregational Living Museum16

    First Congregational Living Museum

     Detroit, MI
    The First Congregational Church is situated at 33 East Forest Avenue, at the intersection of Forest and Woodward Avenue, in the Midtown area of Detroit, Michigan. This location is easily accessible and is a significant landmark in the city.
  17. 17

    Tuskegee Airmen National Museum

     Detroit, MI
    Housed on the premises of famous Fort Wayne near the Detroit downtown, this museum is dedicated to heroes of World War II.
  18. 18

    Southgate Historical Foundation

     Detroit, MI
  19. 19

    Dabls Mbad African Bead Museum

     Detroit, MI
  20. 20

    Seafoam Palace of Arts and Amusements

     Detroit, MI

All museums in Detroit