All contemporary art museums to visit in Michigan

Experience the cutting-edge world of contemporary art at 18 museums in Michigan. These museums showcase works by modern artists, exploring current themes and innovative techniques.

Are you a fan of contemporary art? These are the best contemporary art museums in Michigan:

  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. The Heidelberg Project2

    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.
  3. University of Michigan Museum of Art3

    University of Michigan Museum of Art

     Ann Arbor, MI
    The University of Michigan Museum of Art, located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, is recognized as one of the largest university art museums in the United States. It spans an impressive 94,000 square feet, providing ample space for its extensive collection of art.
  4. Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum4

    Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum

     Zilwaukee, MI
    The Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum is an art museum dedicated to the life and works of the renowned sculptor, Marshall Fredericks. The museum provides an in-depth look into Fredericks' artistic journey, showcasing his unique style and the evolution of his work over the years.
  5. Eli & Edythe Broad Art Museum - Zaha Hadid Architect5

    Eli & Edythe Broad Art Museum - Zaha Hadid Architect

     East Lansing, MI
    The Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum, also known as MSU Broad, is a contemporary art museum situated at Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan. The museum was officially opened to the public on November 10, 2012.
  6. Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park6

    Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park

     Grand Rapids, MI
    The Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park is a sprawling 50-hectare area that houses both a botanical garden and a sculpture park. It is located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA. This location is often referred to as the Meijer Gardens and is considered one of the most significant cultural events in the American Midwest.
  7. Cranbrook Art Museum7

    Cranbrook Art Museum

     Bloomfield Hills, MI
    The Cranbrook Educational Community, located in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, is a National Historic Landmark that serves as an education research and public museum complex. It was established in the early 20th century by George Gough Booth, a newspaper mogul. The complex is a testament to Booth's vision and dedication to education and the arts.
  8. The Scarab Club8

    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.
  9. Anton Art Center9

    Anton Art Center

     Mt Clemens, MI
    The Anton Art Center, which was formerly known as the Carnegie Library, is a Neo-Classical building and Art Center situated in Mount Clemens, Michigan, United States. This historic building, which has been repurposed as an art center, offers a unique blend of architectural beauty and cultural enrichment.
  10. Midland Center for the Arts10

    Midland Center for the Arts

     Midland, MI
    The Midland Center for the Arts is a multifaceted institution located at 1801 Saint Andrews St in Midland, Michigan. It serves as both a performing arts center and a museum complex, offering a diverse range of cultural experiences to its visitors.
  11. Grand Rapids Art Museum11

    Grand Rapids Art Museum

     Grand Rapids, MI
    The Grand Rapids Art Museum, also known as GRAM, is an art museum located in Grand Rapids. It boasts a wide range of collections that span from the Renaissance period to modern art. Additionally, it houses special collections of European and American art from the 19th and 20th centuries. This diverse collection provides a comprehensive overview of art history and offers visitors a chance to explore various art movements and styles.
  12. Flint Institute of Arts12

    Flint Institute of Arts

     Flint, MI
    The Flint Institute of Arts, also known as FIA, is situated in the Flint Cultural Center in Flint, Michigan. It holds the distinction of being the second largest art museum in the state. This location is a significant cultural hub, offering a variety of exhibitions, interpretive programs, film screenings, concerts, lectures, family events, and educational outreach programs.
  13. Kalamazoo Institute of Arts13

    Kalamazoo Institute of Arts

     Kalamazoo, MI
    The Kalamazoo Institute of Arts (KIA) is a non-profit art museum and school that was established in 1924. It is located in downtown Kalamazoo, Michigan. The museum was founded by members of the Kalamazoo Chapter of the American Federation of Arts with the aim of promoting interest and education in various arts.
  14. The Dennos Museum Center14

    The Dennos Museum Center

     Traverse City, MI
    The Dennos Museum Center, located in Traverse City, Michigan, is a fine art museum and cultural center situated on the campus of Northwestern Michigan College (NMC). It is a place where visitors can explore a variety of art forms and cultural exhibits.
  15. Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit15

    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.
  16. 16

    Besser Museum for Northeast Michigan

     Alpena, MI
    The Besser Museum for Northeast Michigan is a community museum located in Alpena County, Michigan. It serves not only Alpena County but also the surrounding counties, making it a significant cultural and historical hub for the region. The museum's mission is broad, aiming to preserve, protect, and present history and culture closely connected with the heritage of Northern Michigan and the Great Lakes.
  17. 17

    Michigan Legacy Art Park

     Thompsonville, MI
    The Michigan Legacy Art Park, situated near Thompsonville, Michigan, is a 30-acre outdoor sculpture park. It is located on the grounds of the Crystal Mountain Resort, making it a unique blend of nature and art. The park offers a unique opportunity to explore art in an outdoor setting, surrounded by the natural beauty of Michigan.
  18. 18

    Kruizenga Art Museum - Hope College

     Holland, MI
    The Kruizenga Art Museum, also known as KAM, is a spacious college art museum situated in Holland, Michigan. Covering an area of 15,000 square feet, the museum is a significant part of the Hope College campus and serves as an educational resource for the campus community and other educational institutions in the area.