Where life is art. Midtown hosts two million visitors annually, with the largest concentration of cultural, educational, and medical institutions in southeast Michigan. It has two radio stations, its own symphony, nine theatres, five museums, 35 restaurants, and 10 galleries all within two square miles—making it one of the best walkable communities in Detroit. Within two blocks, you can explore the Detroit Institute of Arts, Detroit Film Theatre, Detroit Science Center, Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, the Detroit Historical Museum, and Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit (MOCAD). Just for fun, head to the Majestic Theater complex, home of the Garden Bowl, America’s oldest active bowling alley. It also houses two legendary music hotspots–The Magic Stick and Majestic Theater. For more refined musical tastes, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra performs at the Max M. Fisher Music Center. Help navigate Midtown with this map! (pdf)
Itinerary: Midtown Museums
District: Midtown
Starting Point
Valet parking is available for $8 per car at the DIA’s Farnsworth entrance on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only. City of Detroit underground parking is located at Farnsworth and Woodward.
What To Do
Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History — The world’s largest permanent exhibit on African American culture plus special exhibitions.
Detroit Historical Museum — Explore the streets and storefronts of old Detroit, the Glancy Train collection and much more.
Detroit Institute of Arts — One of the top five museums in the country with special exhibitions and Friday Night Live concerts. Enjoy lunch at Café DIA and browse the museum shop.
Detroit Science Center — Hands-on exhibits, IMAX theatre, planetarium and much more.
Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit (MOCAD) — Art at the forefront of contemporary culture.
Good Girls Go to Paris Crepes — Sweet and savory crepes for breakfast, lunch or dinner. In the Park Shelton across from the DIA and Detroit historical Museum at Woodward and Kirby.
Inn on Ferry Street — A unique inn in four beautifully restored Victorian homes and two carriage houses. No two rooms are alike.
The Whitney Restaurant — Outstanding cuisine, garden parties and the Ghost Bar in an elegant 1894 mansion at Woodward and Canfield.
> Download Midtown District Map
Tips
Check the websites above for times and costs. Comfy shoes are recommended.
Itinerary: Midtown Shops and Galleries
District: Midtown
Starting Point
The WSU Forest Ave. Parking Deck, located on Forest between Woodward and Cass.
What To Do
Avalon International Breads — Fresh bread, scones, cookies, cinnamon rolls, Greektown olive bread, and sea salt dusted chocolate chip cookies. 442 W. Willis
Bureau of Urban Living — A wonderful collection of one-of-a-kind gifts for the home and office. 460 W. Canfield
City Bird — A unique studio, store and gallery with a line of Detroit-themed goods. More than 50 local and regional designers and artists are represented.
Detroit Artists Market — Works from emerging and established artists in revolving exhibitions. 4719 Woodward
Flo Boutique — Unique women’s clothing store featuring stylish and funky apparel.
Goodwells Natural Food Market — Fresh organic soups, salads, pitas and groceries. 418 W. Willis
Shangri La — Dim Sum and other Asian culinary delights. 4710 Cass north of W. Forest in the Wayne State University area.
Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit (MOCAD) — Art at the forefront of contemporary culture.
Re:View Contemporary Gallery — Art of local and national artists and a commercial gallery and design store at Willy’s Overland Lofts. 444 W. Willis
Dell Pryor Gallery — Collaborative community space which includes Source Booksellers, Tulani Rose gift gallery, Textures by Nefertiti (a natural hair shop) and the Dell Pryor Gallery.
Tips
Check websites above for days, hours and costs. Explore on foot, bike or by car.
Midtown at Night
District: Midtown
Starting Point
Check each location for nearby parking. Lots and on-street parking are available at each stop.
What To Do
Detroit Film Theatre — World cinema at its best in the fully-restored Detroit Institute of Arts theatre.
Garden Bowl/Majestic Complex — Live music and dancing at the Magic Stick, good eats at the Majestic Café, concerts in the Majestic Theatre, and bowling at America’s oldest active bowling center with Sgt. Pepperoni’s pizza. 4140 Woodward Ave.
Motorcity Brewing Works — Homemade pizza and an outstanding beer selection in this Midtown hot spot loved by locals. 470 W. Canfield
Traffic Jam & Snug — Long-time favorite eatery that makes its own cheeses, bread, soups, and more. One of the first brewpubs in Detroit. 511 W. Canfield.
Shangri La – Dim Sum and other Asian culinary delights. 4710 Cass north of W. Forest in the Wayne State University area.
Atlas Global Bistro — An international lunch and dinner menu plus Sunday Brunch. 3111 Woodward
The Whitney Restaurant — Outstanding cuisine, garden parties, and the Ghost Bar in an elegant 1894 mansion at Woodward and Canfield
Tips
Check websites above for days, hours, and costs. Purchase tickets early for the Detroit Film Theatre.