Where to Play, Eat, and Stay in Detroit for Arts and Culture

15.11.2024 - 09:38 / matadornetwork.com / Diego Rivera

From the moment I arrived, I could feel the buzz in Detroit. It has a creative energy and a strong sense of renewal that’s impossible to ignore. If you’re looking for a blend of history, culture, and innovation, this city has it all. Whether wandering museums, taking in the jazz scene, or sampling foods I couldn’t get out of my mind, Detroit kept surprising me at every turn. Here’s what to add to your list when you’re ready to experience the Motor City for yourself.

Photo: Erin Gifford

Art lovers, beeline for the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA). Home to more than 65,000 works, the museum’s collection includes everything from ancient artifacts to contemporary masterpieces. One of the highlights is Diego Rivera’s Detroit Industry Murals, which should be seen in person to appreciate its scale and beauty. I was most excited to see the museum’s extensive Van Gogh collection. The DIA was the first museum in the US to buy a Van Gogh. Today, it has more than 70 of his works, including Self-Portrait and The Bedroom.

Detroit Institute of Arts: 5200 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202

Photo: Erin Gifford

Step back in time to experience Detroit’s rich jazz history at Cliff Bell’s. With its 1930s Art Deco vibe and live jazz performances, this venue is a favorite for music lovers. The intimate setting makes it easy to get lost in the smooth sounds of the house band, as I did from the front row when I stopped in to see the Brian Charette Organ Trio. I’ve never been especially drawn to jazz, but the experience was one I’ll definitely remember. The menu is top-notch, too, including the classic lobster macaroni that I ordered for dinner.

Cliff Bell’s: 2030 Park Ave, Detroit, MI 48226

Photo: Erin Gifford

Open year-round, Eastern Market is one of the oldest and largest markets in the US. It’s super-sized, too, with stalls selling everything from fresh-cut flowers and local honey to artisan-made jewelry. Saturdays are big market days, but a scaled-back version is open seasonally on Tuesdays and Sundays, from June to September. It was fun to stroll the stalls — there are just so many — to see all the wares and produce. There are lots of colorful murals in the area, too.

Eastern Market: 2934 Russell St, Detroit, MI 48207

Photo: Erin Gifford

Tucked behind the Shinola Hotel, Parker’s Alley offers a unique outdoor shopping experience focused on Detroit-based businesses. Two of my favorite stops were Rebel Nell, a woman-owned business that creates and sells jewelry from repurposed materials like reclaimed graffiti, and Bon Bon Bon, which sells hand-crafted chocolates. At Rebel Nell, I got to make my own custom bracelet before popping in next door to pick and choose artfully crafted chocolates (called “bons”) with names like s’mores and