Location: Ann Arbor
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The 10 Best Museums in Ann Arbor, Michigan (MI)
Backpack-strapped students permeate the streets of Ann Arbor, home to The University Of Michigan. But there's more to the city than academia. A popular destination for families, Ann Arbor boasts child-friendly museums with exciting hands-on exhibits and art museums with prestigious collections. Couples and single travelers enjoy the eclectic shops, ethnic restaurants and hip night clubs, while book lovers are wowed by the more than 30 independent bookstores. From mysteries and crime to holistic healing and yoga, each store has a unique personality and area of expertise. Most of the major attractions are located in the same area, making it easy to hop from one to the next and enjoy all this vibrant city has to offer.
Restaurants in Ann Arbor
1. Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 476 reviews
Everyone gets creative in this interactive science and technology museum, featuring engaging exhibits in subjects like psychology, the media and health.
Reviewed By lynndR8889CZ
Bought a membership for my kids so I could take my granddaughter here when she has overnights at our place. Grandparents are an included perk of that membership and well worth it. My granddaughter and I love our visits here... so much for kids/adults all over the place. A pure place of joy and awe and so much fun. I highly recommend a visit here if you haven't been and explore the membership offers to find the one that best suits your needs because it will save you lots of $$ and make it easy to keep going back for more fun!
2. University of Michigan Museum of Natural History
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 174 reviews
The University of Michigan Museum of Natural History is temporarily closed due to the global pandemic. The museum doesn't just preserve the past; it also shows off the latest in scientific research with interactive exhibits, new programming spaces, and a state-of-the-art Planetarium & Dome Theater! New exhibits include: On the Trail of Mastodons; Evolution: Life through Time; Under the Microscope; Exploring Michigan; and People and the Planet.
Reviewed By sisterida - Onsted, United States
Many times taking kids to a museum is overwhelming because there is too much to do. The University of MIchigan Museum of Natural History has great exhibits with great information posted and a good variety to help everyone enjoy the experience. This was a great Sunday afternoon trip.
3. University of Michigan Museum of Art
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 233 reviews
Among the best university art museums in the U.S., this on-campus museum has a particularly fine collection of Asian art through the ages.
Reviewed By TravelFan48105 - Ann Arbor, United States
We enjoyed a wonderful evening visit to the UM Museum of Art. First, we were treated to a Kabuki dance performance and lecture. This was extremely interesting and we learned a lot about the history of this dance form, the gestures, costumes and make up. Following this event, the exhibition "Copies and Invention in East Asia" was open for viewing. We learned that copying in Asian art is something to be appreciated. We viewed examples that involved copying e.g. burial goods, sculptures, paintings and a variety of contemporary works. The UM Museum of Art has greatly improved and extended its outreach to the public in recent years and definitely deserves a visit.
4. Cobblestone Farm
5. Leslie Science Center
6. Kelsey Museum of Archaeology
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 93 reviews
The Kelsey Museum houses a collection of nearly 100,000 objects from the civilizations of the Mediterranean.
Reviewed By 271JohnB - Cincinnati, United States
Ann Arbor was a long time ago for me. I remember the wonderful collection of the Kelsey being displayed in an old museum way in an old museum building. Times have changed: the glorious old building facade now guides the visitor to a modern and remarkable space that gives the collection the room it needs to speak to the visitors. It is very much worth your time.
7. 16 Hands
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
The focus of the shop is on original, finely crafted objects of uncommon quality and character. Jewelry and fashion accessories, unique gifts, decorative and functional items for the home, office and garden from both emerging talent and well known artists/makers, primarily from the US (including many local artists) as well as some from Canada, Europe and several Fair Trade organizations.
Reviewed By susansS8022BL - Ann Arbor, United States
Wonderful gems of art that can be worn or used in the home. Every item is carefully chosen to please the eye and seduce your pocketbook.
8. Kempf House
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 5 reviews
This 1853 building was designed in a ancient Greek motif. It was once the home of local musicians Reuben H. and Pauline Widenmann Kempf. Today it's a local history museum.
9. Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 57 reviews
Reviewed By AmitKshirsagar - Ann Arbor, United States
I have lived in Ann Arbor, Michigan since 1977, so visiting this Historic Monument is like scratching or taking a bath. We do it at least once a month or more. We came to Ann Arbor on Aug.16th, 1977. Since then, we have had the luxury of watching the Behavings/Misbehavings of all our living Ex-Presidents, since Mr. Ford.
