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What to do and see in Michigan, United States: The Best Art Museums
Think you need an ocean for a beach? Think again. There are miles and miles of sandy lakefront beaches in Michigan (thanks to the four Great Lakes that border it). The west coast of Michigan has especially nice beaches—try a rental in Muskegon, Grand Haven or Saugatuck. You won’t need a car when visiting Mackinac Island. In fact, they’re not allowed—this lovely Victorian resort town is pedestrian-only.
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1. Detroit Institute of Arts
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,928 reviews
Considered to house one of the best art collections in the United States, the Institute showcases everything from mummies to modern art and African masks to Monets in its outstanding collection of over 65,000 works. Don't miss the General Motors Center for African American Art, a part of the DIA which showcases 400 pieces, in various media, by African American artists.
Reviewed By MidwestKathM - Detroit, United States
We love the DIA! As longtime members, we visit several times a year. And attend the Friday Night Live often as well as talks, senior activities, and films every month. Lots of terrific art to see in their permanent collection...including the Diego Rivera murals, Caravaggio, Italian Renaissance, John Singer Sargent, Whistler, Van Gogh, John Singleton Copley, Kehinde Wiley, Abstract Expressionists, African-American works, Asian antiquities, and Egyptian mummies. And then there are the excellent temporary exhibitions and the special exhibitions. During these COVID times, we wanted to show our support after the museum reopened. The DIA is perhaps the safest art museum we've visited in the last 4 months. Advance timed tickets, masks required, temperature check, contactless entry, social distancing, galleries grouped with one entrance, one exit, hand sanitizer.
2. LaFontsee Galleries
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 8 reviews
LaFontsee Galleries is a local art gallery in Grand Rapids, MI. We represent over 60 local and national artists specializing in a huge variety of fine art, including: painting, sculpture, mixed media, photography, drawing, and glass and ceramics. We are handicap accessible, and free and open to the public. We also offer: fully customizable art printing installation and delivery services custom framing & matting art consulting posters and prints and a decor & gift boutique.
3. Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 66 reviews
The Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum is a FREE and open to the public museum which features a unique collection of more than two thousand objects that span the 70-year career of Detroit-based public sculptor Marshall M. Fredericks (1908-1998). He is known nationally and internationally for his impressive monumental figurative sculpture, public memorials, fountains, portraits, and medals.
4. Flint Institute of Arts
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 171 reviews
FIA Closed March 14 Through April 6 As the spread of COVID-19 continues worldwide, the Flint Institute of Arts (FIA) has been assessing and investigating all options regarding our venues and operations. We have made the decision to close all public spaces at the FIA and the FIA Art School effective tomorrow, Saturday, March 14. All public programs, special and/or private events, and meetings between March 14 and April 5 are postponed or canceled at this time. Although this was a difficult decision, the health and safety of our guests, students, volunteers, and staff is our first priority. The FIA recognizes its part helping minimize the spread of the virus and its impact on our community and national health systems. We appreciate your flexibility and patience as we move through this unprecedented time together. FIA Closed March 14 Through April 6 As the spread of COVID-19 continues worldwide, the Flint Institute of Arts (FIA) has been assessing and investigating all options regarding our venues and operations. We have made the decision to close all public spaces at the FIA and the FIA Art School effective tomorrow, Saturday, March 14. All public programs, special and/or private events, and meetings between March 14 and April 5 are postponed or canceled at this time.
Reviewed By MidwestKathM - Detroit, United States
The Flint Institute of Arts is a real gem! And it continues to get better each year. Their permanent collection is wonderful with a great cross-section of time periods, media, and subject matter, enhanced with the recent opening of their superb glass galleries. I also love the local connections to the works, whether by artist or subject matter or donor. On top of that, they bring in some top-notch exhibitions to share. I visit a couple times a year, driving up to Flint to see the FIA's exhibits of works by Rodin, Toulouse-Lautrec, Remington & Russell as well as Japanese prints, glass, and others. On this latest visit, I wanted to see the Visions of American Life: Paintings from the Manoogian Collection, 1850–1940. My friend had never been to the FIA before and just totally loved it all!! Keep an eye on their website for the exhibitions and events details!
5. Dabl's Gallery
6. Kruizenga Art Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
The Kruizenga Art Museum, opened and dedicated in September 2015, provides exhibition space for the college's extensive permanent collection and visiting exhibitions.The museum was developed with an emphasis on engaging students from many academic disciplines in the study and interpretation of art. Its vision is to be an educational resource not only for Hope College, but for all of West Michigan.
Reviewed By 172bruceh - Grand Rapids, United States
Small museum and the artwork is wonderfully shown. Hope College students often play a role in preparation of labels. Definitely a stop to make while in Holland.
7. Dennos Museum Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 166 reviews
Located on the campus of Northwestern Michigan College, the Dennos Museum Center offers an ongoing array of changing exhibits in the arts and sciences. The museum holds and exhibits one of the largest and most historically complete collections of stone sculpture, prints and drawings by the Inuit artists of the Canadian Arctic, in the United States. Its hands-on Discover Gallery features interactive engagement with the arts and sciences. The museum produces a concert series of blues, jazz and world music and other entertainment forms each year from September to May in the center’s 367 seat Milliken Auditorium and hosts performances by other community groups throughout the year.
Reviewed By terryhV463JA - Traverse City, United States
The galleries and store are nice. The concerts are our favorite there. The acoustics and lighting are great, but our favorite thing about this venue is the seating. The rows are far enough apart if you feel the need to shake a little more than your head....you can!
8. Kalamazoo Institute of Arts
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 179 reviews
A visual arts museum with 11 galleries featuring 3-4 loaned exhibitions and permanent collection galleries focused on American art. Free and family programming includes a first-Friday Art Hop, monthly Art Detectives gathering on the 2nd Saturday of the month; and a Friday Teen Night. A family gallery offers hands-on fun for children 2 and up, with a black light corner, book nook, mechanical drawing "robots", pegboard art-making, a drawing walli, even a n antique communication device: a typewriter!
Reviewed By 642katey
11 years ago, I had a first date at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts. We had an amazing time and long story short, are about to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary and the 2nd and 8th birthdays of our children. It is a gorgeous facility. The exhibits are always excellently curated and thought-provoking. They offer fantastic programming for all audiences including children and families. We also LOVE the annual Art Sale in December. It is the perfect spot to find unique gifts. We are so lucky to have such an gem located right here in the heart of our community.
9. 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.
10. Grand Rapids Art Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 257 reviews
Reviewed By dranke - Birch Run, United States
My daughters and I visited the art museum (GRAM as it’s called) as part of our annual girls weekend. I was very impressed by how easy it is to see all the art work on display. We started on the 3rd floor and worked our way down. Lots of beautiful sculptures and paintings, including a small painting by my favorite artist Renoir. The special exhibit was amazing also. I highly recommend a visit.
