Detroit Institute of Arts

👀Voting ends today!

Here's to Yvonne Hutch in support of her gracious service to the DIA community. Yvonne is always a sunny and helpful presence in the galleries. She has been nominated for a Visit Detroit's ROSE Award in recognition of her service excellence. Click the link for more information on the ROSE Awards and vote.

Voting - Rose Awards

🌸 This week's is a stunning mid-17th century cup-hilted rapier. This elegant weapon combines a slim, nimble blade with a beautifully crafted cup-shaped guard, adorned with botanical motifs. The blade's inscription, "In Solingin," hints at the renowned blade-making city of Solingen in Germany. However, the unique spelling suggests it may have been forged in Spain or Italy, with the hilt likely assembled in Naples.

On view now in the Great Hall, Level 2, West Wing at the Detroit Institute of Arts, come and marvel at this intricate piece of history.

Learn more: https://dia.org/collection/cup-hilted-rapier-31938

Italian, Cup-hilted Rapier, mid-17th century, steel. Detroit Institute of Arts, Gift of William Randolph Hearst Foundation, 53.212.

🍂🌳 Step back in time to the early 19th century with Charles Willson Peale's "Belfield Farm," painted around 1816. At sixty-eight, Peale purchased a beautiful farm near Philadelphia, naming it Belfield, meaning “beautiful field.” The painting features the distinctive Lombardy poplars, which symbolize liberty and were widely planted in the United States during that period.

On view now in the American, Level 2, West Wing at the Detroit Institute of Arts, discover the rich history and cultural significance of this artwork.

🔗 Learn more: https://dia.org/collection/belfield-farm-56649

Charles Willson Peale, Belfield Farm, ca. 1816, oil on canvas. Detroit Institute of Arts, Gift of Dr. and Mrs. Irving Levitt, 63.238.

🖼️✨ Happy Birthday to the masterful Rembrandt! Ever wondered what a 'work in progress' artwork looks like? Here’s your chance!

Explore the profound artistry of Rembrandt with "Old Man Shading His Eyes with His Hand," an etching in black ink on paper. This captivating piece showcases Rembrandt's exceptional skill in capturing human emotion and character. The artwork features an elderly man shading his eyes with his hand, his face illuminated by a soft light that highlights the intricate details and textures. The expressive gesture and the play of light and shadow reveal Rembrandt's mastery of "chiaroscuro" (an Italian term that translates to "light-dark" referring to the technique in visual arts, particularly painting and drawing, where the artist uses contrasts between light / dark to create a sense three-dimensionality on a flat surface. Check out both the unfinished face and the final artwork, and join us in celebrating Rembrandt's timeless legacy.

Rembrandt Harmensz van Rijn, Old Man Shading His Eyes with His Hand, ca. 1639, etching and drypoint printed in black ink on laid paper. Detroit Institute of Arts, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Bernard F. Walker, 68.20.

🎨✨ Happy Birthday to James Abbott McNeill Whistler! Born in 1834, Whistler remains one of America's most influential artists. Today, we celebrate his legacy by highlighting "Arrangement in Gray: Portrait of the Painter" (ca. 1872) — on view now in the DIA's Modern galleries.

In this striking painting, Whistler explores technique and composition while delving into his own psyche. The viewer is confronted by a cool, appraising gaze from a face of deceptive immediacy. The flattened forms, subtle gradations of gray, and asymmetrical composition reveal a strong Japanese influence, showcasing Whistler's ability to blend Western and Eastern artistic traditions. Join us in honoring Whistler's extraordinary contributions to art.

James Abbott McNeill Whistler, "Arrangement in Gray: Portrait of the Painter," ca. 1872, oil on canvas. Detroit Institute of Arts, Bequest of Henry Glover Stevens in memory of Ellen P. Stevens and Mary M. Stevens, 34.27.

Happy Birthday, Frida Kahlo! 🎉🎨 Born in 1907, today we celebrate the life and legacy of one of the most iconic artists of the 20th century. This photograph, titled "Frida with Granizo, Coyoacán," captures Frida Kahlo alongside her beloved pet deer, Granizo. The presence of Granizo adds a unique touch to the image, highlighting Frida's love for animals and the natural world. This photo is one of many that document Kahlo's life and intimate moments at her home, La Casa Azul (The Blue House), in Coyoacán, Mexico City. Join us in honoring her extraordinary talent and indomitable spirit.

Nickolas Muray, Frida with Granzio, Coyoacan, 1939, printed later, gelatin silver print. Detroit Institute of Arts, Gift of the Nickolas Muray Photo Archive, 2018.25.

Join us for “Drawing in the Galleries” today from 6-8:30 p.m. and create a pencil masterpiece to take home while exploring the collection up close. No experience needed, just bring your creativity! Supplies provided. Ages 6+ (kids 12 & under need an adult). 🖼️✨

Join the Friends of Modern and Contemporary Art for our Annual Meeting at 5:30 p.m. this Friday, June 28! Following the meeting at 6 p.m., guest artist María Magdalena Campos-Pons will give a free lecture on her work.

Campos-Pons, a MacArthur “Genius Grant” Fellow, explores history, memory, gender, and religion through diverse artistic practices. Don’t miss this chance to hear from a celebrated artist with exhibitions worldwide.
Register now!

🎨🌈 Join us for a Guest Artist Workshop: “What’s a Zine and How to Make One” with .jpg this Sunday, Jun 16 from 12 - 4 p.m.

Discover the art of zine-making, a fabulous blend of self-expression and creativity! From the 1920s’ sci-fi vibes to modern feminist and subculture roots, zines are small but mighty works of art made for sharing. Unleash your imagination, share your voice, and start your own zine adventure with us! 📚✨

Celebrate Pride Month with us! 🌈 This Thursday, June 6, Adam Baran will present a program of q***r documentary shorts at the Detroit Film Theatre as part of Mighty Real/Q***r Detroit's biennial exhibition.

"I’ll Be Your Mirror: Reflections of the Contemporary Q***r'' features LGBTQ+ documentaries produced during the COVID-19 pandemic. The films explore early rights rebellions, a punk rock fairytale, elders grappling with their place in the world, and lives filled with beauty, joy, and hard-fought freedoms against backgrounds of isolation, climate catastrophe, racism, and transphobia.

Films include: Out of the Corner of Our Eye, How to Carry Water, Compton’s 22, Queenie, The Girl That Got Away, Merman, and Bigger on the Inside
Tickets are on sale now at dia.org/events.

What can you convey with a poster? If you ask College for Creative Studies student Brooke Snow, the answer is many things: The trailblazing spirit of Black creatives, actors and filmmakers. The creativity and cultural significance of Black cinema. Self-love. Music. Beauty. History.

That’s why we’re so excited to share with you the poster Brooke illustrated to help promote and celebrate “Regeneration: Black Cinema 1898 – 1971,” now on view at the DIA.

Since February, Brooke has been working with the DIA’s Marketing team to create a poster that combines her personal creative style and the spirit of the exhibition. We think she did a phenomenal job – what do you think?

A special thank you to CCS for their continued partnership, and for fostering new generations of Detroit artists and creatives.

You can see Brooke’s poster on the Farnsworth side of the DIA right now, and you can visit “Regeneration” through June 23, 2024!
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“Regeneration: Black Cinema 1898 – 1971” is organized by the Academy Museum.
At the Detroit Institute of Arts, lead support is generously provided by The Gilbert Family Foundation. Major support is provided by JPMorgan Chase & Co. Additional support is provided by the DTE Foundation and Amazon.

As we honor and remember the brave men and women who have served and given their lives for our country, we’re proud to offer free admission to active duty military members, including the National Guard and Reserves, now through Labor Day weekend as part of the Blue Star Museums Program.

The offer is good for any holder of a military ID and up to 5 of their family members. The DIA is closed on Mondays, but we hope you'll visit us soon to enjoy our inspiring collections and exhibitions!

🚢📸 Let's wish a happy birthday to the incredible Dorothea Lange, born on May 26! Her masterpiece "Shipyard Worker, Richmond, California" – part of the DIA's collection – has an impact that resonates throughout history. Captured in 1942 and printed in the 1950s, this photograph embodies the strength and resilience of American workers during WWII. Join us in honoring Lange's legacy and her powerful contribution to documentary photography.

Join us today for “Drawing in the Galleries: Native American!” 🎨✍️

Unleash your creativity and sketch your own pencil masterpiece inspired by our incredible collection. No experience needed, and we provide all the supplies.

Fun for ages 6 and up (children 12 and under should be accompanied by an adult). Don’t miss out on this artistic adventure!

We are thrilled to see how ’s “As You Like It” draws inspiration from our “Regeneration” exhibition at the Detroit Institute of Arts. Don’t miss the final public performance on May 24! Space is limited, so be sure to register through the link in our bio.

📸 featuring and

🌺🎨 Let's celebrate the birthday of the remarkable Mary Cassatt on May 22! Immerse yourself in her masterpiece "In the Garden," painted in 1903 or 1904, which captures a moment of peaceful reflection amidst nature's beauty. On view at the Detroit Institute of Arts in Modern, Level 2, Central Wing, this painting invites you to experience the joy of simple pleasures and the tranquility of the outdoors. Join us in honoring Mary Cassatt's legacy and artistic vision!

🏞️🎨 Dive into the mesmerizing world of Paul Cézanne's "Mont Sainte-Victoire," a breathtaking depiction of the limestone mountain near the artist's home in the south of France. On view at the Detroit Institute of Arts, this masterpiece invites you to explore the play of warm and cold colors, creating a sense of distance and depth that is uniquely Cézanne. Visit it in Modern, Level 2, Central Wing and experience the timeless beauty of this iconic painting.

🌷✨ Celebrate the arrival of spring with the timeless beauty of John Singer Sargent's "Home Fields," on view at the Detroit Institute of Arts! This stunning piece captures the essence of the season, inviting you to immerse yourself in its vibrant colors and peaceful landscapes. Visit it in person on Level 2 of the West Wing and experience the magic of art this spring! 🌼🎨 And don't forget, May 12 is John Singer Sargent's birthday!

Attention all local artists and community members!

We are calling for submissions for the annual "Ofrendas: Celebrating el Día de Mu***os" exhibition at the DIA. Are you interested in displaying an ofrenda altar to honor the life and memory of a lost loved one? Visit https://dia.org/events/exhibitions/ofrendas-celebrating-el-dia-de-muertos-2024 to submit your proposal today.

Proposals are due by May 24.

📷 Gallery image from "Ofrendas: Celebrating el Día de Mu***os."

🎭 Calling all Shakespeare enthusiasts and theatre aficionados!

Shakespeare In Detroit will host two nights of special performances of "As You Like It" at the DIA on May 17 and 24. This family-friendly production pays homage to early Black silent films in celebration of the DIA's special exhibition "Regeneration: Black Cinema 1898 – 1971," using projection and footage from the era.

You won't want to miss this one-of-a-kind performance!

Free with registration. Get your tickets at https://dia.org/events/shakespeare-detroit-you-it

Photo : "Body and Soul," 1925

Tomorrow is the day – are you ready, Detroit? “7 Mile + Livernois” opens May 5 at the DIA, featuring new and reimagined works by Detroit’s own Tiff Massey. We can’t wait for you to see what’s inside.

dia.org/TiffMassey

Photo: Taizon Taylor

🔸 Opening this Sunday at the DIA! "Tiff Massey: 7 Mile + Livernois" 🔸

Experience the groundbreaking works of Detroit artist Tiff Massey with her solo exhibition at the Detroit Institute of Arts, "7 Mile + Livernois." Featuring new sculptures commissioned by the DIA in conversation with two works from the museum’s collection. Massey’s work reimagines art’s role in the community and offers a vibrant, inclusive view of Detroit. Her art invites us all to celebrate our collective identity, ancestral flyness, and beauty.

Come see it for yourself starting May 5! Details at dia.org/TiffMassey

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Tiff Massey: 7 Mile + Livernois is organized by the Detroit Institute of Arts.

Lead support is generously provided by the Alan Kidd Estate, The Gilbert Family Foundation, and Cadillac.

Additional support is provided by the Marjorie and Maxwell Jospey Foundation, Brian T. McKinney, Center Line Electric, Inc., the Friends of Modern and Contemporary Art, and the Friends of African and African American Art.

🌟 Celebrate the voices and stories of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities at the DIA throughout May!

The DIA partners with AAPI community groups and professional artists to showcase a blend of traditional and contemporary dance, musical performances, art, and more. This week: Join us for a lecture with award-winning photojournalist Alan Chin on May 2, an AAPI Celebration on May 4, drop-in paper fan workshops and more! Find the full line-up of events at https://dia.org/events/asian-american-and-pacific-islander-heritage-month

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Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage American Month programs at the DIA are developed in partnership with the DIA’s auxiliary group Friends of Asian Arts and Cultures (FAAC) & Global Federation of Chinese Business Women Midwest USA Chapter (GFCBW-Midwest) with support from Michigan Asian Pacific American Affairs Commission (MAPAAC) and International Institute of Metropolitan Detroit (IIMD).

🌟 Did you know? "Island in the Sun" isn't just a song—it's a powerful anthem that resonated far beyond its melody! 🎶

Written by Harry Belafonte and Irving Burgie for the 1957 film of the same name, which delved into racial tension and in*******al romance, this iconic tune set the stage for a groundbreaking cinematic experience. It serves as the title song, sung at the film's start, and lingers in viewers' minds as Belafonte walks off, leaving them humming its unforgettable melody.

Belafonte's performance of the song on The Ed Sullivan Show on June 9, 1957, further propelled its impact, cementing its place in music history. 📺🎤 Experience this and much more in "Regeneration: Black Cinema 1898 – 1971" at the Detroit Institute of Arts through June 23! 🎬🎨

A warm smile, a friendly greeting, a helpful wayfinder, a wealth of knowledge — DIA volunteers do it all!

This National Volunteer Week, we're so proud to recognize and celebrate our 500+ volunteers (including the handful of folks pictured here!) who donate their time to provide a great experience for museum visitors and extend the DIA's presence beyond our walls. Volunteers serve in a variety of roles within the museum such as assisting visitors in the galleries, staffing information desks, ushering in the Detroit Film Theatre, supporting staff in the Museum Shop and other departments, providing museum tours, beautifying the museum, and representing the DIA in the community.

Last fiscal year, 518 volunteers contributed 42,678 hours of service at the DIA, which equates to nearly $1.4 million in economic value!

Please join us in shouting from the rooftops: Thank you, DIA volunteers!!! 🎉

From fine art to floral art — come to the DIA on April 29 for a unique opportunity to see French Master Florist Frédéric Dupré in action, designing a work of art right before your eyes using only organic materials!

Come for the event and stay for the luncheon. Tickets are limited - get yours today: https://dia.org/events/friends-art-flowers-elizabeth-sites-kuhlman-lecture