5. Motown Museum
The music most associated with Detroit is probably soul. And the most famous record company in Detroit is Motown Record Corporation. The name “Motown” is a shortening of one of Detroit’s nicknames, “Motor Town”. Berry Gordy Jr. founded Motown in 1960. The innovative music that they released came to be known as the Motown Sound, a distinctive variant of soul music. Esther Gordy Edwards founded the Motown Historical Museum in 1985. The museum catalogues the history of the record company, from the formation to the present day.
Address- 2648 West Grand Boulevard Detroit, Michigan 48208
Cost Range- 10 dollars per person
4. The Detroit Symphony Orchestra
The Detroit symphony orchestra, which performs at the Detroit Opera house, was originally formed in 1887. However, it ceased operations in 1910. A few years later, ten young Detroit society women each contributed $100, and pledged to find 100 additional subscribers to donate $10, to support the symphony. They worked swiftly, and where able to find a conductor and began holding concerts again in early 1914. They became so popular, it was decided the orchestra needed their own building. Orchestra Hall, which was designed by noted architect C. Howard Crane, was opened in 1919. They perform a variety of musical forms today, including classical and jazz.
Address- 3711 Woodward Avenue Detroit, MI 48201
Cost Range- 15 to 50 dollars
3. Ford Field
In 2002, the Detroit Lions began playing in a brand new, $500 million stadium. It’s almost 2 million square feet, and seats 65,000 people. Its unique design incorporates the old Hudson warehouse, which has been around since the 1920’s. In the first year of operation, approximately 1.5 million people visited the stadium. In addition to hosting the Lions, there are also other sporting events, concerts, banquets, tradeshows, business meetings, and conventions. As a special extra bit of knowledge, there are 92 total public restrooms.
Address- 2000 Brush Street Detroit, MI 48226
Cost Range- 35 to 100 dollars
2. Greektown
Greektown Historic District was ironically first settled in the 1830’s by German immigrants. Most of them left in the early 20th century, and new Greek immigrants moved into the area. So, not that ironic after all. It is a primarily commercial district today, dominated mainly by Greek restaurants, stores, and coffeehouses. Certain buildings on Monroe Street are themed to resemble the Parthenon, Pegasus, and other forms of Greek architecture. The district was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.
Address- Greektown Historic District, downtown Detroit, MI 48226
Cost Range- Varies widely
1. Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History is the world’s largest institution dedicated to the African American experience. It houses over 30,000 artifacts that explore the diverse history and culture of African Americans. It is 125,000 square feet and includes a 317-seat facility for live performances, film screenings, lectures, presentations, and more. It was founded by Dr. Charles Wright, an obstetrician and gynecologist, who decided, after visiting a museum preserving Danish history, that the same should be done for African Americans. He partnered with 30 other like-minded Detroiters, and in 1965 they founded the Afro-American Museum, which was eventually renamed after Mr. Wright.
Address- 315 East Warren Avenue Detroit, MI 48201
Cost Range- 8 dollars per person
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