Detroit is a re-emerging city (a Whole Foods in Midtown!) with a vibrant art scene. Be sure and check out the art museums below:

1. Detroit Institute of Arts: Most famous for the 27 murals by Diego Rivera, the museum has 60,000 other pieces spanning all time periods and locales from ancient Greece and Rome to contemporary America. Plan to spend a day here – Cafe DIA makes a great lunch stop.

2.  Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit:  Just down the street, set up in an abandoned industrial-sized garage is the Museum of Contemporary Art. Check first for exhibition opening times.

3. DAM: Walk across Woodward Avenue to The Detroit Artist’s Market, a non-profit gallery for contemporary art, showing and selling works by emerging and established Detroit and Michigan artists. Try to time your visit to coincide with their garden art parties.

4. The Heidelberg Project:  Cruise the streets of this former down and out area 15 minutes from downtown where abandoned houses have been converted into America’s largest urban folk art project.

5. The Motown Museum: Founded in 1985 by the recently deceased Esther Gordy Edwards, Motown attracts thousands of visitors from around the globe. The highly entertaining guided tour of photos, records, artworks and other Hitsville USA artifacts is mandatory and included in the price of admission. Be prepared to perform either a Four Tops or Supremes single with your tour group in the famous studio before you leave.

6. Comerica Park: In the evening, take in a Detroit Tiger’s game. Even if you’re not a fan, the over-sized sculptures and baseball Ferris wheel are worth a visit.

7. The Henry Ford Museum: If you’re interested in cars, check out Henry Ford’s impressive collection with a representative of almost every vehicle ever made from presidential rides to rare racing cars.