DETAILS
For most of the 20th century, Detroit was our nation’s economic dynamo, which is reflected in the treasure trove of stunning historic homes, grand Art Deco skyscrapers, and mid-century masterpieces that still define the cityscape. This unique tour focuses on preservation efforts throughout the city and especially highlights the innovative Art Deco works that flourished in Detroit during the 1920s and 1930s. Detroit’s vibrant art scene is also featured with visits to the Detroit Institute of Art and Cranbrook.
- Pricing from
- $3,795
- Trip Type
- Closer to Home, Group Travel Tour
- Departure Dates
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May 6, 2025 - May 10, 2025
Cancellation by participant must be made in writing to ISDI and is effective only upon acknowledged receipt by ISDI. There is a non-refundable registration and planning fee of $500 per person regardless of cancellation date.
ITINERARY
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day 1
Welcome to Detroit
Upon arrival in Detroit, transfer independently to the Atheneum Suite Hotel, a member of the National Trust’s Historic Hotels of America program. In the late afternoon, gather for a guided walking tour of some of downtown Detroit’s Art Deco gems from the city’s development in the early 20th century with our local expert. Enter the magnificent Guardian Building, one of the nation’s most extravagant Art Deco skyscrapers, for a glimpse of its stunning lobby adorned in imported marble. This evening, celebrate our travels together in the Motor City with cocktails and dinner with fellow travelers.
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day 2
Art, Art Deco, and the Detroit Music Scene
Begin today at the Detroit Institute of Arts, housed since 1927 in a stately Beaux- Arts building, for a private, docent-led tour of the collection highlights including the massive Detroit Industry fresco cycle by Mexican artist Diego Rivera. Continue to Albert Kahn’s Fisher Building, known as “Detroit’s Largest Art Object”, to see the buildings three-story arcade adorned with mosaics, marble, brass, and frescoes. In the Corktown neighborhood, visit the recently restored Michigan Central Station and see how the grand buildings of Detroit are being reimagined for the 21st century. Late this afternoon, have a private guided tour of the Motown Museum, housed since 1985 in Berry Gordy’s home and former record studio. This evening, be welcomed by members of Detroit’s Art Deco Society for a cocktail reception at Cliff Bell’s, a restored Art Deco jazz club that continues to offer live jazz performances. Following the reception, have a chance to enjoy dinner and live jazz with fellow travelers, or return to the hotel for a night at leisure.
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day 3
Albert Kahn and Belle Isle
This morning, drive north of the city to the shores of Lake St. Clair to visit the Edsel & Eleanor Ford House, designed by Albert Kahn in 1926. Tour the historic estate’s magnificent interiors and manicured gardens and learn about the multiple large scale restoration projects that have been undertaken over the years. Following lunch together at the estate, return to Detroit for a tour of Pewabic pottery and tile manufactory, founded in 1903 and still in operation. Pewabic was a leader in the Arts and Crafts movement and its striking iridescent tiles adorned buildings throughout Detroit and Southeastern Michigan. Next, cross the Detroit River to Belle Isle Park for an up-close view of the Livingstone Memorial Lighthouse, Albert Kahn’s iconic marble structure, as well as the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory, and Belle Isle Aquarium.
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day 4
Cranbrook
Celebrated as the “cradle of mid-century modernism in America,” Cranbrook’s world-renowned campus is a treasure trove of history, architecture, craftsmanship, and design. Spend a full day touring Cranbrook’s expansive campus and see masterworks by architects such as Albert Kahn, Rafael Moneo, Billie Tsien, and Tod Williams, as well as Frank Lloyd Wright’s Smith House and the Art Deco home and studio of Finnish American designer Eliel Saarinen. Enjoy a private lunch in one of Cranbrook’s private event spaces, and have a chance to learn from Cranbrook’s curators about its historic role in the arts and its continued importance. Return to Detroit via Woodward Avenue, stopping en route at the National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica, a lavish Art Deco church completed in 1936 with the proceeds from the radio ministry of Father Charles Coughlin. This evening, toast the group’s travels together in Detroit at a festive dinner at one of Detroit’s top restaurants.
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day 5
Departures via Henry Ford’s Estate
Check out of the hotel and take a group transfer to the Detroit airport, stopping en route to see the grounds of Clara and Henry Ford’s estate, Fair Lane, where the 31,000 square foot, 56-room house is currently being restored by a team of artisans, conservators, historians, and craftspeople. Continue to the airport for independent return flights home.
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