Is your kid interested in science? How about history? Art? Then there’s a metro Detroit and Ann Arbor museum for them!
Southeast Michigan is packed with educational hubs that explore all kinds of things — and many offer traveling exhibitions throughout the year to keep kids coming back.
Here, you’ll find a list of exhibits coming to our area in the upcoming weeks. From a larger-than-life dinosaurs experience to an immersive experience featuring Disney music, there’s something for everyone at our southeast Michigan museums.
Take a look at the list for something that aligns with your child’s interests and enjoy your outing!
Don’t see an exhibit your kid will love? Check out our online calendar for even more exhibits and fun events!
Van Gogh in America
Through Jan. 22, 2023
- Address: Detroit Institute of Arts, 5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit
- Cost: $7-$29, free/members
Van Gogh in America is the first exhibition dedicated to the introduction and early reception of Vincent van Gogh’s art in the United States. The exhibition will display 68 works by Van Gogh, illustrating the efforts made by early promoters of his art – including the artist’s family – in America. This exhibition includes paintings, drawings, prints, and one illustrated letter by Van Gogh from museums and private collections around the world.
“Level Up”
Opens back up Feb. 1, 2023-June 2023
- Address: Michigan Science Center, 5020 John R St., Detroit
- Cost: Free w/museum admission: $18/adult, $14/ages 2-15, free/under 2
Check out this 8,000 square-foot interactive installation that demonstrates the acquired skills behind video and analog games. The traveling exhibit, Electric Playhouse Travels will be there until May 28, 2023.
Van Gogh’s Artistic Roots: The Hague School and French Realism
Through Jan. 30, 2023
- Address: Detroit Institute of Arts, 5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit
- Cost: Free w/admission
The exhibit is in conjunction with the upcoming exhibition Van Gogh in America. This installation presents a selection of paintings and works on paper by Dutch and French realist artists, all of whom were contemporaries of Vincent van Gogh.
Disney Animation: Immersive Experience
Feb. 9-May 14, 2023
- Address: Lighthouse ArtSpace Detroit, 311 E. Grand River Ave., Detroit
- Cost: $27.99-plus
Sing along and experience your favorite Disney songs and movies in an all-new immersive experience.
Scooby-Doo! Mansion Mayhem
Feb. 12-April 9, 2023
- Address: The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, 20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn
- Cost: Free w/museum admission and for members
Families can solve the mystery in this immersive exhibit at the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation. Join Daphne as she combs the Hall of Portraits, find the details in the music room and library, check the Kitchen and the Villain’s Tinkering Workshop for clues and take a selfie with the whole gang when the case is closed.
Fall Exhibitions
Through March 19, 2023 (Wednesdays-Sundays)
- Address: Cranbrook Art Museum, 39221 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills
- Cost: $10/general, free/ages 12 and under
This November, Cranbrook Art Museum will open three new exhibitions that each have a unique connection to the city of Detroit. It will feature established artists, new talent and artists with connections to Cranbrook Academy of Art.
SUE: The T. rex Experience
Through April 30, 2023
- Address: Cranbrook Institute of Science, 39221 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills
- Cost: $10/non-member adults, $9/members, $8/non-member children ages 2-12 and seniors, free/enhanced members and children under 2. (non-members must pay general admission, too)
This traveling exhibit comes from the Field Museum in Chicago and features an exact cast of SUE’s skeleton, measuring in at 40 feet from snout to tail and 13 feet tall at the hip.
Sonya Clark: We Are Each Other
June 17-Sept. 24, 2023 (Wednesdays-Sundays)
- Address: Cranbrook Art Museum, 39221 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills
- Cost: $10/non-members general admission, $8/non-member seniors 65-plus, $6/students with ID, free/ages 12 and under and members
Clark often undertakes this exploration through everyday fiber materials—hair, flags, found fabric—and craft practices to show issues on race, history and reconciliation.
Miniature Moments: A Journey Through Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments
Through Nov. 20, 2023
- Address: Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, 20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn
- Cost: Free w/museum admission and for members
See the museum’s extensive collection of nearly 7,000 Hallmark ornaments made between 1973 and 2009. This is a permanent exhibit.
Rosa Parks Bus
Through Dec. 31, 2023
- Address: Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, 20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn
- Cost: Free w/museum admission and for members
Visit the “With Liberty and Justice for All” area to see the bus where Rosa Parks took a stand for the Civil Rights Movement by refusing to give her seat up to a white man.
This post is updated regularly.