Where Diego Rivera's Murals Saved a City

At a Glance

The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) in Midtown Detroit opened in 1885 and now holds 65,000 works. Its most famous piece is Diego Rivera's Detroit Industry Murals (1932–33), 27 fresco panels surrounding the central Rivera Court.

Rivera's Murals and Detroit's Bankruptcy

Commissioned by Edsel Ford. During Detroit's 2013 bankruptcy, a coalition of foundations raised $800 million in the "Grand Bargain" to keep the collection intact; DIA now operates as an independent non-profit.

Must-See

• Rivera's Detroit Industry Murals.
• Rubens's Meeting of David and Abigail.
• Van Gogh Self-Portrait (1887).
• Hopper, Sargent, Cassatt, O'Keeffe.
• African, Islamic and Asian galleries.

Visiting Tips

QLine to Woodward & Kirby. $19; free for tri-county residents. 3–4 hours. Closed Mon–Tue. Pair with MOCAD, Motown Museum.