Explore Detroit's Cultural Center - 2nd and 4th Saturdays

On the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month, we explore the institutions and neighborhood that has housed Detroit’s cultural institutions for more than a century. The tour departs from the Detroit Public Library Main Branch at its Woodward entrance.

The vision for Detroit’s Cultural Center began more than 110 years ago and has continued to evolve through the decades. Uncover the stories behind Detroit’s great cultural institutions, such as the magnificent art and architecture of the Detroit Institute of Arts and the Detroit Public Library, neighboring institutions such as the Detroit Historical Museum and Scarab Club, as well as the Ferry Street neighborhood, its people, and their magnificent homes.

Items to note about our tours:

All tours take place rain or shine and are about 2 to 2.5 hours long. Please arrive 15 minutes before the start of the tour. Advance ticket purchases are available through the afternoon the Friday before the tour. If there is a date missing from the tour page, the tour for that location/date is sold out. Tickets may be refunded up to 7 days prior to the date of a tour; after that, tickets are not refundable.

Parking: Metered parking is available in the immediate area surrounding the library and there is a parking structure located at Cass and Putnam.

For info on booking private tours, please email Samantha Ellens at sellens@preservationdetroit.org.

How Preservation Detroit is addressing COVID-19 concerns

Preservation Detroit is concerned with the health and safety of our tour program volunteers and tour attendees. We continue to monitor the CDC and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services guidelines regularly.

At this time, we are comfortable with leading tours at full capacity (20 guests) and requiring masks only when entering a building that requires masks. Of course, masks may be worn outdoors for tour attendees’ comfort.

Note: Some buildings remain closed or, if they are open, they may have restricted access and require a mask to be worn. Restroom facilities may be unavailable along the tour route.

If you are not feeling well or have any cold or flu-like symptoms, please do not come on the tour; we will gladly work to reschedule your tour. Contact Samantha Ellens at samantha@preservationdetroit.org to make arrangements.

When you purchase a ticket for a Preservation Detroit walking tour, you acknowledge and accept Preservation Detroit’s COVID-19 safety policies.