Historic Detroit

Every building in Detroit has a story — we're here to share it

Detroit Museum of Art - Old photos

The museum in an early 1889 photograph.

The museum in an 1895 photograph with the library extension already in place.

The museum in 1956, four years before it was razed to make way for the Chrysler Freeway.

The museum in 1956, four years before it was razed to make way for the Chrysler Freeway.

The museum in 1954, when it was used by the Public Welfare Department. Its turrets were removed.

The museum in an undated photo.

Interior room of the Museum of Art, with paintings, drawings and reliefs on the walls.

A room inside of the Museum of Art, possibly a gift shop.

A crowd poses on the front steps of the Museum of Art.

Another view of the entrance around 1890.

A close-up of the museum's entrance around 1890.

A look at the Richardsonian details of the Museum of Art.

An early photograph from the Detroit Publishing Co.

An early photograph from the Detroit Publishing Co.

The Museum of Art in 1889, the year it opened. Note how shallow the building was pre-addition.

The expanded Museum of Art in 1906.

The museum stood at Jefferson and Hastings, which was replaced with the Chrysler Freeway.

The Museum of Art in 1888, the year it opened.