Upon entering the Detroit Institute of Arts through our busiest entrance off John R Street this winter, a host of colorful panels welcomes you to the museum. Much of this signage showcases larger-than-life examples of just a few of the masterpieces on view inside — Self-Portrait by Vincent van Gogh, Noah’s Ark: Genesis by Detroit Artist Charles McGee, Mushhushshu-dragon, Symbol of the God Marduk from the Babylonian period, and, of course, a detail view of the infamous Detroit Industry Murals by Diego Rivera. 

The panels serve two purposes: to generate excitement for those visiting the DIA and to shield our entryways and reception area from bitter winds during the coldest months of the year. Essentially, we’re utilizing our art for a practical purpose. While visitors may move through these areas quickly, these panels also help our dedicated visitor experience staff and security officers stationed at both John R entrance points stay a bit more comfortable — regardless of the weather — as they do the important work of greeting visitors and ensuring everyone at the DIA has a safe and pleasant visit.  

At the museum, a great deal of time and effort is put into the smallest—and largest — details to ensure that visitors and employees alike feel comfortable and welcome. This project accomplishes one of our primary organizational goals of helping create an extraordinary experience for all visitors, while also cultivating a workplace that anticipates the needs of our high-performing staff. 
 
These temporary, seasonal panels mimic the ones installed at the Farnsworth entrance during the pandemic, when visitors queued outside while waiting to explore the museum at their scheduled time. For the John R entry point, the goal is to install the panels each year in late November or early December and take them down in late March or April. Images will likely be changed each year, allowing us to highlight the vast collection of artwork on display in the museum. 
 
The next time you visit the DIA, we hope you notice and enjoy all of the places where you can experience art — from our entrances to our galleries.