Our Mission

The DIA's collection is among the top six in the United States, with more than 65,000 works. The foundation was laid by William Valentiner, who was director from 1924 to 1945 and acquired many important works that established the framework of today's collections. Among his notable acquisitions are Mexican artist Diego Rivera's Detroit Industry fresco cycle, which Rivera considered his most successful work, and Vincent van Gogh's Self-Portrait, the first Van Gogh painting to enter a U.S. museum collection.

A hallmark of the DIA is the diversity of the collection. In addition to outstanding American, European, Modern and Contemporary, and Graphic art, the museum holds significant works of African, Asian, Native American, Oceanic, Islamic, and Ancient art. In 2000, the DIA established the General Motors Center for African American Art as a curatorial department in order to broaden the museum's collection of African American art.

Learn more about the Collection

When the DIA successfully secured millage funding through 2032 with the renewal in March 2020, it provided an opportunity for the museum to create a new road map for the next three to five years. This strategic plan serves as a blueprint for the entire organization to follow as we collectively implement our priorities for the future and evaluate our success serving our communities.

Pillars

• Create an extraordinary experience for every DIA visitor, onsite, online, and in the community
• Continue to foster a sense of belonging for our team, visitors and tri-county communities based on inclusion, diversity, equity, and access in all museum activities
• Cultivate a collaborative, inclusive, and equitable workplace culture to attract, develop and retain a high-performing team
• Develop education, exhibition and public programs and steward our art collection to uplift and reflect the diversity of cultures and human experiences, raising the world-class profile of the DIA
• Secure financial stability and support creativity for current and future generations by growing the DIA’s endowment
• Build digital capabilities that enable efficient teamwork and inspire our onsite and online audiences

See the 2022–2027 Strategic Plan

Public Notice Regarding the National Endowment for the Humanities’ Section 106 Review of Detroit Institute of Arts Fire Protection Systems Upgrade for Prints, Drawings and Photographs gallery, department, and storage rooms

The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) has awarded the Detroit Institute of Arts, in Detroit, Michigan, a Sustaining Cultural Heritage Collections grant (PF-301175-24). The project will support the installation of a new fire suppression and early warning detection systems for the Prints, Drawings, and Photographs (PDP) galleries, department, and storage rooms.

NEH is an independent grant-making agency of the United States government dedicated to supporting research, education, preservation, and public programs in the humanities. This public notice is issued as part of NEH’s responsibilities under 36 C.F.R. Part 800, the regulations which implement Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) of 1966, as amended, 54 U.S.C. 306108. NEH, a funding agency, is required by regulation to identify and assess the effects of any proposed actions on historic properties. If any proposed action will have an adverse effect on historic resources, NEH works with the appropriate parties to seek ways to avoid, minimize, or mitigate any adverse effects. Additionally, the Section 106 regulations require NEH to consider the views of the public on preservation issues when making final decisions that affect historic properties.

The Detroit Institute of Arts, located at 5200 Woodward Ave, Detroit, Michigan, 48202, is one of three buildings that contributes to the National Register of Historic Places Michigan Cultural Center Historic District (NHRP #83003791). Detroit Institute of Arts, a white marbfe Beaux Arts style building designed by Paul Philippe Cret (1876-1945) and built In 1921-1927. The area of potential effect is limited to building’s interior footprint, however, parts of the interior (excluding the east wing and rear of the building) contribute to the building’s eligibility for the NHRP.

The proposed work involves the installation of an early smoke detection system, and FK-5-1-12 Gas Fire Suppression system blended with a Preaction Sprinkler System with new cylinders, piping, valves, and electronic inputs and outputs to replace the existing Halon fire suppression system, which has been phased out due to its deleterious effects on the ozone layer. The new early smoke detection and fire suppression systems will be installed in the Schwartz Prints and Drawing Galleries; Prints, Drawings, and Photographs (PDP) offices; Library/Study Room; Matting and Framing area; compact mobile storage area on the first floor; and three PDP storage rooms including the new cool storage room in the basement plus the newly configured mechanical room that serves these PDP spaces on both floors. The installation of new piping will mostly follow the same pathway as existing suppression system, which will reduce construction and additional penetrations through the deck between the basement level and the first floor. During installation of the piping, all necessary inputs, outputs, sensors, valves, and nozzles will be fitted. Once the system passes testing to ensure it is sealed and functions it will be connected to the gas cylinders and the museum's main fire control panel for full commissioning. Installation of very early warning detection apparatus, or VESDA® system. The tubing for this system, along with all appropriate sensors, valves, nozzles, and connectors, will be installed in parallel with the other fire system components and connected into the museum's main fire system through an existing sub-panel in the space.

On October 30, 2024, Ryan Shumaker, the Ohio State Historic Preservation Officer, indicated that the project will have no adverse effect. After reviewing Section 106 documentation and SHPO finding, NEH issues a determination of no adverse effects. If the scope of work changes in any way, or in the unlikely event that human remains, or archaeological material are encountered during construction activities related to this project, work must be halted, and the Detroit Institute of Arts will contact NEH and the SHPO to determine if additional review under Section 106 and other related laws is required.

As required by Section 106, NEH is providing the public with information about this project, as well as an opportunity to comment on any knowledge of, or concerns with, historic properties in the proposed project area, and issues relating to the project’s potential effects on historic properties. Comments may be submitted to the NEH by e-mail to FPO@neh.gov. The deadline for submitting comments is December 20, 2024.