The Detroit Institute of Arts' newest exhibition, Highlights from the Modern Collection, opening August 8, is a greatest hits lineup. Think van Gogh, Monet, Picasso—all in just three galleries. This limited-time show includes about 65 works, many of which have never been shown together, in one intimate setting.
One of my favorite aspects of the show is how the artwork is displayed—“stacked” several paintings high and grouped together. This salon-style hanging was popular in the 19th century but is rarely seen in museums today. It reminds me of gallery walls in living rooms, where beloved paintings and family photos are intermingled, with the purpose of creating a cozy atmosphere and maximizing space.
Let me give you a sneak peek at what to expect: In the first gallery, you’ll find standout pieces depicting early-1900s America brought to life through styles like abstraction and realism. In the next space, you’ll see van Gogh’s Self-Portrait and Postman alongside well-known works by Monet, Cézanne, and Renoir—with Picasso and German Expressionism nearby. One gallery even boasts an entire wall of beloved Cubist works. And that’s just a fraction of what’s in store.
It’s a lot to take in, and that’s what makes the show so exciting. This is the kind of exhibition you’ll want to slowly wander through and then loop back to revisit your favorites.
Highlights from the Modern Collection is only possible because of our ongoing reinstallation of the museum’s Modern, Contemporary, and African American galleries. While those galleries are getting a fresh look, we wanted to make sure visitors could still enjoy some of our must-see works—in a brand-new way.
And when the show wraps up in mid-2026, we invite you back to see the big reveal of our reimagined galleries that will be the permanent home of the works in our Highlights show.
Mark your calendar: our African American art galleries open October 18, 2025. And stay tuned for an exact date on the reopening of our Modern and Contemporary galleries—we can’t wait to showcase our incredible collections rearranged, reimagined, and ready to inspire.
