D Letter

The Collection

The DIA connects people to art with programs, resources, and a diverse collection—among the top six in the nation with over 65,000 works.

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Millage and Tri-County Benefits

The DIA connects people to art with programs, resources, and a diverse collection—among the top six in the nation with over 65,000 works.

A Letter

Outreach

The DIA connects people to art with programs, resources, and a diverse collection—among the top six in the nation with over 65,000 works.

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Location and Hours

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Open 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. today
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Open 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. today
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Open 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. today
Detroit Institute of Arts

Detroit Institute of Arts

Mon
Closed today
Tues - Wed - Thurs
Open 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. today
Fri
Open 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. today
Sat - Sun
Open 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. today
Detroit Film Theatre

Detroit Film Theatre

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Director’s corner

A New Gift for the DIA’s Research Library and Archives: Exploring the Legacy of William Valentiner

March 30, 2025
Salvador Salort-Pons
DIA Director, President and CEO

The Detroit Institute of Arts has expanded its archives with a significant acquisition: 62 containers of personal research papers, manuscripts, and journals from William Valentiner, the first professionally trained art historian to lead the museum from 1924 to 1945. Received from the North Carolina State Archives in March, the files span his entire lifetime and nearly double the DIA’s existing Valentiner records. Valentiner was one of the most talented museum professionals working in the US in the 20th century. 

Karl Schmidt-Rottluff, Dr. Wilhelm R. Valentiner II, 1923. Collection: Detroit Institute of Arts, Gift of Mrs. Ralph Harman Booth