Events Calendar

See "The Rooster's Crow" Automaton Clock come to life in the DIA's European Medieval & Renaissance galleries during its once-monthly day of operation! Throughout the day, visitors can see this rare 16th-century clock's mechanical rooster flap its wings and open its beak every fifteen minutes, and witness the figures of seven princes parade around an enthroned emperor as the clock strikes each hour.

Create a pencil drawing to take home while taking a closer look at the collection. No experience necessary and all supplies are provided. For ages 6 to adult (children 12 and younger should be accompanied by an adult). Capacity is limited.

Heraldry emerged during the Middle Ages as a way to visually represent lords and knights. Learn more as you create a miniature coat of arms of your own design.

Nellie McKay has released a diverse collection of critically acclaimed albums, with songs that range from jazz to pop to the delightfully undefinable. Her current projects include her latest release, Hey Guys, Watch This—created with The Carpenter Ants and inspired by the soulful sounds of West Virginia—and her forthcoming album, The Get Away From Me Demos, on Omnivore Records.

Experience the highlights of the Detroit Institute of Arts on a free, guided tour with American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation.

Explore some of the museum’s most beloved works of art while learning about the stories, history, and artists behind them.

Tours meet in the Great Hall at 1 p.m. and last approximately 45 to 60 minutes.

Have you ever wondered how knights in medieval and Renaissance Europe donned their shining armor, or what it felt like to move while covered in steel plates? 

Join internationally acclaimed historian, Dr. Daniel Jaquet, and the DIA’s own armor expert, Dr. Chassica Kirchhoff, for a live demonstration of the arming process and the amazing range of movement a knight could achieve in this wearable technology.

Use rubber stamps and fabric markers to give your own personal meaning to a decorated piece of silk fabric. 

Create a pencil drawing to take home while taking a closer look at the collection. No experience necessary and all supplies are provided. For ages 6 to adult (children 12 and younger should be accompanied by an adult). Capacity is limited.