Events Calendar

Chinese artist Wen Zhengming’s Red Cliff of 1558—a hanging scroll combining painting and calligraphy, now in the Detroit Institute of Arts—is one of his last works. The Red Cliff was a site along the middle stretch of the Yangzi River in central China, where fierce wars once took place.

Taking inspiration from the DIA collection, use a variety of materials to create a multimedia relief artwork depicting a memorable landscape or favorite nature scene.

Create your own pencil drawing to take home while exploring the collection up close. No experience necessary, and all supplies are provided. Open to ages 6 and up (children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult). Space is limited.

On Saturday, November 8, the Detroit Institute of Arts will be transformed for an unforgettable evening of exceptional dining, fine wine, live entertainment, and music.

Create your own pencil drawing to take home while exploring the collection up close. No experience necessary, and all supplies are provided. Open to ages 6 and up (children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult). Space is limited.

Use your own initials and colorful art materials to create a unique work of art to take home. Inspired by the vibrant geometric pieces in the newly reopened African American galleries!

Grammy-winning fiddler and vocalist for the Lost Bayou Ramblers, Louis Michot has long interpreted tradition through a modern lens. His 2023 solo debut, Rêve de Troubadour, is a spectral, shape-shifting album steeped in Louisiana French. 

Iran/France/Luxembourg/2025 — directed by Jafar Panahi | 101 min.

Vahid, an unassuming mechanic, is suddenly reminded of his time in an Iranian prison when a random traffic accident leads to a chance encounter with a man he thinks he recognizes—one he suspects was once his sadistic jailhouse captor. 

This lecture explores Land Identity through the lens of personal experience, federal policies, and material culture. It examines how Indigenous people navigate cultural hybridity, assimilation, and the systemic forces that have sought to sever their ties to the land.

Create your own pencil drawing to take home while exploring the collection up close. No experience necessary, and all supplies are provided. Open to ages 6 and up (children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult). Space is limited.

Make a simple book using heavy cardstock, paper, and a rubber band. It’s perfect for sketching and taking notes around the museum!

Gnote~7 is an energetic soulful band with expertise in many genres including funk, jazz, blues and old-school R & B. This performance will explore all of these genres in Gnote’s infectious style. Come prepared for a rollicking good time with high energy provided by a band that embodies what makes Detroit music special.

USA/2025 — directed by Ira Sachs | 76 min.

In 1974, writer Linda Rosenkrantz embarked on an experimental journalism project in which an emerging artist would have a conversation with her—and her tape recorder—about the day-to-day reality of an artist’s life in New York. 

Bring the whole family to the DIA for a delicious dinner before enjoying a special screening of Ratatouille. Make it an evening of great food, fun, and film, and create lasting memories with your loved ones at the museum.

Create your own pencil drawing to take home while exploring the collection up close. No experience necessary, and all supplies are provided. Open to ages 6 and up (children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult). Space is limited.

The River Raisin Ragtime Revue (R4) is a professional theater orchestra dedicated to educating and entertaining via the performance, preservation and restoration of significant American music. R4 highlights the development of our country’s original popular musical style – ragtime. 

Back by popular demand and landing right in the middle of Thanksgiving weekend, CatVideoFest is the ideal way to shake off the tryptophan and share a few laughs with family, friends, and fellow feline fans.

Please join us for an evening lecture featuring Rollo Whately, founder and director of Rollo Whately Ltd, one of London’s leading practices for historic frames, as he discusses how to identify original frames and the many considerations that go into selecting the right ones.

About the lecturer: