Fiber artist Meli Bandera will teach participants about the structure and components of an ofrenda, then assemble one themselves.

Participants will be able to try different media and techniques, including paper cutting, punch needle, paper crafting, corn husks, and more to create papel picado, flowers, and other offerings for an ofrenda.
 

This program made possible by the PNC Foundation.

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

USA/1931 | Dir. Charles Chaplin

Releasing a silent film years after the introduction of sound was an astonishing risk for Chaplin, yet City Lights is anything but old-fashioned. A poor tramp (Chaplin) encounters a blind flower-seller (Virginia Cherrill) on a busy city street.

She believes he’s wealthy, and rather than disillusion her, he vows to keep his status a secret, and somehow find enough money to pay for the operation that will restore her sight. His comic genius is at its height in legendary sequences, but the final moments are what it’s all about.

Admission is free; our holiday gift to you. (86 min.)

“Magical… comes closest to representing all the different notes of Chaplin’s genius.” —Roger Ebert, The Great Movies
 

Explore the variety of styles and techniques in the special exhibition After Cubism: Modern Art in Paris, 1918–1948, then experiment with materials such as graphite, pastels, and ink to create a still-life drawing of your own. 

The brand-spanking-new 2023 edition of CatVideoFest is just what the doctor ordered: a hand-selected, carefully curated collection of the most entertaining, inventive and hilarious cat videos of the year.

An underground sensation that has packed theaters for years, CatVideoFest is a joyous communal experience that surprises and charms—a downright celebratory event on the DFT’s big screen.

Tickets go quickly, and advance purchase is recommended, especially on October 29–National Cat Day! In English and Feline. (73 min.) 

“When the history of this era is written, the primacy of a certain type of cat video will be recognized and celebrated ... if you don’t understand the appeal, no explanation will illuminate you.” -Mick LaSalle, San Francisco Chronicle film critic

Dr. Daniel Jaquet, an internationally recognized educator, curator, and swordsman, will lead six 30-minute mini-lessons, each open to six participants. Participants will learn the basic stances and foundational movements of Renaissance longsword fencing, using blunt training swords modeled after historical longswords. These exercises will emphasize careful and precise movement and will be practiced individually, with no sparring or swordplay between participants.

This fun and informative hands-on experience is suitable for families and young visitors ages 10 and up! Participants under 12 must be signed up with a parent or guardian.

Those interested in a mini-lesson should register for their preferred time and get a free ticket for admission to the temporary DIA fencing academy in the Great Hall.

Arrive early to enjoy Dr. Jaquet’s lecture and Q&A at 12:30 p.m.

Sign up soon, as tickets are limited!

The DIA is home to many works of arms and armor from the 1500s. But how did these metallic works of art intersect with the sophisticated fencing systems of their day, and how did their wielders learn and practice their skills? Dr. Daniel Jaquet, an internationally recognized educator, curator, and swordsman, will present a twenty-minute lecture on fencing schools in Renaissance cities and the art and science of longsword fencing, sharing images from skillfully illustrated manuscripts used by swordsmen to transmit their knowledge.

After the talk, Dr. Jaquet will lead six 30-minute mini-lessons, each open to six participants. Participants will learn the basic stances and foundational movements of Renaissance longsword fencing using blunt training swords modeled after historical longswords. These exercises will emphasize careful and precise movement and will be practiced individually, with no sparring or swordplay between participants.

This fun and informative hands-on experience is suitable for families and young visitors ages 10 and up! Participants under 12 must be signed up with a parent or guardian.

Those interested in a mini-lesson should register for their preferred time and get a free ticket for admission to the temporary DIA fencing academy in the Great Hall.

Travel through the many different and beautiful regions of Mexico with Ballet Folklorico de Detroit, a community group of passionate dancers who dedicate their time and talent to preserve Mexican culture and traditions through dance.

With each style of dress, music, and footwork showcased in every performance, the dancers aim to delight viewers and ignite a spark of interest in, and respect for, Mexican culture.

After the performance, don’t miss the 11th installment of Ofrendas: Celebrating el Día de Muertos, running through November 5, 2023. Free with museum admission. 

Create a pencil drawing to take home while taking a closer look at the collection.

No experience is necessary. All supplies provided.

For ages 6 and up (children ages 12 and younger should be accompanied by an adult). Capacity is limited.

Create a pencil drawing to take home while taking a closer look at the collection.

No experience is necessary. All supplies provided.

For ages 6 and up (children ages 12 and younger should be accompanied by an adult). Capacity is limited.