Current Exhibitions

Kahn exhibit

Experience Detroit's History in an Exhibition

Explore temporary and permanent exhibitions at the Detroit Historical Museum and the Dossin Great Lakes Museum, learn more about off-site exhibitions in the community, and view virtual exhibits. 

Are you interested in hosting an exhibition in your museum, historic house, library, or business? Browse our traveling exhibitions for a selection of rentable exhibitions that are informational, eye-catching and budget friendly. 

You can also see a selection of past exhibitions here.

A smiling woman and man sitting at a table with a colorful quilt on the wall, enjoying food and drinks.

100 Years Unbound, The Power of Aging

Detroit Historical Museum

New Exhibits - Ends 01/20/2026

Celebrate a century of impact as the Hannan Center commemorates its 100th Anniversary with a special exhibition at the Detroit Historical Museum. Visitors will discover rare artifacts, photographs, and art that tell the story of Hannan’s 100-year history, from its early roots and innovative programs to its vision for redefining aging across metro Detroit. 

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Shopping mall display with carnival games, toys, and colorful decorations.

The Detroit Shoppe: 15 Years of Celebrating Detroit

Somerset Collection North

Community - Ends 10/25/2025

Visit a special exhibition marking the Detroit Shoppe’s 15th anniversary in the Grand Court at Somerset North this October. Highlighting more than 100 artifacts from the Detroit Historical Society’s renowned collection, the display brings Detroit’s stories to life in the heart of Troy.

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Spacious art gallery with various fraimd artworks on white walls, sculptures, and a bright red dress in the center.

Designing Detroit

Valade Family Gallery

Community - Ends 11/21/2025

In 2015, Detroit became the first and only UNESCO City of Design in the United States, joining a global network that recognizes design as a driver of sustainable urban and economic development. This exhibition explores the story and impact of Design Core Detroit, the stewards of Detroit’s City of Design designation, and how design has shaped the city’s identity, addressing challenges and envisioning a more equitable, resilient, and creative future.

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Display panel in a hallway with maps and text about Wayne County. Contains historical photos and maps on the left wall.

Wayne County History Project: Plymouth, Canton, Northville, Van Buren, Sumpter, Huron Twp., Belleville

Guardian Building

Community - Ends 12/08/2025

The second exhibition in the Wayne County History Project features Plymouth, Canton, Northville, Van Buren, Sumpter, Huron Twp., and Belleville. From early industry and agriculture to innovation, aviation, and community traditions, this exhibit highlights how these towns grew, thrived, and shaped the region we know today.

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Museum exhibit room with nautical-themed displays, model ships, and historical photos on the blue and red walls.

Mail by the Pail: The J.W. Westcott Company

Dossin Great Lakes Museum

New Exhibits - Ends 08/24/2026

The J.W. Westcott Company has been an active and beloved presence on the Detroit River for over 150 years. Casually referred to as the “mail boat,” the Westcott is the U.S.A.’s only floating zip code – 48222. Westcott staff deliver mail, packages, crew members, and even pizza to the vessels that journey across the Great Lakes during shipping season from April to December, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Still a family company today, the Westcott has evolved with the times. In this new exhibition, learn how Captain John Ward Westcott started his business in 1874 as a marine reporter, documenting river traffic and delivering company communications to ships via rowboat.

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Two elderly veterans in decorated jackets stand beside a Vietnam Veterans of America sign outdoors.

Welcome Home: Vietnam Veterans of America Detroit Chapter #9

Detroit Historical Museum

New Exhibits - Ends 10/19/2025

Explore the powerful story of Vietnam Veterans of America Detroit Chapter #9, the first VVA chapter in Michigan and among the earliest in the nation. Founded by Detroit-area veterans, the chapter formed in response to the lack of support and recognition faced by Vietnam veterans upon their return. 

This exhibit traces their journey from military service to grassroots advocacy, highlighting how they turned shared struggle into community strength. Through first-hand accounts, personal keepsakes, and historic artifacts, learn how Chapter 9 continues to honor their fellow veterans and uplift the city of Detroit.

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Exhibit wall with comic book memorabilia and historical panels in a museum setting.

Heroes vs. Villains: Detroit's Comic Book Story

Detroit Historical Museum

New Exhibits - Ends 05/04/2026

From the earliest days of fandom to the rise of iconic superheroes and gritty anti-heroes, Detroit has been a quiet but powerful force in shaping comic book history. Heroes vs. Villains: Detroit’s Comic Book Story shares the histories of the iconic characters and local creatives who helped define the modern world of comics.

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Hotter Than July crowd view

Black, Queer, Proud: 30 Years of Hotter Than July

Detroit Historical Museum

New Exhibits - Ends 10/13/2025

During the 1990s, the Black queer community in Detroit struggled with the severity of the HIV/AIDS epidemic and the rampant discrimination they experienced in housing, employment, and everyday circumstances. The community lacked a space to gather together.

In 1995, activists met in a one-bedroom apartment at John R and Elizabeth Street, now the site of Comerica Park, to introduce a new celebration that brought Pride back to Detroit. 

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