Museums to Muse Over

Southeast Michigan is home to many great museums that celebrate and educate on a wide variety of subjects—from art to archaeology and aviation to Arab American history. Follow the links below to find out more about what’s happening at Michigan museums near and far.

Did you know that you can get free or reduced-price access to some of these museums with the help of a Michigan Activity Pass? See below for more information about the MAP program, available with your Canton Public Library card.

Detroit

• Detroit Institute of Arts (MAP)
  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.
• Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit (MOCAD) (MAP)
  Established in 1995, the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit (MOCAD) presents exhibitions and programs that explore the best of contemporary art, connecting Detroit and the global art world. 
• Detroit Historical Museum (MAP)
  Cobblestone streets, 19th century stores, an auto assembly line, toy trains and a fur trading post from the 1700s are only a few of the wonders visitors see at the Detroit Historical Museum. For over 90 years, the Museum has chronicled the life and times of the region, safeguarding its rich history. 
• Dossin Great Lakes Museum (MAP)
  Located on Strand Drive on Belle Isle, the Dossin Great Lakes Museum is dedicated to showcasing the story of the Great Lakes, with a special emphasis on Detroit’s role in regional and national maritime history. 
• The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
  The Charles H. Wright Museum opens minds and changes lives through the exploration and celebration of African American history and culture. 
• Michigan Science Center
  Located on the corner of Warren Ave and John R St. in Midtown, the Michigan Science Center is one of several nonprofit organizations in Detroit’s cultural district. With live stage shows, an IMAX Dome, a 4D theater, a planetarium, an 8,700 square foot special exhibit hall, and 220+ interactive exhibits, the Science Center has a lot to offer children and adults alike. 
• Motown Museum
  Located in the original headquarters and music recording studio for Motown Records, the Museum is home to an extensive array of authentic company artifacts, photographs, costumes and other valued memorabilia.

Metro-Detroit

• The Henry Ford and Greenfield Village
  The world's largest indoor-outdoor history museum provides educational experiences based on the authentic lives, stories, and objects from America's past, focusing on the country's traditions of ingenuity and innovation.
• Arab American National Museum (MAP)
  The Arab American National Museum (AANM) is the first and only museum of its kind in the United States devoted to recording the Arab American experience. It serves as a touchstone that connects communities to Arab American culture and stories.
• The Zekelman Holocaust Center (MAP)
  Located in Farmington Hills, the Center's mission is to engage, educate and empower by remembering the Holocaust.
• Cranbrook Art Museum (MAP)
  The Art Museum features year-round, changing exhibitions of modern and contemporary art and design, as well as guided tours of the Collections Wing, showcasing the museum's collection of nearly 6,000 pieces of art.
• Cranbrook Institute of Science
  The Institute's exhibitions are housed in multiple permanent galleries. There is also a changing exhibition hall, an outdoor science garden, nature trails, a state-of-the-art planetarium, and an observatory. 

Ann Arbor

• Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum
  Located in downtown Ann Arbor, the museum features 10 different exhibit areas and encourages hands-on discovery. 
• Kelsey Museum of Archaeology (MAP)
  The Kelsey Museum of Archaeology supports teaching and research on Classical, Egyptian, and Middle Eastern archaeology through stewardship of its rich collections, an active exhibitions program, and sponsorship of ongoing field research.
• U of M Museum of Art
  With over 94,000 square feet of display space, the UMMA is one of the largest university art museums in the United States.
• U of M Museum of Natural History
  The Natural History Museum at the University of Michigan inspires curiosity with exhibits that explore the natural world from molecules to dinosaurs, a planetarium, science demonstrations and university scientists discussing their research. 

Near Canton

• Belleville Area Museum (MAP)
  Come visit and get a taste of early Belleville. 
• Plymouth Historical Museum (MAP)
  The Plymouth Historical Museum features an impressive collection of history including exhibits on early pioneers, businesses, railroads, President Lincoln, the Civil War, the Daisy Air Rifle, World War II and much more. Take a stroll in time down their 19th century Victorian Main Street displaying numerous historical artifacts and large-scale scenes depicting a vibrant community as it remains today.
• Yankee Air Museum (MAP)
  The Yankee Air Museum, located at the historic Willow Run Airport, has a fleet of flying aircraft and a collection of static display aircraft outdoors and offers educational opportunities as well as many events throughout the year.

Museums around Michigan

• Local historical organizations throughout Michigan
• State of Michigan History Museums and Historical Sites
• Pure Michigan Guide to Museums

The Michigan Activity Pass (MAP) program from The Library Network allows you to use your library card to obtain free or discounted passes for cultural and natural attractions throughout the state. You can check out one pass per card every seven days, and you have seven days from when you claimed the pass to use it.

To reserve a pass, go to the MAP website. Scroll down to “Start Your Adventure” and select Canton Public Library. You can enter your starting location and a search radius for how far you want to travel. If you know the exact venue or the type of place you want to visit, enter those details into the keyword box.

After you’ve entered your info, hit the green “Search” button. Next to each venue on the results list there is a button to give you details about the site. Clicking on the “Pass Options” button will bring up a list of available passes for that facility and the dates they’re being offered.

When you have found the venue you want to visit, click the green “Get Pass” button. You will be asked to enter your Canton Public Library card number as well as your name and contact information. Be sure to include your email address if you would like a copy of the pass sent to you electronically. Once your pass is reserved, you can save it to your Google or Apple Wallet or print it from the confirmation screen. Now you're ready to explore!