Navigating the academic rigors at the University of Michigan can be challenging, but finding a balance between classes and hobbies is essential. Drawing from my experience during my first year, I found solace in exploring archaeological sites and museums. Michigan boasts some of the finest museums in the country, making them perfect weekend getaways or escapes during free time. Here's a guide to some of Michigan's museums, along with intriguing fun facts:
University of Michigan Museum of Art (UMMA):
Situated at the heart of the University of Michigan's central campus, UMMA boasts a vast collection of more than 20,000 artworks, spanning diverse cultures and epochs. It showcases an array of paintings, sculptures, photographs, and other visual art forms. An interesting fact about UMMA is that it was one of the first museums in the U.S. to digitize its collections, allowing it to transcend the traditional barrier of physical location and to afford complete access to research and teaching via the web. For students, admission to the museum is free, and it welcomes visitors every day during business hours.
Kelsey Museum of Archaeology:
Also located on the University of Michigan's central campus, the Kelsey Museum is a haven for enthusiasts of archaeology and ancient civilizations. With artifacts hailing from Egypt, the Near East, Greece, and Rome, it offers a glimpse into the cultures of yore. Beyond its collection, the Kelsey Museum offers educational programs and events. A fun fact about the museum is that its name honors Henry Kelsey, a 17th-century British explorer who traversed the Canadian prairies. It opens its doors to the public without any admission charge.
Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) - Detroit:
Located 42 miles away from Ann Arbor, the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) stands as a monumental treasure trove of art. Boasting an extensive collection that spans ancient to contemporary creations, the DIA commands prestige and admiration. One standout feature is the colossal Diego Rivera murals, collectively named "Detroit Industry." These murals, painted between 1932 and 1933, narrate the automotive industry's history in Detroit. Visitors can explore these murals, a hallmark attraction, within the DIA's main building. For students, the entry fee is $10 with a valid student ID, and the museum welcomes visitors during regular business hours.
The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation - Dearborn:
This is my favorite and one of Michigan's crown jewels, the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, located in Dearborn, offers a unique blend of history, technology, and innovation. Remarkably, it holds the distinction of being the largest indoor-outdoor museum complex in the United States, drawing over 2 million visitors annually. A captivating fact lies in the museum's possession of the actual bus that Rosa Parks courageously occupied, sparking the Montgomery Bus Boycott and epitomizing the Civil Rights Movement. This bus, aptly named the "Rosa Parks Bus," stands as an enduring symbol of courage, resistance, and the fight for racial equality. Entry fee is $25 and there is an Amtrack train which connects Ann Arbor and Dearborn.
Written by Haggai Chomba
Summer Orientation Peer Advisor
Graduate Student
Zambia
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