Detroit Historical Museum
5401 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202
313-833-0481
When attorney and historian Clarence M. Burton donated his collection of historical papers to the Detroit Public Library in 1914, he triggered a chain of events that led to the creation of the Detroit Historical Museum. In December 1921, Burton brought together 19 prominent local historians to found the Detroit Historical Society, an organization dedicated to the preservation of the city’s history. In 1927, membership offices were leased and our treasurer J. Bell Moran was appointed to set up a museum. A new permanent exhibit opened in 1995 — The Motor City. This exhibit traces Detroit’s development into the Automobile Capital of the World and includes an operating assembly line with a two-story body drop from the General Motors Cadillac Division Clark Street Plant.
Parking Accessibility
There is accessible parking in the Detroit Historical Museum parking lot located South of the Museum entrance.
Restroom Accessibility
All bathrooms are wheelchair accessible.
Wheelchair Accessibility
Entrance: This venue’s front doors use automatic-open buttons. Visitors can be dropped off in front of the Detroit Historical Museum on Kirby Street. Entire Venue: Water fountains are also wheelchair accessible.
Wheelchair Rental
Adult-sized wheelchairs are available for use. See a Visitor Experience Associate at the front desk. There is no cost, but users must leave an ID with museum staff.
ASL Interpreter
No Information
Elevator
All floors are accessible via elevator.
Assisted Listening Device
Assisted Listening Devices are not available. However, closed captioning is available on most digital content in the permanent galleries.
Sensory Kit
Sensory bags containing special KCVIP badges, fidget tools, noise canceling headphones and other resources are available for checkout (at no cost, but you must leave an ID) at the front desk located at the Kirby Entrance of the Detroit Historical Museum.
Service Animal
No Information
Parking Accessibility
There is accessible parking in the Detroit Historical Museum parking lot located South of the Museum entrance.
Restroom Accessibility
All bathrooms are wheelchair accessible.
Wheelchair Accessibility
Entrance: This venue’s front doors use automatic-open buttons. Visitors can be dropped off in front of the Detroit Historical Museum on Kirby Street. Entire Venue: Water fountains are also wheelchair accessible.
Wheelchair Rental
Adult-sized wheelchairs are available for use. See a Visitor Experience Associate at the front desk. There is no cost, but users must leave an ID with museum staff.
ASL Interpreter
No Information
Elevator
All floors are accessible via elevator.
Assisted Listening Device
Assisted Listening Devices are not available. However, closed captioning is available on most digital content in the permanent galleries.
Sensory Kit
Sensory bags containing special KCVIP badges, fidget tools, noise canceling headphones and other resources are available for checkout (at no cost, but you must leave an ID) at the front desk located at the Kirby Entrance of the Detroit Historical Museum.
Service Animal
No Information
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