DIA Moves 6 Masterpieces to Macomb for Free Fall Exhibit

The Detroit Institute of Arts has come to Macomb Township and unlike the downtown version, admission is free and outdoor voices are encouraged.

As part of its participation in the DIA's Inside/Out project, and the are now home to six framed, life-size digital reproductions of art from the DIA’s collection through the end of November.

“I’m here on behalf of the DIA and our sponsor, DTE Energy Foundation, to thank the Macomb Township community for inviting us into the community,” said Kathryn Dimond, who spoke to the township board Sept. 28. “We feel very strongly about making the museum accessible to people throughout southeast Michigan. We’re thrilled that you invited us into your community.”

Now in its second year, the Inside/Out project takes reproductions of art from the DIA’s collection and installs them in the streets and parks of local communities.

To date, more than 100 communities in southeast Michigan have taken part in the project.

This fall, 11 communities throughout southeast Michigan will take temporary ownership of DIA masterpieces.

In Macomb Township, these works include:

Located Along the Macomb Corners Park Walking Trail

• View of the Tiber with the Castel Sant’Angelo by Bernardo Bellotto
• Chevy by Edwin Landseer
• Watson and the Shark by John Singleton Copley
• Head of a Woman by unknown
• Seascape: Sunset by Martin Johnson Heade

Located Outside the Recreation Center

• Warrior with Two Pages by Peter Paul Rubens

“We’re thrilled at everything the DIA did for us,” said Sal DiCaro, Parks and Recreation director. “We got great positive response from the residents who have seen the display and we’re proud to have it here until the end of November.”

The works were unveiled Sept. 24 at the township-wide and will remain on display at Macomb Corners and the recreation center through Nov. 25.

Free Day at the DIA

On Oct. 2, Macomb Township residents will have the opportunity to visit their community’s art in its original DIA habitat for free. 

With a driver’s license, each resident will receive four passes to the museum.

The admission is all-inclusive and includes the Sunday Music Bar.

And when the art comes down in November, Dimond said the DIA wants to “make sure we continue this relationship with Macomb Township,” by offering speaker’s bureau talks and Art to the Schools, which brings artwork and docents into local schools to help “fill those gaps created in the arts curriculum.”

DiCaro said his department is also working with local art teachers to organize field trips to view the art while it remains on display.