The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) has announced an ambitious schedule of exhibitions and cultural programs for 2025-2026, featuring diverse collections ranging from contemporary Anishinaabe art to Renaissance armor. The museum, which houses one of the nation's top six art collections with over 65,000 works, continues to expand its programming to connect people with art through innovative exhibitions and community engagement initiatives.
Among the most anticipated upcoming exhibitions is "Guests of Honor: Armor as Fashion," running from April 25, 2025, through April 26, 2026. The exhibition features significant pieces including a work by Juan van der Hamen y León depicting Jean de Croÿ, Count of Solre, from 1620-22, currently held in a private collection in Spain. This exhibition explores how armor functioned as both protection and fashion statement during the Renaissance period.
Currently on view, "Contemporary Anishinaabe Art: A Continuation" runs through April 5, 2026, showcasing works including "Basil's Dream" by Jonathan Thunder. The exhibition represents the museum's commitment to highlighting Native American artistic traditions and contemporary expressions. Additionally, the museum is presenting "Highlights from the Modern Collection," an ongoing exhibition featuring notable works including a portrait of Postman Roulin.
The DIA's cultural programming extends beyond visual arts to include its annual celebration of Mexican traditions. The "13th Annual Ofrendas: Celebrating el Día de Muertos" exhibition runs from September 27 through November 2, 2025. This year marks a significant expansion, with 12 ofrendas (offerings) displayed across all three floors of the museum, representing a new approach to honoring the Day of the Dead traditions.
Looking ahead to fall programming, the museum will open "Reimagine African American Art" on October 18, 2025, featuring works such as Robert S. Duncanson's "Ellen's Isle, Loch Katrine" from 1871. The exhibition coincides with special member events, including sneak peek previews on October 16 and member previews on October 17, followed by lectures and gallery talks.
Future exhibitions include "Georgia O'Keeffe: Architecture," scheduled to run from September 13, 2026, through January 3, 2027. This exhibition will feature O'Keeffe's architectural works, including her 1932 oil painting "Stables," which is part of the DIA's permanent collection as a gift from Robert H. Tannahill.
The museum's educational programming includes daily "Big Picture Guided Tours" and specialized workshops such as "DIA Studio Session: Clay Lanterns" and "Drawing in the Galleries: Arts of Africa." Family-friendly programming features drop-in workshops including mask-making activities, designed to engage visitors of all ages with the museum's diverse collections.
Under the leadership of Director, President and CEO Salvador Salort-Pons, the DIA continues to emphasize community outreach and accessibility. The museum's InsideOut program brings art to communities across Metro Detroit, while the institution maintains regular hours Tuesday through Sunday, with extended Friday hours until 9 p.m. The museum remains closed on Mondays and major holidays including New Year's Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.
The Detroit Film Theatre, housed within the DIA, continues its programming with current screenings including "Little, Big, and Far" and upcoming presentations of "Forbidden Games." This programming complements the museum's visual arts offerings and reinforces its role as a comprehensive cultural institution serving the Detroit metropolitan area and tri-county region through millage-supported programming.
