Walking into the DIA in Detroit can be overwhelming, exciting, joyful, and cause many positive emotional reactions, but it is an experience for any age.
This year at the DIA, there were some big changes. Halfway through the year they were having problems with keeping the DIA open and running because there were not enough funds. Bill, a Sales Associate that works at the DIA said, “It took a lot of time to figure this out and there was a lot of controversy over this problem, but it finally came to a solution.”
A mileage was passed in Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb Counties and now every household in these counties will pay a tax. For every $100,000 that a house is worth the owner will have to pay $10 towards the DIA. Sandy, another Sales Associate said “Really, what we call it is an art tax to help keep this place in one piece because we really needed the money.”
Now that the mileage is official, the DIA will for sure be open for another 10 years. “The public has responded well to the mileage and is very happy to have it open for another 10 years,” Sandy said. “The attendance of the public has risen about 75 percent and we are now doing really well.”
Since the public has reacted so well Sarah, a member of the DIA and a high school journalism teacher, said this millage was a positive thing for the community.
“I think that the museum should be open to everybody,” she said. ” I think that people who have considerably more money than the average person shouldn’t be to inconvenienced by the $10 fee.”
About every month the DIA has a new exhibit or activity going on. They have art classes and workshops. The first piece of artwork was donated in 1883, and now there are thousands and of pieces in the DIA.
The DIA is great for all ages, said Sarah considering she brought her kids with her that day. In each exhibit, they have eye spy labels for the kids to play with. On the main floor, they have live music, entertainment, and a café.
The DIA has artwork from centuries ago to modern day. They represent not only the USA but everywhere.
“When you go there, you’re not only learning about art but history,” said Sarah. The galleries at the DIA relate to multiple cultures. Each exhibit/gallery has a name, the name represents the sponsor that funds that individual gallery. There are more than 100 exhibits and it covers 658,000 square feet.
A lot of people are attracted to the great hall, which has a ceiling with the most marvelous detailed engravings and along the walls there is a knight in armor and swords made out of metal and iron. Even if one does not enjoy art, the DIA has a theater with events almost every week.
The DIA is a phenomenal place and it’s really a family friendly place. “When you walk in there you will be filled with gratification because it is so amazing,” said Sarah. The DIA will be open for sure another 10 years so take the time to check out the DIA.
