Cultural Center Historic District (Detroit, Michigan) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Cultural Center Historic District
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The main entrance of the Detroit Institute of Arts
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| Location | Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
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| Built | 1915 |
| Architectural style | Beaux-Arts, Renaissance Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 83003791 |
| Added to NRHP | November 21, 1983 |
The Cultural Center Historic District is a special area in Midtown Detroit, Michigan. It's known for its important buildings and attractions. This district includes the Detroit Public Library, the Detroit Institute of Arts, and the Horace H. Rackham Education Memorial Building. These buildings were officially recognized as a historic district in 1983.
Many years ago, in the 1920s, the Detroit Public Library and the Detroit Institute of Arts were built. This was part of a plan called the "City Beautiful" movement. The idea was to make the area along Woodward Avenue a beautiful cultural hub for the city. Over time, more important places joined them. These include Wayne State University, the Detroit Historical Museum, the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, and the Michigan Science Center. There are also homes and other buildings nearby that add to the district's history and charm.
The Detroit Public Library
The Detroit Public Library opened its doors in 1921. It was designed by an architect named Cass Gilbert. He used an Italian Renaissance style for the building. The outside of the library is made of white marble. Inside, you can see beautiful murals, tiles, and mosaics. A new section was added to the library in 1963.
The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA)
The Detroit Institute of Arts, often called the DIA, was finished in 1927. The architect, Paul Philippe Cret, made sure it looked similar to the library next door. Cret designed different sized rooms for the art. This helped to display the art collection in the best way. Two new wings were added later, in 1965 and 1971. A big new addition opened in 2008.
The Horace H. Rackham Education Memorial Building
The Rackham Building is named after Horace Rackham. He was a kind person who gave money to many causes. He was also an early investor in the Ford Motor Company. This building opened in 1941. It was once the main office for the Engineering Society of Detroit. It also housed the University of Michigan Extension Service.
The building was designed by Harley and Ellington Architects and Engineers. It has white Georgia marble on the outside with black granite details. The windows are made of bronze. You can also see sculptures by Detroit artist Marshall Fredericks on the outside. The building is about 404 feet long. It is between 65 and 150 feet deep.
In the middle of the building, there is a large auditorium. It can seat 1,000 people. Below it, there is a ballroom that can hold 700 people. The University of Michigan uses the western part of the building. They have classrooms and a lecture hall there. The second floor has study rooms and a library.
The Engineering Society of Detroit used the eastern part until 1994. Their area had bowling lanes and a billiards room. They also had a dining room and a 300-seat auditorium.
Today, Wayne State University uses parts of the building. Their psychology clinic is there. The Communication Sciences and Disorders department also has offices and labs in the building. They have a Speech and Language Center and an Audiology Clinic.
On the wall facing Warren Avenue, there are three tall sculptures. They are 13 feet high and were made by Marshall Fredericks. They show science, education, and mankind. These figures are a bit hard to see now. This is because a parking garage was built in front of them in the 1980s.
