The architecture in Detroit demonstrates the past, present, and future beauty of the city. From intricate 1920s Art Deco structures to modern skyscrapers, each building showcases Detroit’s spirit uniquely. In both style and history, here is some of the most interesting architecture in the Motor City.

Fisher Building 3011 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit; fisherbuilding.city Designed by Albert Kahn in the late 1920s, the Fisher Building stands tall in Detroit’s skyline, boasting unique Art Deco intricacies inside and out. The building was originally supposed to include three skyscrapers, but the Great Depression limited the project to one. Its website calls it “a beacon for Detroit,” and “a symbol of a proud past and promising future,” for the city. The building’s interior features the iconic Fisher Theatre, an arcade, a coffee shop, a full-service salon, clothing boutiques, office space, and more. Credit: Facebook, Fisher Building
Fisher Building 3011 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit; fisherbuilding.city Designed by Albert Kahn in the late 1920s, the Fisher Building stands tall in Detroit’s skyline, boasting unique Art Deco intricacies inside and out. The building was originally supposed to include three skyscrapers, but the Great Depression limited the project to one. Its website calls it “a beacon for Detroit,” and “a symbol of a proud past and promising future,” for the city. The building’s interior features the iconic Fisher Theatre, an arcade, a coffee shop, a full-service salon, clothing boutiques, office space, and more. Credit: Shutterstock
Fisher Building Credit: Facebook, Fisher Building
Fisher Building Credit: Facebook, Fisher Building
Fisher Building Credit: Facebook, Fisher Building
Fisher Building Credit: Facebook, Fisher Building
Guardian Building 500 Griswold St., Detroit; guardianbuilding.com This skyscraper in downtown Detroit’s financial district was built in 1928, and designed by Wirt C. Rowland. Its Art Deco design features colorful tilework, ceiling murals, and intricate details. The building, originally called the Union Trust Building, now offers modern office space for lease. Credit: Facebook, Guardian Building
Guardian Building Credit: Facebook, Guardian Building
Guardian Building Credit: Shutterstock
Sainte Anne de Detroit 1000 St. Anne St., Detroit; ste-anne.org Founded in 1701, St. Anne is the second oldest operating parish in the country, tracing its origins back to French colonist Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac who founded Detroit. Amid violent tensions between Native Americans and the French settlers, the original log cabin that housed the parish was burned down. The church’s current structure, built in 1886, blends French Gothic and Romanesque Revival styles for a stunning interior. Credit: Facebook, Basilica of Ste. Anne de Detroit
Sainte Anne de Detroit Credit: Facebook, Basilica of Ste. Anne de Detroit
Fox Theatre 2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit; foxtheatredetroit.net Detroit’s Fox Theatre opened in 1928 as a flagship movie palace for the nationwide chain, becoming the largest theater in the city with over 5,000 seats. Architect C. Howard Crane’s design merges Egyptian, Indian, and Far Eastern influences, creating a mesmerizing ambiance for live performances. The theater ranked 15th in the nation and 16th in the world in Pollstar’s 2022 Year-End Rankings for Top 200 Theatres. Credit: Facebook, Fox Theatre
Fox Theatre Credit: Facebook, Fox Theatre
Fox Theatre Credit: Facebook, Fox Theatre
Penobscot Building 645 Griswold St., Detroit; penobscotbuilding.com A product of 1928, the Penobscot Building, another Art Deco by the same architect as the Guardian, once reigned as one of Detroit’s tallest skyscrapers until the construction of the Renaissance Center. Its uniquely leveled peaks are recognizable, and its entrance is beautiful, making a great exterior. Credit: Facebook, Penobscot Building
Penobscot Building Credit: Facebook, Penobscot Building
Penobscot Building Credit: Facebook, Penobscot Building
Penobscot Building Credit: Facebook, Penobscot Building
The Masonic Temple 500 Temple St., Detroit; themasonic.com Detroit’s Masonic Temple is the largest Masonic Temple in the world, constructed in the 1920s. George Mason’s design mixes Gothic, Romanesque, and Renaissance Revival elements, including three theaters, a Shrine building, a Chapel, and more, though it remains unfinished. Credit: Facebook, Masonic Temple Detroit
The Masonic Temple Credit: Facebook, Masonic Temple Detroit
The Masonic Temple Credit: Facebook, Masonic Temple Detroit
The Masonic Temple Credit: Facebook, Masonic Temple Detroit
The Russell Industrial Center 1600 Clay St., Detroit; russellindustrialcenter.com Originating as a manufacturing hub, the Russell Industrial Center now thrives as a haven for artists and entrepreneurs, plus an event venue. Right off the freeway, the building is recognized by a large mural and colored square tiled windows. Credit: Facebook, The Russell Industrial Center
The Russell Industrial Center Credit: Facebook, The Russell Industrial Center
The Russell Industrial Center Credit: Facebook, The Russell Industrial Center
The Russell Industrial Center Credit: Facebook, The Russell Industrial Center
St. Mary’s Catholic Church 646 Monroe Ave., Detroit; oldstmarysdetroit.com Completed in 1885, St. Mary’s Catholic Church is one of the oldest buildings remaining in Greektown today. The vastness of the church’s interior is striking as are many of the characteristics that make the building unique. Its polished granite columns, originally intended for the New York State Capitol Building, separates the three aisles of pews. The church contains three grottos that emulate artificial caves to be used as altars depicting Christ’s agony, Christ’s baptism, and the Lourdes Grotto. Credit: Facebook, Old St. Mary's Catholic Church
St. Mary’s Catholic Church Credit: Facebook, Old St. Mary's Catholic Church
St. Mary’s Catholic Church Credit: Facebook, Old St. Mary's Catholic Church
St. Mary’s Catholic Church Credit: Facebook, Old St. Mary's Catholic Church
Michigan Central Train Station 2001 15th St., Detroit; michigancentral.com Welcoming travelers since 1913, the Michigan Central Train Station exudes elegance and remains a symbol of Detroit’s past as a transportation hub. After three decades of being shut down, the space is planning to reopen this year on June 6. Ford Motor Co. bought the blighted train depot in 2018 and renovations have been taking place for the past six years so the space can hold events, arts programming, a technology hub, and more. Credit: Facebook, Michigan Central
Michigan Central Train Station Credit: Facebook, Michigan Central
Michigan Central Train Station Credit: Facebook, Michigan Central
Book Tower 1265 Washington Blvd., Detroit; booktowerdetroit.com Completed in 1926, the Book Tower stands tall as a monument to Detroit’s literary heritage. Architect Louis Kamper’s Neoclassical design once housed the main branch of the Detroit Public Library. The building recently reopened following restoration and renovation, now offering spaces for Detroiters to live, work, and dine. Credit: Facebook, Book Tower
Book Tower Credit: Facebook, Book Tower
Book Tower Credit: Facebook, Book Tower
Book Tower Credit: Facebook, Book Tower
Book Tower Credit: Facebook, Book Tower
Detroit Opera House 1526 Broadway St., Detroit; detroitopera.org Originally built in the 1920s as the Capitol Theater, the Detroit Opera House underwent many identity changes with new names and renovations. Its elegant Beaux-Arts interiors provide a captivating backdrop for world-class performances, showcasing many famous stars and shows over the years. Credit: Facebook, Detroit Opera House
Detroit Opera House Credit: Facebook, Detroit Opera House
Detroit Opera House Credit: Facebook, Detroit Opera House
Detroit Opera House Credit: Facebook, Detroit Opera House
Best Museum Shop: The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History 315 E. Warren Ave., Detroit; 313-494-5800; thewright.org Credit: Google Maps
Charles H. Wright Museum Credit: Facebook, Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
Detroit Athletic Club 241 Madison St., Detroit; thedac.com Since 1887, the Detroit Athletic Club has been a symbol of the city’s wealthy and athletic. The six-story clubhouse was designed by Albert Kahn, inspired by Rome’s Palazzo Farnese. Credit: Facebook, Detroit Athletic Club
Detroit Athletic Club Credit: Facebook, Detroit Athletic Club
Detroit Athletic Club Credit: Facebook, Detroit Athletic Club
GM Renaissance Center 400 Renaissance Center, Detroit; gmrencen.com Built in the 1970s, the Renaissance Center reshaped Detroit’s skyline with what is now the tallest skyscraper in the city. Designed by John Portman, its seven interconnected towers house hotels, offices, and retail spaces. Credit: Facebook, GM Ren Cen
GM Renaissance Center Credit: Facebook, GM Ren Cen
One Campus Martius 1050 Woodward Ave., Detroit; bedrockdetroit.com Completed in 2003, One Campus Martius was a part of the revitalization of downtown Detroit, standing right next to Campus Martius Park. The pentagonal, modern-style property is home to the tallest functional indoor waterfall in the world. Credit: Facebook, Bedrock Detroit
One Campus Martius Credit: Facebook, Bedrock Detroit
One Campus Martius Credit: Facebook, Bedrock Detroit
Belle Isle Aquarium 3 Inselruhe Ave., Detroit; belleisleconservancy.org The Belle Isle Aquarium is a historic treasure of Detroit and one of the oldest aquariums in the nation. Designed by Albert Kahn, it was built in 1904, boasting Beaux-Arts style architecture, elegant arched windows, and ornate detailing. Credit: Shutterstock
Belle Isle Aquarium Credit: Facebook, Belle Isle Aquarium
Belle Isle Aquarium Credit: Facebook, Belle Isle Aquarium
Mariner’s Church of Detroit 170 E. Jefferson Ave., Detroit; marinerschurchofdetroit.org Constructed in 1849, the Mariner’s Church of Detroit watches over the Detroit River in protection of Detroit’s sailors who were often treated as pariahs in traditional society. In 1955, plans for a new civic center on the former site of the church called for its demolition, but instead, the 3,000-ton building was moved 880 feet east to its current location. At this time, a secret underground tunnel revealed its role as a stop along the Underground Railroad. The various acclaimed stained glass windows in the church depict sailors and symbols of the Great Lakes. Credit: Facebook, Mariners' Church
Mariner’s Church of Detroit Credit: Facebook, Mariners' Church
Save money on books by signing up for a library card If you’re a book lover, no need to spend a ton of money on novels. Get a Detroit Public Library card to have access to nearly 20 branches of the largest library system in the state without spending a dime. Credit: Shutterstock
Borrow a laptop from Detroit Public Library Libraries aren’t just for books, either. Anyone with a Detroit Public Library card can take advantage of its “Laptop to Go” program, which allows individuals to check out a laptop for personal use. The laptops come with Wi-Fi capabilities, a camera, speaker and microphone, and Microsoft Office Suite. Credit: Shutterstock
Detroit Public Library Main Branch Credit: Google Maps
Huntington Place 1 Washington Blvd., Detroit; huntingtonplacedetroit.com This convention center has held many names, originally opened in 1960 as Cobo Hall after Detroit Mayor Albert Cobo. It serves as a tech hub and large event space, complemented well by its contemporary design. Credit: Facebook, Huntington Place
St. Lazarus Serbian Orthodox Cathedral 4575 Outer Dr. E., Detroit; ravanica.org Since its establishment, St. Lazarus Serbian Orthodox Cathedral has been a spiritual cornerstone for Detroit’s Serbian community. The cathedral’s Byzantine Revival architecture features intricate details inside and out, with a stunning exterior and vibrant stained glass. Credit: Facebook, St. Lazarus Serbian Orthodox Cathedral
St. Lazarus Serbian Orthodox Cathedral Credit: Facebook, St. Lazarus Serbian Orthodox Cathedral
St. Lazarus Serbian Orthodox Cathedral Credit: Facebook, St. Lazarus Serbian Orthodox Cathedral
One Woodward 1 Woodward Ave., Detroit; bedrockdetroit.com One Woodward, formerly known as the Michigan Consolidated Gas Company Building, opened in 1963. Designed by Minoru Yamasaki, its sleek design and glass curtain walls tower over Hart Plaza in the heart of the city’s downtown. Credit: Google Maps
McGregor Memorial Conference Center 495 Gilmour Mall, Detroit; mcgregor.wayne.edu Designed by Minoru Yamasaki in the 1950s, the McGregor Memorial Conference Center is Wayne State University’s main conference facility. Its innovative design, characterized by sweeping curves and expansive windows, is extremely interesting. Outside of the space features a stunning pond and sculpture garden. Credit: Facebook, McGregor Memorial Conference Center
McGregor Memorial Conference Center Credit: Facebook, McGregor Memorial Conference Center
McGregor Memorial Conference Center Credit: Facebook, McGregor Memorial Conference Center
St. Aloysius Parish 1234 Washington Blvd., Detroit; staloysiusdetroit.com This church, founded in 1871, boasts Gothic Revival architecture with soaring spires and intricate stonework. The original structure was razed in April of 1930 to make way for the present building. Credit: Google Maps
St. Aloysius Parish Credit: Google Maps
Ally Detroit Center 500 Woodward Ave., Detroit; bedrockdetroit.com One Detroit, now the Ally Detroit Center, is the tallest office building in the state of Michigan. Its contemporary structure, topped with neo-gothic style spires, is right in the center of Detroit’s business district. Credit: Google Maps
Ally Detroit Center Credit: Google Maps
St. Joseph Shrine 1828 Jay Street, Detroit; institute-christ-king.org/detroit Built in 1855, St. Joseph Oratory is among the most prized historical possessions of the city. Just outside downtown, in the Eastern Market-Lafayette Park neighborhood, St. Joseph was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. The building is renowned for the intricacies of its stained glass, found on nearly all walls of the building, flooding the main chamber with natural light. Credit: Facebook, St. Joseph Shrine
St. Joseph Shrine Credit: Facebook, St. Joseph Shrine
St. Joseph Shrine Credit: Facebook, St. Joseph Shrine
St. Joseph Shrine Credit: Facebook, St. Joseph Shrine
St. Joseph Shrine Credit: Facebook, St. Joseph Shrine
St. Joseph Shrine Credit: Facebook, St. Joseph Shrine
St. Joseph Shrine Credit: Facebook, St. Joseph Shrine
St. Joseph Shrine Credit: Facebook, St. Joseph Shrine
St. Joseph Shrine Credit: Facebook, St. Joseph Shrine

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Layla McMurtrie is the digital editor of Detroit Metro Times. She's passionate about art, music, food, and Detroit's culture and community. Her work has been featured in the Detroit Free Press, Between...