The most interesting architecture in Detroit

Detroit Opera House

Detroit Opera House

Charles H. Wright Museum

315 E. Warren Ave., Detroit; thewright.org

Founded in 1965, the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History is one of the world’s oldest independent African American museums. Its contemporary building is unlike any other structure in Detroit.

Charles H. Wright Museum

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.

Detroit Athletic Club

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.

GM Renaissance Center

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.

One Campus Martius

One Campus Martius

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.

Belle Isle Aquarium

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.

Mariner’s Church of Detroit

Detroit Public Library Main Branch

5201 Woodward Ave., Detroit; detroitpubliclibrary.org

The first ever Detroit Public Library opened in the old Capitol High School in 1865. As the city’s population grew, more library space was needed. So, the current main library was designed by Cass Gilbert and completed in 1921. The architectural gem boasts a beautiful interior and exterior.

Detroit Public Library Main Branch

Detroit Public Library Main Branch