If you grew up around Detroit, then your parents have probably taken you to the Detroit Institute of Arts so many times, you know it like the back of your hand. If you are looking for something different this time around, check out these very unusual and weird locations in the downtown area that you must see.
1. The Heidelberg Project
Artist Tyree Guyton grew up in Detroit and believed it was time that the areas that were deemed "unsafe" needed a change. He began transforming abandoned houses into works of art and it has attracted a ton of people to stop and take a look. Although some of the houses have been burned down, you can still see Guyton's amazing work throughout the neighborhood. The Heidelberg Project is located at 3600 Heidelberg St, Detroit, MI 48207.
2. Hamtramck Disneyland
In 1992, a man named Dmytro Szylak was bored after retiring from General Motors and needed a hobby. He began collecting various items, and over 12 years, has decorated his home and backyard so much that it became known as Hamtramck Disneyland. This unusual folk art is located at 12087 Klinger Street, View From Alley of Commor, Hamtramck, MI 48212.
3. Lawndale Market: The People's Polaroids
The Lawndale Market is a small bazaar in Detroit that has been taken over by more than 10,000 Polaroid photos of customers. The photos run along the walls and are even hanging like chandeliers from the ceiling. The market is located at 1136 Lawndale St, Detroit, MI 48209.
4. The Sindecuse Museum Of Dentistry
Run by the University of Michigan School of Dentistry in Ann Arbor, the museum is dedicated to the history of dentistry. The museum has over 1,500 items and focuses on the technology used by dentist over the years, which might make some people cringe! The museum is located at 1011 N University Ave G565, Ann Arbor, MI 48109.
5. Dome House
If you have ever driven near the old Michigan Central Train Depot you might have noticed a very odd dome-shaped building in the distance. The dome house is owned by Leo Gillis, who is the brother of Jack White from the White Stripes. Gillis gladly offers tours of his geodesic dome home. You can't miss this rather unusual home. It is located at W Verner Highway and Johnson St, Detroit, MI.
6. Beth Olem Cemetery
What makes this Jewish cemetery odd is its location. Jewish law states that moving graves is prohibited, so when GM wanted to purchase the area to create its factory, they simply had to build around the cemetery. Beth Olem is hidden from the public because it is directly in the middle of an active plant. People who want to pay their respects are only allowed to visit the area two times a year. It is located at Clay Street, Hamtramck, MI 48211.
7. Henry Ford Museum - Edison's Last Breath
The Henry Ford Museum has a bunch of must-see items. From the limousine President John F. Kennedy was fatally shot in to the bus Rosa Parks rode when she refused to give up her seat, the museum has many important pieces of American history. One of the weirdest items in the museum is a vial of inventor Thomas Edison's last breath. The Henry Ford Museum is located at 20900 Oakwood Boulevard, Dearborn, MI 48124.
8. Detroit Industrial Gallery
Artist Tim Burke creates his scultpures from pieces of historic buildings in Detroit that have been demolished. Some of the iconic buildings that he has used to create his pieces include Detroit College of Law, the Packard Motor Car Company, and the Studebaker Car Company. During most weekends and evenings you can watch Burke create his works of art. The gallery is located at 3647 Heidelberg St, Detroit, MI 48207.
9. Marvin's Marvelous Mechanical Museum
Marvin's Marvelous Mechanical Museum is dedicated to coin-operated games, dummies and other one-of-a-kind collectibles. It might be impossible to see each and every item in one trip. Make sure to bring buckets of quarters when you go! It is located at 31005 Orchard Lake Rd, Farmington Hills, MI 48334.
Have you been to any of these weird spots in Detroit? Share your expereinces with us in the comment section below! Also, check out these 10 fun facts you probably never knew about Detroit!
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