Current Exhibitions

On November 18, 1926, the Detroit Cougars played their first game in the National Hockey League. In the century since, the Cougars became the Red Wings, the most storied of all American hockey clubs, winning 11 Stanley Cup championships. The Red Wings have produced some of the game's all-time greats and created a distinctly Detroit hockey culture. 

Come explore how Detroit became Hockeytown in this special centennial exhibition!

In the 1960s, Chrysler hand-built 50 turbine-powered vehicles at their Highland Park Design Studio for an intensive two-year research test program. The identical cars featured an eye-catching “turbine bronze” metallic paint finish and aircraft-inspired styling by designer Elwood Engle and Italian body fabricator Ghia. Consumers across the country were given the opportunity to drive the revolutionary cars for their day-to-day needs and report their findings. When the test program concluded in 1966, the cars were rounded up and most were destroyed. Our Chrysler Turbine is one of only nine remaining.

Celebrate a century of impact as the Hannan Center commemorates its 100th Anniversary with a special exhibition at the Detroit Historical Museum. Visitors will discover rare artifacts, photographs, and art that tell the story of Hannan’s 100-year history, from its early roots and innovative programs to its vision for redefining aging across metro Detroit. 

Explore the powerful story of Vietnam Veterans of America Detroit Chapter #9, the first VVA chapter in Michigan and among the earliest in the nation. Founded by Detroit-area veterans, the chapter formed in response to the lack of support and recognition faced by Vietnam veterans upon their return. 

This exhibit traces their journey from military service to grassroots advocacy, highlighting how they turned shared struggle into community strength. Through first-hand accounts, personal keepsakes, and historic artifacts, learn how Chapter 9 continues to honor their fellow veterans and uplift the city of Detroit.

From the earliest days of fandom to the rise of iconic superheroes and gritty anti-heroes, Detroit has been a quiet but powerful force in shaping comic book history. Heroes vs. Villains: Detroit’s Comic Book Story shares the histories of the iconic characters and local creatives who helped define the modern world of comics.

Working in disciplines ranging from calligraphy to photography; from illustration to letterpress, Ralph Rinaldi (1945-2022) deployed all of these abilities in support of the arts in his beloved Cass Corridor neighborhood.  

See letterpress and posters created over Rinaldi's career in this new exhibition, which also recalls legendary Cass Corridor institutions, artists, and musicians.

Detroit’s rich heritage lies with the men and women who’ve always called Detroit “home,” even as they went on to help shape our nation’s cultural landscape.

We cheered their accomplishments on the field, welcomed them into our lives through television and radio and were thrilled to see them perform on stage. Their championships became our championships and their hit songs formed the soundtracks of our lives.

Origins: Life Where the River Bends is a story of many Detroit beginnings. It invites guests to explore the lives and events that have shaped - and been shaped by - the area on the river now called Detroit. This region’s First People called it Waawiiyaataanong, or “where the river bends,” but it would earn many monikers over the years including “le détroit” and the “Motor City.”