Detroit Public Library
Detroit Public Library
4.5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
84 reviews
Excellent
48
Very good
26
Average
4
Poor
2
Terrible
4
MidwestKathM
Detroit, MI1,084 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
We spend a lot of time in Detroit's Cultural Center visiting the museums, attending events, and walking about the area. On this day, we visited the Detroit Public Library to see the current Galleria exhibition showcasing the work of a local artist. And it was worth our time! On past visits, we've enjoyed viewing the architecture of the 1920s building designed by Cass Gilbert...start at the Woodward entrance and walk around the building. Once inside, look around and up! (Unfortunately the amazing second floor is currently closed; keep it in mind for a future visit as the grand staircase is worth a look as are the library department rooms upstairs.) Author talks, music, and other events are regularly scheduled.
Written February 9, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rdoe1976
Jacksonvile, NC2 contributions
The Burton Library is a great place to research your family tree. The librarians are so knowledgeable. A super day of family hisory!
Written August 4, 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JJJC_Family
Virginia794 contributions
Oct 2015 • Family
There are some fine main public library buildings in this country. This is perhaps the finest, although I haven't been in New York City's for a long time and don't remember it well enough. If you can't get to Italy, some of the rooms here will suffice to give you a feel of what you are missing. It was built in a day when public buildings were made to elevate the public, to ennoble government. If you see this building, you'll pine for those days.
By the way, it;s across the street from the art museum.
By the way, it;s across the street from the art museum.
Written May 2, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HappyCamper
flint, mi63 contributions
Jun 2024 • Family
The library is only open on the lower level. We walked over from the parking area on a very hot day, only to be disappointed. We won’t be back and please call ahead if anyone plans to visit. So unbelievable. I never heard of a public library being closed to the public
Written June 19, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
EllenChr
Oslo, Norway2,607 contributions
Apr 2022 • Couples
The building on the outside promised a lot, but unfortunately we were only allowed to see the first floor - which is a shame as the wonderful decor and architecture is higher up in the building. They could not tell us when the other floors would open to the public again.
Written April 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hpvikes
Hazel Park, MI10 contributions
May 2019
I have always been in awe of the outside of the Detroit Public Library and thought that it was about time to take a tour of the inside. It was definitely worth it! Sean was a very knowledgeable guide and shared many interesting stories about the architecture of the building and the artwork. I highly recommend this tour.
Written May 30, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
StockholmKindaGuy
Marietta, GA7,171 contributions
Jul 2018 • Solo
If your visiting a city, a library doesn't exactly scream tourist attraction. Who after all want's to check out books on their vacation. I know I didn't. Instead I went to see some of the architectural details of this library. The main Branch of Detroit Public Library sits directly across the street from the Detroit institute of Arts. Before entering the library, check out the beautiful mosaic murals, related to literature, above the Cass street entrance. Inside the library, on the second floor, in the big hall, is a impressive 3 panel mural related to transportation. This is just a few things you can see at this beautiful library for free.
Written September 2, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
momof4ls
Rochester, MI3 contributions
Apr 2018 • Friends
I arranged for a private tour of the main library for my women’s group that particularly enjoys field trips exploring interesting places. We were all pleasantly surprised by this incredible gem in the heart of Detroit. The 1.5 hour tour provided us with a knowledgeable docent that entertained us with facts and factoids about the history of the DPL. The ceiling frescoes, wall murals and the ornate architecture rivals the magnificent churches in Europe. Free, self-guided tours are always available but the fee charged for the private tour is a donation directly to the library foundation to continue the preservation of this unique piece of Detroit history.
Written April 18, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RainJames
Ft. Collins600 contributions
Apr 2016 • Friends
The third floor in the library is like walking in to a museum! Sculptures and paintings, rare books and antique globes. We spent an hour just browsing the 3rd floor and enjoying the hush that all libraries used to demand. Beautiful stained glass windows and a small collection of Shakespeare was enough to make my soul content.
There's a bit of construction going on but parking during the day on Friday was fairly easy to locate. Use a credit card at the meter as we came back to a ticket and had to call (we used cash). Fortunately they had a record of our plate number being paid so they're going to clear it all up.
There's a bit of construction going on but parking during the day on Friday was fairly easy to locate. Use a credit card at the meter as we came back to a ticket and had to call (we used cash). Fortunately they had a record of our plate number being paid so they're going to clear it all up.
Written May 1, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rebecca A
Detroit, MI174 contributions
Aug 2015 • Friends
This is one of the most beautiful buildings in Detroit. the marble staircases and the wooden tables are just stunning. This is definitely worth taking a trip inside. Directly across from the Detroit Institute of Arts, so this can make for a great afternoon!
Written October 15, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is there a children's section that is currently open to the public?
Written December 1, 2022
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