When it comes to iconic works of art, many people’s minds immediately turn to the Mona Lisa, van Gogh’s “Starry Night,” or “The Scream” by Edvard Munch. But there’s one massive display of art right here in Michigan that holds its own among the world’s most beloved pieces, and you’ll certainly want to visit.
If you’ve been lucky enough to tour the Detroit Institute of Arts, you’ve likely seen the murals that sprawl across the walls of its well-known Rivera Court.
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But do you know the fascinating history behind these murals and why they hold an unprecedented importance to this day?
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The murals in Rivera Court, also known as the “Detroit Industry” murals, were painted directly on the walls of the DIA by world-renowned artist Diego Rivera.
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Rivera began painting in the spring of 1932 and spent eleven months perfecting his work — nearly a year of meticulous design and artistic planning inside the Motor City’s beloved art museum.
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The murals have a clear theme: they highlight the historic importance of the city’s industrial and technological advancements. Each painted section depicts a different Detroit industry.
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Rivera was inspired by art from his native Mexico that regularly celebrated its indigenous roots by depicting a melding of ancient culture with modern society. In his work at the DIA, Rivera hoped to portray industry as “indigenous to Detroit.”
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Using a traditional fresco style in which he applied paint directly to the wall’s wet plaster, Rivera created a breathtaking homage to Detroit’s past, present, and future.
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Rivera’s “Detroit Industry” murals are cited as the foremost Mexican mural pieces in the United States, and Rivera himself considered them the finest work of his entire career.
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These murals aren’t just stunning: they’re an undeniable reminder of the distinct role Detroit has played in the industrial development of our nation, and they’re an absolute must-see here in the Great Lakes State.
Flickr/Mike Steele
For more information about visiting the DIA, click here to visit the museum’s official website.
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Flickr/John Kannenberg
Flickr/Mike Steele
Flickr/Mike Steel
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Flickr/Michigan Municipal League
Flickr/Mike Steele
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