Museums

Categories:

Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum

220 E. Ann • (734) 995–5439
Works to inspire curiosity, exploration, and respect for STEM and the natural world with more than 250 interactive exhibits and preschool, family, and adult programming. Attracts more than 300,000 visitors annually. With Leslie Science & Nature Center, offers field trip and outreach programming for schools, libraries, and communities statewide and around the world. Check website for current hours and details regarding memberships, scholarships, and EBT/WIC/SNAP pricing. [email protected], discoverscienceandnature.org

Argus Museum

525 W. William (Argus Bldg.) • (313) 499–0551
Celebrates the legacy of Argus Camera, Inc., a once-prominent American camera manufacturer. The museum features a collection of vintage cameras, photographs, company memorabilia, and historical displays documenting the company’s impact on photography and military optics. Housed in the historic Argus I building, the very place where the cameras were originally made, the museum offers a unique look at mid-20th-century innovation and design. Mon.–Fri. 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Free, but donations appreciated. [email protected], argusmuseum.org

Cobblestone Farm Museum

2781 Packard • (734) 794–7120
The farmhouse museum recreates mid-19th-century rural life in Washtenaw County with living history days throughout the year. A city-owned historic district, the museum is maintained by the Cobblestone Farm Association, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Open by appointment year-round and the 3rd Sunday of each month, 1–3 p.m. Admission is free, although donations are appreciated to help maintain the museum collection. [email protected], cobblestonefarm.org, a2gov.org/cobblestone

Kempf House Museum

312 S. Division • (734) 994–4898
This 1853 Greek Revival house, listed in the National Register of Historic Places, was home to the German-American Kempf family from 1888 to 1953. Now managed by a volunteer nonprofit board, it is furnished with Victorian antiques and many of the Kempfs’ treasures, including Ann Arbor’s first concert grand piano, an 1877 Steinway. The museum offers exhibits of period domestic life, open houses on select Sundays, Valentine’s Day teas, and a Wednesday noon lecture series in spring and fall. Guided tours by appointment (usually with a few days notice). [email protected], kempfhousemuseum.org

Parker Mill

4650 Geddes • (734) 971–6337
County-owned restored 1873 gristmill with its original milling machinery. The surrounding 45-acre park also has one of the area’s few remaining log cabins. The mill is open for public tours on select Sundays in Sept. & Oct.; private tours for school, civic, and community groups available by appointment May–Oct. Free. washtenaw.org/602/parker-mill-county-park

U-M Detroit Observatory

1398 E. Ann • (734) 763–2230
Built in 1854, this historic observatory is the oldest research building on campus. Visitors have the opportunity to observe the sky using historic telescopes, view exhibits on U-M and scientific history, and attend lectures, events, and walking tours. Thurs. & Fri. noon–5 p.m. Other scheduled events are free and open to the public with advance registration. detroitobservatory.umich.edu

U-M Kelsey Museum of Archaeology

434 S. State (public entrance on Maynard) • (734) 764–9304
Houses a permanent collection of more than 100,000 artifacts from Greece, Rome, Egypt, and the Middle East. Highlights include ancient textiles, glass, pottery, jewelry, sculpture, and artifacts of daily life. The Kelsey offers free public tours and events throughout the year, both in person and virtually. Tues.–Fri. 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Sat. & Sun. 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Closed Mon. and U-M holidays. Free admission. [email protected], lsa.umich.edu/kelsey

U-M Museum of Art

525 S. State • (734) 764–0395
Works from contemporary artists, alongside objects from Asian, African, and Western traditions. Tues. & Wed. 11 a.m.–5 p.m., Thurs. & Fri. 10 a.m.–8 p.m., Sat. & Sun. 11 a.m.–8 p.m. Closed Mon. Free. umma.umich.edu

U-M Museum of Natural History

1105 North University • (734) 764–0478
The U-M Museum of Natural History includes exhibits that explore the natural world from molecules to dinosaurs, a planetarium, public labs, and opportunities to meet real scientists. Tues.–Sun. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Daily 10 a.m.–5 p.m. in July & Aug. Free. [email protected], ummnh.org