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, and 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. museum@aahom.org, discoverscienceandnature.org V

Argus Museum

525 W. William (Argus Bldg.) • (313) 499–0551
Features products manufactured by the Argus Camera Company and showcases unique collections. Housed in the Argus I Building, one of the company’s manufacturing facilities, the museum hosts photography exhibitions, group tours, meetings, and an international fall conference. Mon.–Fri. 8 a.m.–5 p.m.; also open for special events or by appointment. Free, but donations appreciated. director@argusmuseum.org, argusmuseum.org V

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. Admission is free, although donations are appreciated to help maintain the museum collection. cfinfo@a2gov.org, cobblestonefarm.org, a2gov.org/cobblestone V

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). kempfhousemuseum@gmail.com, kempfhousemuseum.org V

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 V

U-M Detroit Observatory

1398 E. Ann • (734) 763–2230
Built in 1854, this historic observatory is the oldest research building on the University of Michigan campus. Visitors have the opportunity to observe the sky using historic telescopes, as well as attend lectures and events. 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 ancient Greece and Rome, dynastic and Roman 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. More information and a schedule of events on the museum’s website. Tues.–Fri. 9 a.m.–4 p.m., Sat. & Sun. 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Closed Mon. and U-M holidays. Free admission. kelseymuse@umich.edu, lsa.umich.edu/kelsey V

U-M Museum of Art

525 S. State • (734) 764–0395
“A reinvigorated museum for the times we live in.” Works from contemporary artists, alongside objects from Asian, African, and Western traditions. Free. 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. 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. ummnh.info@umich.edu, ummnh.org