Detroit, Michigan

What) The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) has one of the largest, most significant art collections in the United States. In 2003, the DIA ranked as the second largest municipally-owned museum in the United States, with an art collection valued at more than one billion dollars. With over 100 galleries, it now covers 677,000 square feet (62,893 m²). The DIA is located in Midtown Detroit's Cultural Center, about two miles (3 km) north of the downtown area.

The collection of American art at the DIA is one of the most impressive, and officials at the DIA have ranked the American paintings collection third among museums in the United States. Works by American artists began to be collected immediately following the museum's founding in 1883. Today the collection is a strong survey of American history with acknowledged masterpieces of painting, sculpture, furniture and decorative arts from the 18th century, 19th century, and 20th century, with contemporary American art in all media also being collected. (1)

Why) Some of the most valuable hours of my life have been spent in museums like this one. When I am there, in that kind of mood, it feels like this is what life is for. Anyway, I liked so many things that I have divided them up into two sections. In both cases, I have used images that are a mix of my photographs with ones from the internet. I only hope that I can convey to you a small part of what that day meant to me.