Attractions in Ann Arbor
(Un)Natural History: The Museum Unveiled
University of Michigan Museum of Art, 525 S. State St., Ann Arbor
(734) 763-UMMA (8662)
Richard Barnes's series of photographs Animal Logic examines the role the museum plays in our understanding of ourselves through the acts of collecting, preservation, and display. Images from this large body of work include photographs of the collections from the Smithsonian Institution, the Museum of Comparative Anatomy in Paris, the Canadian Museum of Natural History, and the San Francisco Academy of Science. (Un)Natural History focuses primarily on the natural history museum and by extension collecting institutions in general, providing a kind of behind-the-scenes look at museum practice and display.
The Lens of Impressionism: Photography and Painting Along the Normandy Coast
University of Michigan Museum of Art, 525 S. State St., Ann Arbor
(734) 764-0395
This University of Michigan Museum of Art exhibition advances a new argument for the origins of what was called “the new painting,” namely that a unique convergence of forces—social, artistic, technological, and commercial—along the Normandy coast of France dramatically transformed the course of photography and painting (as well as of the region itself). Within this framework, the invention of the camera and the development of early fine art photography in that particular setting will be seen as the specific catalysts that brought about a new approach to painting.
Wild Wonderful Winter: A Season’s Tale
1800 N. Dixboro Rd., Ann Arbor
(734) 647-7600
An interactive exhibit and display in the Matthaei Botanical Gardens Conservatory takes visitors on a journey through the winter season. Pick up a “passport to summer” for discovering the plants of the world, enjoy a winter hike to look for signs of animal life outdoors, and learn about and create your own snowflakes. During the exhibit the conservatory will be transformed into a winter wonderland with a variety of white flowers and a tree decorated with natural ornaments. Above drop-in activities during the exhibit are included with admission to conservatory.
Ann Arbor Art Center
Unique gallery shop offers original, one of a kind artwork, fiber, jewelry, ceramics and paintings from local and regional artists. The exhibition gallery showcases the talents of different Michigan artists each month in individual and group exhibits and themed competitions. ArtVentures, our art activity studio invites children and adults to drop in and learn about art around the world through fun, educational, hands-on projects! Group bookings available.
Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum
Discover the Scientist within you at the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum. An interactive science museum for people all ages, featuring more than 250 hands-on exhibits, science demonstrations and special events that bring chemistry, physics, geology, math, music and more to life! Visit our Web site for special events and programs.
Butterfly Ranch
Open from July to October on weekends from 10 am to 7 pm with sweet corn, tomatoes, a wide variety of homegrown vegetables and cut flowers along with Halloween items starting in October and pumpkins. And U-pick red raspberries in season. Please be sure to phone ahead to verify U-pick schedule.
Cobblestone Farm Museum
Discover early Ann Arbor settler life and a 100 year-old log cabin of this living history museum within a pioneer Michigan farm house. Restored to reflect its mid-19th century appearance, the museum provides a view of past rural life in Washtenaw County. Pioneer Living Program. Guided drop-in tours are available Fridays and Sundays, Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Leslie Science Center
The Leslie Science Center sits on 50 acres of fields, woods and prairie in the heart of Ann Arbor and provides a natural science and environmental education opportunities for youth and their families. The Center is situated on 50 acres of fields, woods and prairie in the heart of Ann Arbor. The education programs are outdoors, hands-on and discovery based. Our programs are offered for school groups, scouts, and the general public.
Parker Mill County Park
This park includes the historic Parker Grist Mill of 1873, the last operating pioneer flour mill in the county. Also, the 1.3 mile Host Post trail provides barrier free boardwalk access to the Fleming Creek floodplain nature study area with observation stations.
Kempf House Museum
A 1853 Greek Revival house museum, and local history center interpreting Ann Arbor history architecture, interior design, and Victorian lifestyles from circa 1850 to 1910. Visitors are welcome to tour the house Sundays 1-4 pm with a guide. Groups may tour at other times by special arrangement.
Gerald R. Ford Library
The public is welcome to examine the original files of President Ford, his White House staff, and other government officials from the 1970s. Located on the campus of the University of Michigan. Hours Mon-Fri, 8:45am-4:45pm.