DIA Displays Masterpieces of Art Around Novi

Seeing a world-famous masterpiece is as easy as a walk in the park this summer—literally. 

Back by popular demand, the Detroit Institute of Arts is returning with six reproductions of masterpieces to display outdoors in Novi this summer.

It’s part of the DIA’s Inside|Out program, which was started this past year to celebrate the museum’s 125th birthday.

“It was so well-received last year, we received phone calls and requests to get involved," said Inside|Out Site Coordinator Michelle Hauske. "So we decided to renew the program, to expand it, so now Inside|Out is going to take place over the next two years.”

The DIA has doubled the amount of paintings this year from 40 to 80, scattered throughout 11 communities and spanning six counties. The paintings will travel to new communities in the fall and again in the spring and summer of next year. 

Novi will host six paintings, which were installed in late June, until the end of August. Hauske said Novi was chosen to have its paintings during the summer because it hosts so many events and programs.

The six masterpieces installed around Novi are:

1. Fuerst Park—Self-Portrait by Vincent van Gogh
2. Novi Public Library—Seascape: Sunset by Martin Johnson Heade
3. Novi Civic Center—Berenice Reproaching Ptolemy by John-Joseph Taillasson
4. Suburban Collection Showplace—The Trappers’ Return by George Caleb Bingham
5. Emagine Theater—Konigsee by Willibald Wex
6. 12 Oaks Mall (food court entrance)—Woman in an Armchair by Pierre-Auguste Renoir

The paintings are framed, life-size digital reproductions from the DIA’s collection. Hauske hinted that she is working with Novi to organize a special event to highlight the artwork this summer.

As a thank-you for participating in Inside|Out, Novi residents will receive free general admission to the DIA on Aug. 7.

The other cities hosting masterpieces for the summer are Brooklyn, Howell, Livonia, Manchester, Milan, New Baltimore, Rochester, Romeo, St. Clair Shores and Sterling Heights.

Editor's note: Every day this week, we'll take a closer look at each piece of artwork. Tuesday: Vincent van Gogh's Self-Portrait.