Dearborn is home to one of the largest Arab American communities in the country, and the Arab American National Museum is the best single place to understand it. The museum stands at 13624 Michigan Avenue, in the heart of the city's East Dearborn business district, and it presents Arab American history, culture and contribution through core galleries and a program of changing exhibitions. Behind the building lies Al-Hadiqa, the Mymonie Elhage Jabara Heritage Garden, a quiet outdoor space that is a pleasant ending to a visit. The museum is the starting point for a half-day that most visitors find unforgettable, because the surrounding blocks of Michigan Avenue are lined with bakeries, restaurants and shops that put the stories in the galleries on a plate. It also runs guided tours for all ages and a calendar of public programs, for which advance tickets are required. Exhibitions change, so look at the museum's site for what is on. This is a serious, warm and well-run museum, and a strong choice for travelers who want more than the usual auto-industry story.
Hours and admission
The museum is open Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Thursday and Friday from noon to 8 p.m., which makes the late hours useful for dinner nearby afterward. It is closed on Monday and Tuesday. During Ramadan the Thursday and Friday hours change to noon to 5 p.
m., and the museum also closes for Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Day, New Year's Eve and Day, Easter Sunday and July 4. General admission is modest, with a reduced rate for seniors, students and educators, and free entry for members and children five and under.
Getting in
Free, lighted parking is available in the large municipal lot behind the museum, and the entrance is through the museum store. Food and beverages are not allowed inside, and the coat check is self-service. Advance tickets are required for tours and public programs, so book those ahead if you want a guided visit. If you are not feeling well, the museum asks you to reschedule rather than come.
Building a Dearborn day
Pair the museum with a meal on Michigan Avenue and, if time allows, The Henry Ford or the Ford Piquette Avenue Plant to see two very different sides of the city's immigrant and industrial story. Plan about two hours in the museum itself. Visitors are advised to be respectful of daily and religious rhythms, particularly during Ramadan, when restaurants keep different hours. Couples and adults traveling without children will find the galleries thoughtful, and school-age children can follow the stories well.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided visit to core galleries and changing exhibitions in a Dearborn museum, with a heritage garden behind the building.
Best time
Thursday or Friday, when the museum is open until 8 p.m., so dinner on Michigan Avenue follows naturally.
How long
About two hours.
Tips
Check the holiday and Ramadan hours, book advance tickets for tours and programs, and use the free lot behind the museum.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Travelers who want to understand Dearborn's Arab American community.
- Families
- Good for school-age children; tours are offered for all ages.
- Couples
- Gallery visit followed by dinner on Michigan Avenue.
- Pair with
- The Henry Ford, or a meal on Michigan Avenue.
- Time needed
- About two hours.
Good questions
Where is the museum?+
At 13624 Michigan Avenue in Dearborn. Free lighted parking is in the municipal lot behind the building.
When is it open?+
Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Thursday and Friday from noon to 8 p.m. It is closed Monday and Tuesday and on several holidays.
Do I need to book?+
Not for general admission, but tours and public programs require advance tickets.
How much time should I allow?+
About two hours for the galleries, plus time for the heritage garden and a meal nearby.
Can I eat inside?+
No. Food and beverages are not allowed inside the museum, but Michigan Avenue has many places to eat nearby.
