April 2026 Detroit Art Deco News & Events

Hello Art Deco and Mid-Century Friends! April Is often considered the bridge from winter to spring. In April the dull grey landscape becomes a wash of green as dormant lawns come back to life, trees bud in warm spring rains. Once again we enjoy the music of chirping birds and look forward to daffodils in bloom. It’s a time of new growth, garden clean-ups and nature walks…but don’t put away that winter coat just yet. We have a lot of news for you in this month’s newsletter; there are new events on the calendar too. We are excited that AMC theaters have chosen to show The True Story of Tamara de Lempicka and the Art of Survival at their Livonia location. Read on to see what’s going on and what’s to come. We would like to wish a Happy Easter and Happy Passover to all who celebrate.

Did You Know…

As a member of DAADS you automatically become a member of ICADS (The International Coalition of Art Deco Societies)?

Many Deco enthusiasts may not know what ICADS does and what ICADS offers. Please go to the ICADS website to see its many resources and to learn more about:

• Free virtual programming (aired live and recorded) to members and friends of all ICADS societies. The first Free virtual program takes place on Saturday, April 11, at noon when Pascal Laurent, President of Paris Art Deco, presents an illustrated talk about the 2025 Art Deco Centennial celebrations held in Paris, Reims, and Brussels. Register HERE

• Volunteer opportunities to serve on ICADS committees

• World Art Deco Day activities in April

• The Global Calendar posting of activities offered by Deco societies around the world that members of ICADS societies can access, often at the same costs enjoyed by members of the host society

For 15 years, Dan Austin has written thousands of articles, documenting the history of some of Detroit’s greatest structures and cultural landmarks. Now, the Detroit historian has launched a new initiative to ensure his work will live on forever and to help future generations of Detroiters. Austin launched The Austin Past & Future Fund Monday. The nonprofit has two goals–serving as an endowment that ensures Austin’s nonprofit architectural history website, HistoricDetroit.org, will continue to exist as a free community resource, and to raise money to offer college scholarships to Detroit youth, he told BridgeDetroit. 

The fund was set up in the wake of the Detroit historian and author’s 2024 diagnosis with stage IV cancer. “For years, I was just doing this stuff because I thought it was important,” said Austin, who is also a communications director for Michigan Central. “But it struck me that I’ve actually made a difference, so to speak, and certainly helping reduce those barriers to future generations and helping to move the city forward was a no-brainer.” 

You can read the full article here  https://www.bridgedetroit.com/historian-dan-austin-launches-fund-to-preserve-detroits-past-and-help-build-its-future/.

 

Things to do, places to go…

Detroit Historical Society

2026 Society Ball Saturday, April 18, 2026 The Guardian Building

 

5:00 PM • Benefactor and VIP Reception 6:00 PM • Cocktail Hour 7:00 PM • Seated Dinner with Program and Live Auction 8:00 PM • Speakeasy Opens • Live Big Band, Open Bar, Silent Auction, Late-night Coneys & Sweets

 

More information and Tickets here: https://1066.blackbaudhosting.com/1066/Society-Ball-2026  

More Info and Tickets here:  https://packardprovinggrounds.org/all-events/greatgatsby/

Thursday, April 16, 2026. 5pm-8pm

Get ready for an unforgettable evening, Stahls Night at the Museum brings the collection to life after hours! As the sun sets, the cars, music, and memorabilia take on a whole new glow, transforming the space into a vibrant spectacle of sights, sounds, and stories from automotive history.

Wander among rare and historic automobiles, each dramatically lit to showcase its design and beauty. Listen as the mighty automated musical instruments fill the air with enchanting melodies, turning your walk through the galleries into a journey through time. Don’t miss one of the evening’s most dazzling moments, our vintage neon signs blaze to life, casting a colorful glow that recalls the excitement of America’s golden age of motoring. More Info: https://www.stahlsauto.com/event/stahls-night-at-the-museum/2026-04-16/

The 2025/26 edition of The Modern has been mailed out to members’ homes. If you didn’t receive a copy, your membership may have expired or we don’t have your home mailing address. The digital version is now available… find it here: https://indd.adobe.com/view/8da64cae-f4d4-4888-9712-8f147914a3f4

 

Looking Ahead

• Tamara de Lempicka Zoom with Anne Paddy   March 2026

• The True Story of Tamara de Lempicka and the Art of Survival April 10^th AMC John R & 15 Mile, Troy

• Tour of Edsel & Eleanor Ford House   Thursday May 28^th 6:00 pm

 

Other things we’re working on for 2026:

• Detroit City Distillery Tour

• Tour of Saarinen House

• Celebrating 100 years of the Senate Theater

• Completion of the film Icons of Elegance featuring Art Deco buildings of Detroit

• Wine Stroll

 

Books You May Like

In this new authoritative biography, author Chris Meister brings a fresh perspective to the legacy of internationally renowned Detroit architect Albert Kahn, utilizing a broad range of newly seen archival resources. In Detroit, Kahn’s daylight factories and commercial designs have shaped the distinctive workplaces and streetscapes of the city. Placing Kahn’s design and production of iconic architecture—like the Belle Isle Aquarium & Horticultural Building as well as the Fisher Building—alongside less-heralded projects, Meister outlines how Kahn’s ingenuity and broad networks cultivated the spread of his influence through his advocacy of daylight in traditionally dark working environments.

Beyond Detroit, Meister addresses the complicated global impact of Kahn’s work by highlighting his pragmatic approach to architectural design and his involvement in fraught projects such as the plants designed for the USSR in Europe’s interwar period. This exploration of Kahn’s dynamic career establishes the architect as a vital figure for the global development of architectural modernism and to twentieth-century economic and political history.

 

We are always looking ahead and working on tours and events. Members are always the first to know and have first access to tickets. You can keep up with us on Facebook and Instagram @detroitartdeco

Questions about membership? Contact Renee  southpacificpixie@gmail.com

Join or renew HERE

Thank you for your continuous support and active participation. We wouldn’t be here without you.

The Detroit Area Art Deco Society is a non-profit 501c and your investment supports our annual Eastern Michigan University Preservation Scholarship.