Detroit Institute of Arts - Historic photos (interior)
Detroit Institute of Arts
Today, Rodin’s “The Thinker” looks out over Woodward from a perch in front of the Detroit Institute of Arts, but when the building first opened, it greeted visitors from inside.
Before what is now the Rivera Court was home to the "Detroit Industry" murals, it was the realm of Artie the Donkey. This piece - created by German sculptor Renée Sintenis in 1927 and officially titled simply "Donkey" - was touched so often, the museum turned it into a learning tool to teach people what happens when you manhandle art.
The Detroit Institute of Arts' Court before it was turned over to muralist Diego Rivera to provide the canvas for the "Detroit Industry" murals, which were declared a National Historic Landmark in their own right.
A cast of Rodin's famed "The Thinker," which now stands outside the Detroit Institute of Arts, originally was displayed inside it. Before that, the statue was located outside of the forerunner of the DIA, the Detroit Museum of Art.