Detroit – In a celebration of the city’s cultural heritage, the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) and The Parade Company announced a historic partnership to create a spectacular float for the 100th America’s Thanksgiving Parade® presented by Gardner White. The float, more than 100 feet long, will travel the three‑mile route down Woodward Avenue, turning the parade into a moving gallery that brings the museum’s world‑class collection directly to the streets.
Bringing the museum to the people
“The DIA has always believed that art belongs to everyone, and there is no better stage than Woodward Avenue on Thanksgiving morning,” said Salvador Salort‑Pons, Director of the Detroit Institute of Arts. He added that the float allows the museum to share its treasures with residents of Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties, whose support through the Tri‑County millage keeps general admission free for local patrons.
President & CEO of The Parade Company Tony Michaels praised the collaboration, noting, “We are so proud to partner with the Detroit Institute of Arts, bringing together the power of art and the magic of our parade to create unforgettable memories for our community.” He called the DIA “the best art museum in America” and highlighted the significance of the 100th‑year celebration.
What the float will showcase
The float, designed by The Parade Company’s artists and built in the historic Detroit parade studio, will feature several iconic pieces from the DIA’s collection. Highlights include Diego Rivera’s legendary Detroit Industry murals, Auguste Rodin’s The Thinker, Renee Sintenis’ whimsical Donkey, and Charles McGee’s “Noah’s Ark: Genesis.” Additional artwork will appear on rotating spindles, offering parade‑goers a dynamic visual experience.
Community impact
Organizers expect the float to draw families and art lovers of all ages, reinforcing Detroit’s reputation as a hub of creativity and civic pride. The parade remains free and open to the public along Woodward Avenue, ensuring that the celebration is accessible to everyone in the region.
With the theme “This is 100,” the parade honors a century of Detroit’s most beloved tradition while spotlighting the city’s cultural institutions. The collaboration underscores a shared commitment to making art an everyday experience for the community.
Looking ahead
As the float prepares for its debut, both the DIA and The Parade Company invite residents to join the festivities, enjoy the moving gallery, and celebrate Detroit’s vibrant artistic legacy. The partnership exemplifies how local institutions can work together to enrich public life and preserve the city’s cultural heritage for future generations.
Original reporting: Warren | FOX 2 Detroit — read the source article.
