WSU Anthropology Museum, Detroit

Located on the first floor of Wayne State University's historic Old Main building, the Gordon L. Grosscup Museum of Anthropology offers an enriching exploration of Detroit’s cultural and historical tapestry. The museum, housed in a 1,500-square-foot gallery, features archaeological and ethnographic exhibits that trace the history of Detroit’s first French immigrants and their interactions with Indigenous peoples, alongside contemporary displays that reflect the city’s modern cultural landscape.

The museum serves as an educational and research hub for Wayne State’s Department of Anthropology, emphasizing the preservation, research, and interpretation of material culture. Students and faculty actively use the space for instruction in archaeology, museum studies, and anthropology, as well as for conducting research and hosting academic and public events.

The museum’s resources include an Archaeology Lab equipped with advanced tools such as microscopes, ceramic analysis kilns, and mapping software, and an Anthropology Library with extensive collections on Michigan history, archaeology, and Latin America. These facilities support the museum’s mission to foster an appreciation of the ethnic diversity and cultural heritage of the region within a global context.

Admission is free, and visitors can find the museum in Room 1227 of the Old Main Building on Cass Avenue. Access is recommended via the Cass Avenue entrance, with metered parking available nearby.