University of Michigan Museum of Natural History
The University of Michigan Museum of Natural History is a part of the university’s College of Literature, Science, and the Arts. Found on the university’s Central Campus, the museum is made up of 22,000 square feet of exhibit area and shares this space with three research museums. The collection began in 1837 and the museum’s current home, the Alexander Ruthven Museums Building, was constructed in 1928. There are four permanent exhibits including the Anthropology Displays, the Geology Displays, the Hall of Evolution, and the Michigan Wildlife Gallery. The museum also has a planetarium and a “Butterfly and Pollinator Garden.”
Matthaei Botanical Gardens & Nichols Arboretum
Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum are two properties operated by the University of Michigan that feature an array of botanical and display gardens, a conservatory, natural areas with hiking and walking trails, and several research-quality habitats. Matthaei Botanical Gardens include display gardens like the Great Lakes Garden, Bonsai and Penjing Garden, the Garfield Children’s Garden, and a network of trails for walking, hiking, wildlife and bird watching. Nichols Arboretum is a haven for students and visitors alike and is home to the Nichols Arboretum Peony Garden, as well as several collections of native and historic plants. Both gardens are open seven days a week from sunrise to sunset.
Kerrytown, Ann Arbor, Michigan
Named after County Kerry in Ireland, Kerrytown was established as part of the original town of Ann Arbor and was later meticulously restored to its former glory into what it is today. Kerrytown now features several bustling markets, outstanding restaurants and locally owned shops selling everything from fashionable clothing and jewelry, to handmade art, vintage treasures, and toys. Traditional markets include Zingerman’s Deli, the Ann Arbor Farmers’ Market, and the Ann Arbor Artisans’ Market, which sell a range of locally sourced products, farm produce, gourmet food and baked goods while the Kerrytown Concert House and Braun Court are lovely to visit.
Hill Auditorium
Standing in the center of the University of Michigan campus, Hill Auditorium is a large performance venue that hosts a variety of the large public events and showcases the best performing artists in the world. Designed and built by Albert Kahn in 1913 and named in honor of Arthur Hill, the auditorium boasts a unique, hemispherical stage, superb acoustics, and seating for up to 3,500 people. The famous hall has hosted performances by world-renowned artists, including Rachmaninoff, the Vienna Philharmonic and Cleveland Orchestra, Elton John, and The Grateful Dead.
University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance
The University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance is a school for performing arts in Ann Arbor and includes undergraduate and graduate students. Founded in 1880, it was known as the Ann Arbor School of Music and later became a part of the university. Well-known alumni include Jessye Norman, Arthur Miller, James Earl Jones, Lucy Liu, and many others. The school presents musicals, operas, plays, and dance performances. There are a variety of music ensembles,including three orchestras, three choirs, several jazz ensembles, a wind ensemble, and several chamber music groups. The Earl V. Moore building was designed by Eero Saarinen.
