This is one of the must see buildings on the historical detriot tourist list! The Guardian Building is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. It was completed in 1929 during the city's automotive boom. It is also often referred to as the Cathedral of Finance. It's a breathtaking Art Deco design inside and out. Make sure to take time to appreciate the detail, that makes it so special. The bold colors, the amazing tile work, and vaulted lobby are stunning. It history and beauty makes it so much more than "office building". We lucked out and found street parking but would have paid for a garage. It is absolutely worth stepping inside to look around. Website: www.guardianbuilding.com read more

See all

It opened in 1929 as the world's tallest masonry structure. It was a cathedral of finance, a 40 story red brick building with green & white accents. The interior is a colorful explosion of marble, mosaic & murals that draws from the Aztec, Art Deco & local influences. read more

See all

Beautiful art deco building from 1928 initially used for financial purposes, it now has multiple uses and is a tourist destination as well as building for all sorts of commercial use. You cannot go above the first floor as a tourist without being on a tour, but there's plenty to see on the first floor. The artwork and ceilings are enough of a reason to check out the first floor alone. There's also a small temporary exhibit on Wayne county history on this floor. read more

See all

Beautiful Detroit Classic! I came for the gift shop, but left with a few souvenirs and and impression that will last a lost time. The craftsmanship! Just look around, all the small details that create the larger than life larger picture. Specifically the ceiling! be sure to look up. This place is so beautiful. So beautiful, I saw a photo shoot occur while visiting for footwear. I would highly suggest stopping by for a quick glance at this architecture. it costs you nothing but time. (Also- the tour shop inside has some cute souvenirs.) read more

Guardian Building - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

See all

My favorite building downtown! Quintessential historical Detroit architecture. Built in the 1920's, the art deco is incredible. I love coming here and looking at all the details. read more

See all

This is a building with a stunningly beautiful ground level entry hall. The architecture is remarkable and memorable. You do not have to be an architectural afficionado to appreciate this wonderful structure. If you happen to be in the area, take a couple of minutes to step inside to appreciate it. read more

Guardian Building - Inside Guardian Building - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

See all

Beautiful art deco building. It is definitely one of a kind. They have beautiful murals and stained glass. It's a must do tourist spot and not crowded at the time we went there on a weekend. It has event space available as well read more

See all

Very beautiful building with amazing architecture. The design is so unique. Definitely a must visit from Detroit. There's a coffee place, and you can seat around and stay watching for a long time. Ps. Also has public restrooms, which sometimes are hard to find. read more

See all

Stunning building that is worth checking out whether you are a local or just in town for a short time. We did a formal tour with some family from out of town, and everyone loved it. Lots to look at and some super cool history to learn about the city. read more

Guardian Building - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

This is an amazing building circa 1928 that's still gracefully intact. Amazing architecture style outside. Inside the main hall is a beautiful full length wall painted mural including the demographic map areas of Michigan. On each lower side of the mural you'll see painted depictions of the agricultural and industrial aspects of what Michigan was built from. The entry atrium has amazing perfectly matched geometric colorful patterns. A must see building done in art deco; beautiful inside and out! read more

See all

Looking for that amazing art deco design then this building is the one you all need to see in down town Detroit. During our visit there were no tours to the top but if it's anything like the lobby and Bank entrance it must be amazing. read more

Beautiful building, inside and out. But definitely go inside and take some photos. The inner aesthetic and decor is something from a different era. read more

See all

As a big fan of Art Deco this was a quick but memorable visit. The architecture is incredible, I have never seen anything quite like the interior. It really is a living work of art that gives a nod to Detroit's illustrious past. There are a few store inside as well as a bank, the staff were surprisingly friendly. I am glad we stopped in to marvel at this beauty of a building. read more

Guardian Building - Entryway - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

I went here mid-week while visiting Detroit. The architecture is amazing inside and out. Unfortunately i could only see the first floor because tours are only on the weekends. read more

See all

This Art Deco lobby is open to the public. It is a beautiful example of Detroit's illustrious past. I was hoping to try their cafe, but all the businesses are closed indefinitely during covid. read more

See all

Shout out to Miss Marie for making my mama, who loves architecture, feel so special and well taken care of! She took the time to have a nice conversation with her and they were exchanging smiles and laughs. What a way to be welcomed to Detroit! read more

See all

It's a quick stop for a tourist like Jamie W. and me, but the Guardian Building is a textbook example of the true aesthetic of Art Deco - which when done badly - can really go south. Y'hear that, Miami Beach? Built in 1929, it's forty stories high, not a monumental height, but it stands out with its clean lines and lightly orange bricks (photo). Get closer and colorful details come into focus like the two stone figures stand sentry by the doors. What struck us when we walked inside was the omnipresent use of colored tile, not loud but relatively muted in intricate geometric patterns. Look up at the gorgeous concave ceiling (photo: http://bit.ly/2JUhhI0) and also the pyramid shapes around the elevator bank (photo: http://bit.ly/2XWtG87). Once we walked into the lobby (which is dominated by a working B of A branch), there in clear view on the far wall is a massive mural of the state of Michigan streaked with gilded details and images (photo: http://bit.ly/2JUhSte). Look back and there's a classic Tiffany clock surrounded by ornate ironwork (photo: http://bit.ly/2JVxOex). The sum of all the detail made up of brick, terra-cotta, marble, ceramic tile, and metal is quite something , period craftsmanship at its finest. RELATED - Exploring Michigan? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: http://bit.ly/2Jt7MiE read more

See all

My brother and I were visiting Detroit for a weekend, and we're both sort of architecture nerds. When I learned about Pure Detroit's FREE architecture tours, I wanted to do them all. We were able to squeeze in the tours of the Fisher Building and Guardian Building. THE GUARDIAN BUILDING IS BONKERS. I've seriously never seen anything like it. Designed by Wirt Rowland and in the Art Deco (or "Aztec Deco") style, there is SO MUCH to look at in this building. The building (completed in 1929) has monel metal, Tiffany glass, mosaics, an enormous fresco, and custom tile work. It has a hand-painted canvas ceiling to dampen sound! It's thought to be the first air-conditioned skyscraper. The Pure Detroit tour of this building is SO WORTH IT. Our tour guide was excellent. And we learned so much about this fascinating building. The tour runs an hour or a little longer, but you won't be bored - NOTHING about this building is boring. I took some pretty amazing pictures in this building - but they don't do the building justice. This is simply a building every Detroit resident or visitor should see for themselves! (You can just wander in and around the main lobby and the banking lobby by yourselves for free if you want, but I highly recommend the Pure Detroit tour!) read more

See all

If you love Art Deco architecture, Detroit is a dream and the Guardian Building is one of the best. Located in downtown Detroit, it's easy to get to. It's open all the time. However, the main lobby is where the stunning art is and that's often booked for events on weekends. Keep that in mind if you go. Also, if you like ice cream, Milk and Froth is nearby! read more

See all

We love the special architecture of the city, we always visit this building and we are always amazed. We had some friends from China and they also loved it and took lots of pictures. read more

Guardian Building - Inside - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

Beautiful Art Deco building. Close to financial district People mover station. A must visit for visitors read more

See all

Do not question if you should visit this beautiful building or not. You need to do yourself a favor and see the Guardian Building in person! We went on a free tour of the building via Pure Detroit - did I mention free? No charge either when entering the building - free to the public. Parking is the only tricky part but there are some lots and structures that are around and only about a 2-5 minute walk from the building. The Pure Detroit tour was in front of their store front in the banking room. Lots of cool stuff too in their store - so check it out! Steve was our tour guide and the tour was about 1.5 hours - the tour went longer than most especially with the amount of people on the tour. I learned a ton about the building, architecture, and of course the history! We spent about 15 minutes outside to admire the outside of the building but also check out the other beautiful buildings in the financial district. My favorite part of the tour was heading to the 32nd floor and checking out the amazing views. This building is a treasure and is a combo of a cathedral church, meets southwest design, meets art deco. A sight for the eyes is an understatement! read more

The Guardian is such an incredible building. I've been in beautiful buildings in so many cities - Seoul, Chicago, New York - but this one blows so many of them away. The fact that it's open during the day and people can just walk in and hang out in the lobby is incredible, and this would be a lovely place to catch up with someone or read a book. The Art Deco style and warm reds of the building really distinguish it from so much of what makes modern buildings and skyscrapers beautiful, and I think it's so worth stopping by if you're in Detroit. It honestly amazes me that people work in this building and pass by every day, as it really is jawdropping and incredible to see. read more

Guardian Building - The lobby - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

See all

A must see while sightseeing in downtown Detroit! Set aside 10-15 minutes to peek your head inside and soak in the beauty of the historic Guardian Building. This national landmark boasts Native American inspired tile work that is vibrantly filled with color and spills from the inside out into the exterior of the building. That's right, take a minute to look up and see how this building oozes character around every corner. Inside you'll find a handful of sighs sharing the history and inspiration of the building as well as a few shops in the upper area of the lobby. The Guardian Building is less than a ten minute walk from Martius Park. The building now serves as an office building for Bank of America. Highly recommend adding this spot to your hit list while in D-town! read more

See all

What a beautiful building and a very polite and friendly attendant! Worth stopping by!

Zipping over from Corktown, we got downtown and parked across the street from The Guardian Building in a parking garage that was like a crazy maze. I mean, no matter what THEY try to tell you, most parking garages don't just have you go up to park and then down to exit. There are like sub-levels and trolls to pay before you can actually park. Then, you have to REMEMBER where you parked, but who can remember Green 4B, Spot 890, The Toledo Mud Hens Level? Even when you take a picture of nearby signs, you are still tempted to leave bread crumbs. Before the twisting garage, I read about The Guardian Building while researching coffee places in Detroit. You know when that internet rabbit hole happens? Coffee places leads to NEW SAVORY OPTIONS leads to healthy snacking this summer leads to KEEP YOUR ENERGY UP BY WALKING leads to beautiful walking tours leads to ART DECO BUILDINGS IN DOWNTOWN DETROIT. I know that has happened to you. I know. Feeling like we needed to have a coffee run mid-point in our Detroit adventure, we intended to go to The Rowland Cafe in the lobby of The Guardian Building for coffee, but got distracted by the prettiness. To say this building had amazing architecture and design would be a giant understatement. The beauty of the mosaic tile, the delicate stairs, the Michigan mural on the south wall, the orange in the clock... incredible. Oh, AND there were souvenirs! A great Pure Detroit store is just to the right of the cafe in the lobby, where we bought onesies and t-shirts (because that is what you do when things around you are beautiful- it is Art Museum Gift Shop Logic). After the purchasing of many things with D-E-T-R-O-I-T plastered on them, we finally went to the Rowland Cafe, just feet away. It is here that I got into a conversation about the merits of beet salad because people don't understand. My beet salad argument (adapted for your attention span): You can roast them, coat them in a balsamic vinaigrette, add goat cheese and miracles happen. They should never be JUST pickled. OK? After everyone (the barista and another half-interested patron) was swayed by my excellent oratory skills, I ordered. The Cafe makes a good caffeinated beverage, but also has lots of bottled water, imported beverages, desserts and snack food options. With a Quicken building across the street, there were many lanyard-sporting people about mid-day looking for places to eat. If I was one of them, I would eat here almost every day. The service was good, the eats looked tasty and the environment was unusually ideal. Also, the building is a block away from the Hart Plaza Fountain; it is really a statue that is a fountain, a circle, and could probably beam you to space if you asked nicely. Just all around goodness. But, if chili and hot dogs are more your thing, you could walk down the street to the middle of the coney wars. read more

See all

Beautiful! Built in the 1920s by Wirtland C. Rowland for The Union Trust Company, the Guardian Building was known as the Cathedral of Finance. Completed in 1929, the Guardian Building is considered one of the finest examples of art deco architecture in the world. Its six story lobby features custom Pewabic tiles and an enormous Tiffany clock. Restored in 1986, the Guardian Building was acquired by Wayne County in 2007 and now serves as the office for the Wayne County Executive. Wayne County occupies most of the space itself, but also leases to other tenants, including The Smith Group, which is the descendant company of Smith Hinchman & Grylls, Rowland's employer. I am among the lucky who work in the Guardian Building and I'm still awed by the beauty of the space every time I enter the building. The Guardian Building is a must-see for anyone in the Detroit area interested in history or architecture. The lobby level of the building houses several retail establishments. including a coffee shop, a sandwich shop, and a Pure Detroit store. Inside Detroit, as well as the Guardian Building's concierge, offer tours that bring the history of the place to life. If you're lucky, you'll get to visit the former "Guardian Club" on the 32nd floor, which is now used by the County for special events and offers unparalleled views of the Detroit skyline. read more

See all

I honestly had no itinerary when I went to Detroit. It was one of those "oh, I'm going to Detroit?" moments. My friend took me here. It's a pretty cool looking building. The interior is remarkable. Very ornate, colorful and detailed. It's free to get in. There was a tour group while we there but I don't do too well in tour groups since I get easily bored and distracted. This place has lots to distract you with. Ooh, colors! There's a cafe and a gift shop that sells proudly Detroit-made products such as tea, fudge, chocolates, soda (Faygo), chips, popcorn, accessories made with seatbelts, shirts, magnets, books, pottery, etc. read more

Guardian Building - Ceiling - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

I have the wonderful pleasure of working in one of Detroit's most beautifully lavish historic skyscrapers. The majestic Guardian Building, architected by W.C.Rowland and built in 1929, and is a noteworthy fixture with its orange brick grandeur adding a uniqueness to the Detroit skyline. The building's front entrance on Griswold is covered by burgundy monogrammed awnings. Situated between Congress and Larned, with its back facing Woodward Ave, it always been a key fixture in the city's Finance District. The 36 story building, which served as the US Army Command Center for wartime production during WWII, was later home to the Union Tryst Company. Today it provides leased office space to many companies and offers retail shopping, a bank and the Rowland cafe in the building's sprawling lobby which boast beautiful displays of most of the original pewabic pottery tiles and marble floors. The building still houses some of the original money vaults in basement and has breathtaking views of the city from its 32 floor Guardian Club, open lounge that is available for rent. If you ever want to see a delightful piece of Detroit's history, sign up for one of the free the guided tours and prepare to be amazed! read more

Guardian Building - Tiled ceiling in lobby - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

See all

A Detroit gem! I've been to the Guardian building several times and I never tire of seeing it. Anytime I have out of town visitors come, I make sure to take them here. As one Detroit tour guide I had put it, you should be fired as a tour guide if you don't include the Guardian Building in your tour. This building is a WORK OF ART and a must-see if you're in the area. They just don't make buildings like this anymore and it's a doggone shame. Pluses are that there's a Pure Detroit store in the Guardian building. Great for tourists as they sell Michigan postcards, Detroit t-shirts and other Michigan wares like Vernor's ginger ale and Sander's chocolate. They also have a nice selection of seatbelt bags and Pewabic pottery. There's also a cafe in here and a conveniently located women's restroom. I think the men's restroom is on a different floor as the women's. This building is one of the things that makes Detroit really special! Definitely check it out! read more

Guardian Building - A Detroit gem - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

See all

Very beautiful. Views from 32nd floor. Really unexpectedly a really wonderful interior. read more

See all

I bookmarked Guardian Building when planning a one-day layover in Detroit a year ago. That trip didn't happen but I somehow found myself in metro Detroit a year later, just in time to watch Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown Season 2 Finale Detroit in the hotel. Bourdain didn't say anything about the Guardian in his piece, but I like to think he had it in mind when he said Detroit is one of the most beautiful cities in America--still. You should come here and see it. I will leave it to others to elaborate on the architecture and the history as I am ill-equipped to do so. I was simply mesmerized by what I saw in the lobby. Tips for fellow tourists: Touring the building: you can visit the lobby and the adjacent retail promenade freely, enjoy some coffee, sweets or lunch at Stella Cafe or Rowland Cafe. Pure Detroit, which has a shop there, offers free (for now) tours of the Guardian and a few other landmark buildings on Thursdays and Saturdays only. Check puredetroit.com for schedules. Parking: a sign near the entrance to the building says valet parking for $10. I parked in one of the city-operated parking facilities: Ford Underground Garage @Jefferson & Woodward (first 2 hours: $5. 2-4 hours: $10), which is only a block away. Entrance to the garage is right next to the famous fist sculpture. read more

Guardian Building - Lobby. The Guardian is nicknamed Cathedral of Finance. - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

See all

I can't add to much to what other reviewers have already said; I can only agree. Yes, this building is exquisite inside and out. In terms of beautiful Detroit lobbies, the Guardian's is second only to the Fisher Building. (Feel free to disagree with me; they're both stunning, so do yourself a favor and check out both.) Yes, Christopher Roddy is a tour guide beyond reproach. What a great guy - easy going and informative. Some of the other reviewers also did a great job giving some facts and history on the building. I'll just add two things: it's best to arrive for tours weekdays between 10 and 11 a.m. Other times you should make an appointment. And spend some time checking out the murals in the lobby. I spent about an hour drawing details from them and drinking coffee from the Rowland Cafe. It was an productive and pleasurable time. Three cheers for the Guardian Building! read more

Nice views from 32 floor. The lobby lives up to being the most beautiful building in Detroit. Great free tour from Pure Detroit store.

Beautiful! The free tour was excellent and covered history of the building, architectural style/influence, and materials. Check at the lobby desk for tour times. read more

Guardian Building - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

See all

Simply amazing and breathtaking. Detroit has many architectural and artistic gems, the Guardian Building being one of them. My friend took me here as part of a walking tour of downtown. She wasn't sure if the Guardian Building was open on Sunday in the late afternoon...and it was! Granted that only the lobby was open, I still was able to get a good glimpse of the beautiful art deco/arte moderne that flooded the building. My friend recommended that I come by here on a weekday (during my trip, that was a Monday) to check out the rest of the building as it was closed off for Sundays. With my friend's recommendation, I came back on a Monday during prime business hours. The gate, which separates the lobby from the rest of the businesses on ground level (i.e. Bank of America and the Detroit Store) was open, so I snuck inside to get a better look at all the beautiful colors, shapes, and designs on the ceilings and on the walls. Such an incredible sight with all the rich hues of red, yellow, and blue colors whether from afar or up close. In addition, there are two pieces of art that I really love here in the Guardian Building: (1) The Michigan mural, highlighting the main industries of the state (somewhat like the Rivera mural in the DIA), painted by Ezra Winter. As a child, I had an atlas with pictorial representation of the industries of different countries that I would read/look at every day. Winter's Michigan mural reminded me of the childhood, while also giving me a better understanding of Michigan's industrial history (2) The beautiful Tiffany clock located on the gate separating the lobby from the businesses. Simply said, who doesn't love Tiffany artwork/glass? For those visiting Detroit, I highly recommend visiting the Guardian Building. It's free and provides a great representation of the architectural beauty that can be found in Detroit. Five stars! read more

See all

The guardian building is beautiful and very unique. Pure Detroit put on an amazing free tour on Sunday at 2 pm. Our guide was amazing. He took us up to the top of the building, and explained much of Detroit's history. I highly recommend visiting the building and doing the tour. read more

Incredible architecture and vaulted ceiling art. The vibrant colors, the palatial set up - walk into a classic oasis and appreciate the history and skill that went into creating this building. Check out the free tours at the Pure Detroit shop (See the Fisher Building too!) There's a small cafe to try, and little boutiques with jewelry and Detroit trinkets. Classic leather and metal chairs from the 60's add a mod vibe to the seating, and it's a fun place just to spend out of the heat/cold of downtown. read more

One of Renowned Modern Architects feats, this is one of A. Kahn's most passionate interiors. The mosaic tiling and murals are worth checking out! In the heart of Downtown. The photos say it all. It's a true spectacle. Survey says: GO! I just like to take my time off on lunch or a weekend and spend some time and just staring and enjoying it's timeless beauty. I suggest you try it. read more

Guardian Building - The colour! - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

See all

History and Architecture! Situated in beautiful Downtown Detroit the Guardian Building is a gem! Pure Detroit is also a great gift shop located in the Building. You need to go inside the building to see how beautiful the detail is in this building, I would make a trip down just to see this or see it in passing when your Downtown Detroit for other things. read more

See all