Scarab Club is such a beautiful gem across from the Detroit Institute of Arts. I attended a book event but there are art exhibitions, art classes, and other events regularly held here. I recommend attending an event just to get the chance to admire the art and architecture of the building. read more

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This is very much worth a visit. The building and grounds are beautiful, historic, and fascinating. They showcase some local artists who have studio space here. It's a venue for small to medium sized special events. It's across the street from the art museum so it's easy to amble over and check out. When I stopped by they were renovating, it's over 110 years old so this sort of thing must happen every now and then. Well worth the voluntary donation even though it was mostly closed off. Depending on your vision, you might want to bring binoculars to look at the higher parts of the exterior architecture and be careful if you are backpedaling to get a better view. Thank you to the motorist who didn't run me over by the way, when I backed into the street, Mr. Magoo style. read more

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The scarab club has always intimidated me. I've walked by before scoping the building out and for some reason or another just never went in but this last time, I was in the area and I purposely swang by just to check it out again and this time they had a sign on the door saying "We have AC. Come on in." Well you don't have to ask me twice. I walked up some stairs and there was a gentleman inside sitting at a table. There's a jar for donations and he told me to feel free to take a look around. Immediately to your right, there's a big beautiful open space showcasing a local artist. I'm crazy about cats and the artist was Jerome Feretti and lucky for me, he features cats frequently in his work. There were quite a few pieces for sale at very reasonable prices starting as low as $125. I almost took one of them home with me but changed my mind as I didn't looove it and the one I wanted was already sold. Red dots next to the piece indicate that they are spoken for already. The first floor opens up to a very private peaceful garden that abuts the DIA parking lot. It's beautifully manicured and looked like a lovely place to enjoy a sandwich or catch up with a friend. Don't forget to peruse the second floor! Stairs are disturbingly creaky but they had another artist showing upstairs with even more art for sale. While the first floor is minimalist and modern, the second is way old school. Basically how the rooms looked when the scarab club opened, I imagine. Many artists used to hang out here and the ceiling beams of the second floor are littered with their signatures, from the likes of Diego Rivera, Marcel Duchamp, and Normal Rockwell. Thanks Wikipedia! During my time there, I didn't find any names I recognized but still cool nevertheless. I didn't know this but the Scarab club is a national registered historic site. Definitely worth a visit after a trip to the DIA or DFT and from the warm welcome I received and the visitors who trickled in and out when I was there, you don't have to be shy about coming on in. read more

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The Secret Garden This was a surprise find on my visit to the DIA. Just across the street, next to the DIA parking lot, is this little artists studio place. Its been around since 1907 - Yep over 100 years. They have events related to all the arts - music, dance, painting, sculpture etc. Covering all bases. The day I was there I did not find the art on display to be super inspiring, however, since it changes monthly, next time will be something else. However, walking through, I found the real treasure - The Secret Garden. A fabulous enclosed garden. Beautiful. Benches to sit on. Well maintained and cared for flowers and shrubs. Bring your coffee or lunch and ENJOY a garden in the middle of the city! Who knew? Artists studio area near DIA. http://www.scarabclub.org/ (One thing, the stairs in are a little uneven, be careful on those.) read more

Scarab Club - Art Galleries Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

This was a place that we checked out after going to the art museum. This was worth it just checking out just to see their beautiful garden. Seriously it's a sight to behold. It is free admission although they do accept donations if you are so inclined. There is also a few beautiful rooms to see inside the building which is nice to see. A place worth having a look at before or after visiting the art museum or even on it's own. read more

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We really enjoyed coming here for an art exhibit. Nice staff, pretty building, and well kept.

The Scarab Club is a gorgeous place that promotes local artists and classes and lectures on art. I am all about supporting the Detroit local scene -- I am a firm believer that it needs more attention. It is absolutely gorgeous. They have a Member's gallery on the second floor which is worth a membership. They host musical events as well, like blues, jazz, and chamber music. One thing that hasn't been mentioned is that they host a costume ball. It was an annual even that stopped for awhile -- but while it was happening it was a huge event in Detroit's social scene. Last year they hosted an Egyptian themed costume ball to celebrate their 100th year. I hope they do another one again. I love their space and art, it would be so fun to attend an event here. read more

Scarab Club - Art Galleries Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

We had our wedding here in 2010 and it was a really unique & edgy way of making the occasion more personalized than having it at a hall where it felt one-size-fits-all. We had approximately 80 people (it didn't seem like we could fit that many, but we had round tables for guests, one long head table for us & our parents, & even cleared a spot for dancing.) We held the ceremony outside in the sculpture garden (it was early October & luckily the rain let up long enough for us to take our vows), then went in for dinner. Mary at The Caucus Club was our caterer & she was fabulous at creating vegetarian dishes that even our omnivore guests loved! We brought our own PA system and digital music & did a shuffle of our favorite songs (dinner playlist, dancing playlist, etc) so there was no annoying DJ playing music we didn't want to hear. The best part was we also rented the upstairs and guests were free to roam & lounge by the giant fireplace. I love the ambience & the names of artists etched into the beams upstairs! Trina was very sweet in helping us to organize everything, especially since I planned this whole thing from our home 2,000 miles away in Los Angeles! We flew in days before the wedding and much to my amazement, everything fell into place perfectly. I highly recommend this venue for a wedding that you can tailor to your tastes! read more

We had a our 120 person wedding here in early May. It was an incredible space and worked out beautifully. Treena, their events and arts coordinator, is super friendly and easy to work with. She worked with us to have the wedding of our dreams. The venue made a big impression on our guests, who enjoyed a beautiful garden ceremony, dinner in a sweet, Arts and Crafts lounge and dancing in an airy, white gallery. The pictures were amazing, too. Anecdote: A cousin who lives in Manhattan says, "This is so cool, it's like something that would happen in Brooklyn!...or Detroit!" read more

I love the Scarab Club - it is a beautiful old building with a gorgeous courtyard. There is so much history here, and the art shows are usually quite good. I got married here and they did a great job. The prices were very reasonable, especially for an open bar. Staff did a wonderful job moving our outdoor ceremony indoors due to rain, and all of our guests had a fantastic time and commented on the beautiful, unique space. read more

Agreed. The Scarab Club has multiple-personality disorder. What IS it exactly? A beautiful house that houses things. The interior is mostly stained wood, almost always with framed paintings or photographs hanging on the walls. I think it's cool someone got married in the Scarab club. I've been in the house three times for poetry readings/ artsy experimental video art. As an art space, the Scarab club is pretty top notch. Excellent lightning, excellent acoustics. They have their own private parking lot (which can be used when taking in a movie at the Detroit Film Theater across the street). read more

As the green plaque indicates, the Scarab club has been around for quite a while. It's hard to tell exactly what the Scarab Club is; is it, a venue? a club? a gallery? a school? Probably a little bit of the above. I've been to SC for a couple different functions - I've been to a gallery show there, as well as a performance, both musical and poetic, and I was was drug by a friend there for a "free sketch" session. The sketch session was a trip. Now I know what it feels like to be an art student... except that I still draw stick figures. Honestly all of the above really make SC into a one of a kind event space. read more

Detroit's best kept secret for art. A number of students from College for Creative Studies as well as professional artists maintain studio space here. Also a full schedule of shows and events, as well as classes. A great resource for anybody serious about art. read more

The Scarab Club is a wonderful piece of Detroit and art history. I grew up in Detroit and had never heard of it. When our family decided to spend our vacation "at home as tourists" this year, I found the Scarab Club on the list of places to see. We had a wonderful tour of the club, the 1st floor gallery and the 2nd floor lounge. There is a tremendous amount of history here nestled in the heart of the city's museum district. Definitely worth a visit when you are in the area. read more

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Over 100 years of local art support. Incredible building. Beautiful garden. Treena is always so gracious & welcoming. The featured artists are present & friendly. It seems there's always something going on. read more

What a hidden gem this place is! Wonderful rotating exhibitions! We were lucky enough to meet the gallery director, Treena, when we were there. She was incredibly warm and welcoming. She told us a great deal about each exhibition and then even showed us an artist's studio on the third floor. It was a wonderful experience and we look forward to attending their Third Thursday cocktail parties that are open to the public! What a great space with lots of history! read more

My friend participated in a show here. A very cool place to showcase up and coming artists.

I've been to the Scarab club for their Thursday night emerging artists program several times and once for another art event. I love that they support local artists and give them a showcase for their work. The building itself is so cool - it's very old and is art deco motif inside. The woodwork & lamps & furniture are envy inducing - if only I could transport it all to my old house! For the Thursday night events they always have free hors dourves and cocktails to purchase, so you can imbibe while enjoying the art work. The artist is always there, so it's nice to chat with the person that is selling their art and get their insights. They also have a sketch activity that takes place on the 1st floor during this event, one of these days I want to try that out too. If you get a chance - stop in and check out the building and look for ongoing events there. They're usually open for touring during Noel Night. read more

I've been here a number of times for various events, a wedding, a community meeting, a class, a musical performance. The sculpture garden is nice. Parking is a hassle. Several times when I've been here for less glamorous events the bathrooms have been very dirty. read more

There was so much to love about this place- the building itself is a piece of art. The curves of the doorways, wood floors, paneling, ceiling beams...windows and doors were excellent and then there is the art work- community artists- this weeks rotation was a mixed group- can't describe- but interesting to say the least- free to public but give a donation if you can- it's right down in the hub of DIA, DHM, creative arts college read more

We had to find a venue for our wedding that was to take place in less than two months when our original venue flaked out on us. We went to the Scarab Club and luckily they had the date available. We had our ceremony outside in their beautiful enclosed garden that was in full bloom. They had a wedding trellis available that my sister in law decorated beautifully with lights and fresh flowers. Our reception was wonderful. Mary, the caterer, comes from the long-respected, but now closed, Caucus Club and we still get compliments on the meal she provided. What was particularly nice was it was a gorgeous summer evening and we were able to have an indoor/outdoor reception so people could dance inside with the doors open or lounge outside with their cocktails (which were top notch). My husband's dream was to be able to offer fine cigars to his friends after the ceremony and this was facilitated in the garden (they were respectful of the flowers and grounds). We had it decorated with Chinese lanterns and it was beautiful when the sun went down the moon rose. Every detail was taken care of---Treena even went out at the last minute to buy glue for my new husband's traditional Scottish brogues (shoes) so he could continue dancing! We are so glad we ended up there!! read more