Dossin Great Lakes Museum Unveiled New Mural

The 32-by-8-foot mural celebrates community participation at the Detroit museum.

Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Historical

Bold vector editorial illustration of a colorful abstract mural on a museum wall, representing community public art in Detroit. — The Dossin Great Lakes Museum has unveiled 'Currents in Color,' a permanent mural on its west wall completed by local volunteers and visitors this summer. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Dossin Great Lakes Museum recently unveiled a new permanent mural on its west wall titled Currents in Color. Volunteers and visitors used a paint-by-number technique to complete the large-scale artwork throughout the summer.

Why it matters

The mural project commemorates the institution's 65th anniversary by integrating public involvement into its permanent collection. It serves as a visual bridge between the museum and the surrounding community on Belle Isle.

The mural measures 32-by-8 feet and was created by designer Brontae Williamson. Museum admission is $5 for adults and children, with free entry for children under 6 and Detroit Historical Society members.

The players

Dossin Great Lakes Museum

This cultural institution located on Belle Isle is dedicated to preserving the maritime history of the Great Lakes.

Brontae Williamson

The artist created the design for the museum's new mural, titled Currents in Color.

Detroit Historical Society

This organization oversees the museum and manages programs related to the history and culture of the Detroit area.

Lisa Capra

She provided support for the development and installation of the new mural project.

The details

After the Detroit Historical Society issued a call for designs in April 2026, the organization selected the winning submission by Brontae Williamson in June. The final artwork was installed on the west wall of the museum at 100 Strand Drive.

The Detroit Historical Society requested mural designs in April 2026.
The organization selected the winning design in June 2026.
Volunteers and visitors painted the mural sections during the summer of 2026.
The museum unveiled the completed mural on September 23, 2026.

Roadmap

This mural project follows the tradition of using public art to revitalize institutional spaces and encourage local engagement with maritime history. It reflects a growing trend of museums utilizing collaborative, paint-by-number style installations to deepen the connection with their visitors.

Visitors to Belle Isle can now view the completed mural on the west wall of the museum during regular operating hours. Those planning a trip should note the $5 admission fee for most patrons while checking if they qualify for free entry.

The takeaway

Engaging in community-led art projects allows residents to become active participants in the preservation of local heritage. Future museum guests are encouraged to look for the interactive elements of the installation as they tour the exhibit space.