Events at

Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation®

From special automotive exhibits and seasonal celebrations to immersive programming, our wide-ranging calendar of events at Henry Ford Museum brings you face to face with real things that have the power to inspire, inform and engage.

Upcoming Special Events and Exhibits at Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation®

Lillian Schwartz

Lillian Schwartz: Whirlwind of Creativity

March 25, 2023 – March 2024 | 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Lillian Schwartz: Whirlwind of Creativity is a career-retrospective exhibition showcasing the groundbreaking work of multimedia artist Lillian Schwartz.

 Exhibit Museum of American Innovation   Get Details

Lillian Schwartz: Whirlwind of Creativity

March 25, 2023 – March 2024 | 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Lillian Schwartz: Whirlwind of Creativity is a career-retrospective exhibition showcasing the groundbreaking work of multimedia artist Lillian Schwartz.
  Get Details
Nelson Mandela

Mandela: The Official Exhibition

October 21, 2023-January 15, 2024 | 9:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Mandela: The Official Exhibition takes guests on a personal journey through the life of the world’s most iconic freedom fighter and political leader, Nelson Mandela.

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Mandela: The Official Exhibition

October 21, 2023-January 15, 2024 | 9:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Mandela: The Official Exhibition takes guests on a personal journey through the life of the world’s most iconic freedom fighter and political leader, Nelson Mandela.
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event_card_holidaygreensandtreelot

The Henry Ford Holiday Greens & Tree Lot

November 24 - December 23, 2023 (or while supplies last) | 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Take home a seasonal tradition, just as a century of American merrymakers have done. Our fresh balsam firs and greens bring the rustic character of the 19th century to today’s yuletide celebrations.

 Event Museum of American Innovation   Get Details

The Henry Ford Holiday Greens & Tree Lot

November 24 - December 23, 2023 (or while supplies last) | 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Take home a seasonal tradition, just as a century of American merrymakers have done. Our fresh balsam firs and greens bring the rustic character of the 19th century to today’s yuletide celebrations.
  Get Details
"World Famous Finocchio's: The One and Only House of the Fabulous Female Impersonators," 1960-1970

Legendary Dress: Iconic Histories of Drag Performance

September 30 - December 31, 2023 | 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

This October, The Henry Ford is launching “Legendary Dress: Iconic Histories of Drag Performance.” Containing recent acquisitions spanning the mid-19th century to 2023, this limited-engagement pop-up exhibition explores the story of drag performance, identity and community — and the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ people.

 Exhibit Museum of American Innovation   Get Details

Legendary Dress: Iconic Histories of Drag Performance

September 30 - December 31, 2023 | 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

This October, The Henry Ford is launching “Legendary Dress: Iconic Histories of Drag Performance.” Containing recent acquisitions spanning the mid-19th century to 2023, this limited-engagement pop-up exhibition explores the story of drag performance, identity and community — and the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ people.
  Get Details

Things to Do Today at Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation®

Allegheny Locomotive

Railroads (9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.)

Step up into the cab of this mighty 600-ton locomotive, and imagine yourself at the controls.

Driving America Films

Driving America (9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.)

Enjoy your choice of four films highlighting the spirit of innovation in and around the automobile.

Fueled by Passion

Driven to Win (10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.)

Immerse yourself in a 180-degree multisensory theater experience that ignites the drive we all have to power our passions.

Gravity Racers

Driven to Win (9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.)

How does the body of a vehicle impact it's performance? Try your hand at automotive design and build different types to cars to see which will go the fastest. Will your vehicle win the race?

In the Driver's Seat presented by Brembo

Driven to Win (9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.)

Buckle up for high-octane racing with six interlinked, full-motion simulators that feature the latest technologies – just like the modern pros use for training.

Innovation Nation Lounge

Near Mathematica (9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.)

Get inspired by Emmy Award-winning The Henry Ford's Innovation Nation TV show.

Make a Paper Airplane

Heroes of the Sky (9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.)

Experiment with aerodynamics as you fold and test paper airplane designs. Sponsored by Delta Air Lines.

Model Train Layout

Railroads (9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.)

In the shadow of one of the world's largest locomotives, mini metal machines navigate through historic model train buildings, showing just how far we've come.

Rosa Parks Bus

With Liberty and Justice for All (9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.)

Inside this bus on December 1, 1955, Rosa Parks, a soft-spoken African-American seamstress, refused to give up her seat to a white man, challenging existing segregation laws.

Story Stroll

Dollhouses (9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.)

Story Stroll combines movement and literacy, all while you explore the museum! Find the next stop to follow along and join us every month for a new book.

Visions of the Future

Your Place in Time (9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.)

The 20th century saw amazing advances in technology and pop culture. What will the 21st century bring? Draw your ideas and submit them to be shown publicly in Your Place in Time.

1975 Sperry-New Holland Combine

Agriculture and the Environment (10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.)

Experience the innovation that changed the corn harvest by compacting multiple processes into one great big machine.

Overland Touring Car

Your Place in Time (10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.)

Sit in the driver's seat of a car that is over 100 years old.

Experiment with History

Made in America: Power Exhibit (10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.)

Investigate STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics) through the eyes of past innovators with hands-on activities.

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