Guardian Building
National Historic Landmark · Detroit, Michigan
The Guardian Building is an Art Deco skyscraper of 1929 in downtown Detroit, 40 stories of orange brick that locals nickname the Cathedral of Finance. Its draw is the interior. The orange-and-gold lobby is covered in Pewabic Pottery tile and Native American-themed motifs, with a vaulted ceiling, murals and gleaming metalwork that feel more like a church than an office tower. Visitors can usually see the lobby free on weekdays during business hours, but this is a working office building that houses public offices, so there is security and you should confirm hours and rules. Few formal tours run. It suits architecture lovers, photographers and anyone with fifteen to thirty minutes downtown. It is weekday only and small. The Fisher Building is a separate live row, and the Penobscot Building, Campus Martius and the People Mover are close by, so it fits into a short walking loop of the financial district on a weekday.
500 Griswold Street, Detroit, Michigan, 48226, United States
The lobby is generally open to visitors on weekdays during normal business hours, commonly from morning to late afternoon, and closed on weekends and holidays. Because the building houses public offices and has security, access rules, bag checks and the exact times can change, so confirm with the building before you go. Few other tours run, so do not plan a weekend visit. Photography of the public lobby is usually fine, but ask a guard if unsure. The upper floors are offices and are not open to the public, and visits are best kept short and quiet out of respect for people working there. Check for events or closures before you travel.
Guardian Building on Spottos · Explore more places on Spottos