Aretha Franklin visitation: What you need to know

Detroit has begun a four-day mourning and celebration for the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, who died in Detroit on August 16. A public visitation is running August 28-29, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. each day at the Charles H. Wright Museum.

A 1936 white LaSalle Hearse arrived Tuesday morning with Franklin, and many people were in line overnight in order to be some of first to pay their respects to the Queen, according to the Detroit Free Press.

If you plan on heading out, here are a few things to keep in mind:

Getting there

Street parking will be limited near the Charles H. Wright Museum. If you have to drive, look to the Cultural lot behind the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Park Shelton garage, or nearby Wayne State parking garages.

Because of the limited parking and expected traffic congestion, it’s highly recommended visitors carpool, take a ride-hailing service, or use public transportation.

The closest Qline stop is Warren Avenue. DDOT has multiple routes along Woodward, and the 014 on Warren, which stops close to the museum. SMART buses stop at Woodward & Warren and Woodward & Putnam.

Weather/Waiting

Lines are expected to be long, and the weather won’t be kind. There’s a heat advisory until 8 p.m. tonight, as temperatures should reach 90 with high humidity. Bring water and possibly an umbrella for the sun. On Wednesday, temperatures should only reach 80, but rain is expected in the afternoon.

Upbeat music will be played outside for those waiting. Inside, gospel music will play.

Rules inside the museum

No cell phones or photos will be allowed once inside the museum. Guests will have to store their electronic devises inside the museum.

Museum exhibitions will be closed during the visitation.

Tribute and Funeral

More events are planned later this week for Aretha, including a free tribute concert at Chene Park—tickets were claimed within 15 minutes.

On Friday, her funeral will be held at Greater Grace Temple. Bill Clinton, Jesse Jackson, Smokey Robinson, and Clive Davis are expected to speak with Jennifer Hudson, Stevie Wonder, Faith Hill, and more slated to perform. This event is private, but will be livestreamed and aired on local TV stations.

A procession of pink Cadillacs will honor the legend outside the funeral.