Relax at “The Beach Detroit” downtown this spring

Many Detroiters may be dreaming of a beach getaway right now, in the middle of an icy winter. Those dreams will be answered soon...kind of.

Coming to 1001 Woodward from March 1 to April 14 is “The Beach Detroit,” the latest interactive public art installation to land downtown. The installation is the work of New York design studio Snarkitecture.

It won’t be a typical beach, of course. This installation is all white, no water or sand included. According to a press release,

Visitors ascend a ramp before entering an all-white enclosure, where the floor descends towards the highlight of the experience—an ocean of recyclable, antimicrobial plastic balls. Two piers extend out into the ‘sea’, allowing people to stand in the center of the space and watch others, while a separate island invites exploration and discovery. Visual cues such as deck chairs, lifeguard chairs, umbrellas, and signage recall elements of the typical beach-going experience. However, these elements become surreal within an entirely monochromatic environment.

Image by Noah Kalina | Courtsey of Snarkitecture and Library Street Collective

The space at 1001 Woodward was most recently used for another interactive installation—the very colorful Rainbow City Roller Rink.

The Beach has made its way around the world, starting in Washington DC in 2015 and making stops in Paris, Bangkok, and Sydney.

The beach will be open Wednesday-Friday 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Sunday 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. It is free and family-friendly.

The Beach Detroit is produced by Library Street Collective with Cranbrook Art Museum and it’s supported by Bedrock and Quicken Loans Community Fund.