SOUTHFIELD, Mich. — Lawrence Technological University (LTU) has partnered with the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) to bring the nationally recognized DIA Inside|Out program to LTU’s Southfield campus, installing five large-scale, world-class art reproductions sometime in spring 2026, weather permitting.
The DIA Inside|Out program places high-quality reproductions of famous artworks from the DIA’s permanent collection in public spaces throughout Michigan, bringing museum-caliber art outdoors and into the daily lives of residents and visitors.
LTU’s five reproductions will be installed at prominent campus locations near the College of Architecture and Design, College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business and Information Technology, College of Engineering, and the College of Health Sciences.
“Lawrence Tech is a university built on theory, practice, creativity, imagination, and problem-solving,” LTU President Tarek M. Sobh, PhD, said. “This partnership with the Detroit Institute of Arts brings all those together into an artistic expression in the heart of our campus and reinforces an important message: innovation does not happen in isolation. It is fueled by culture, perspective, and inspiration.”
Sobh said he welcomes the partnership with a world-class museum, and the installations will enhance the campus experience while underscoring the university’s commitment to developing graduates who think broadly and lead with vision.
“Art challenges us to see life differently,” Sobh said. “Whether you are designing a building, developing a new technology, advancing health care, or launching a business, creativity is the common thread. These installations will become daily reminders to our students, faculty, staff and visitors that excellence is both technical and human.”
The five works selected for the LTU campus include reproductions of famous pieces by Norval Morrisseau, Bernardo Bellotto, Mario Moore, J. Francis Criss, and Karel Appel.
Under the DIA Inside|Out agreement, the DIA provides and installs the framed reproductions using weather-resistant materials designed for outdoor display.
The installations will join an expanding collection of public art across LTU’s campus, including “Motor City,” created by Interlochen-area artist Doug Gruizenga; the 24-foot-tall sculpture ‘Ockham’s Wedge,’ donated by alumnus Alfred Taubman and located in the center of the Quad; the Henry Ford bust in front of the Wayne H. Buell Building; murals by acclaimed Detroit artist Hubert Massey; and additional works created by students in the College of Architecture and Design.
DIA Inside|Out is a public art initiative of the Detroit Institute of Arts that brings high-quality reproductions of artworks from the museum’s permanent collection to communities across Michigan. The program makes art accessible in everyday settings and encourages exploration of cultural experiences statewide.
Now in its 17th year, Inside|Out brings reproductions from the DIA’s world-class collection to outdoor spaces across Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties, making it easier for residents to engage with art in their everyday lives, fostering a deeper connection between the museum and its audiences in southeastern Michigan.
The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA), considered one of the premier art museums in the United States, houses more than 65,000 works of art that offer a multicultural survey of human creativity from ancient times to the 21st century. With a collection that features everything from the first Van Gogh painting to ever enter a U.S. museum (Self-Portrait, 1887) to Diego Rivera’s famous Detroit Industry murals (1932–33), the DIA is renowned for its quality, range, and depth.
The DIA has a clear mission: to provide every visitor with an opportunity to find personal meaning in art, individually and with each other. Whether you’re an art expert or simply someone who appreciates beauty, the DIA wants you to connect with their collection in a meaningful way. You can learn more about this exceptional museum and its amazing collection by visiting its website at www.DIA.org. And if you want to keep up with the latest news and events, follow the DIA on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram.