Speramus meliora; resurgent cineribus.*

*We hope for better things, it shall arise from the ashes.
The prophetic city motto of Detroit, Father Gabriel Richard in 1805.

Discover Detroit with Trui Moerkerke
Guided Tours in Dutch, French and English

Detroit was founded in 1701 by the Frenchman Antoine De La Mothe Cadillac. The city has a rich history and in the first half of the twentieth century, Detroit became a wealthy and leading city in the US. It was the birthplace of the automotive industry. Great architects could work with seamingly unlimited budgets. The tide started to turn in the second half of the century: automation and relocation in the auto industry as well as social tensions created by systemic racism had a devastating impact on the city. Detroit had 1.8 million inhabitants in 1950, not even 700,000 today. In 2013 Detroit filed for bankruptcy.

Now, Detroit is in the midst of a renaissance. Renovations, new developments, new hotels: Detroit is changing before your eyes. Perfect timing to visit this complex but fascinating city.