Explore The Shepherd: Detroit’s New Cultural Hub in East Village

Detroit’s East Village is being revitalized in a big way, thanks to Library Street Collective co-founders Anthony & JJ Curis. At the center of this transformation is The Shepherd, a 110-year-old Romanesque-style church that’s now an exciting cultural arts center. Once known as Good Shepherd, the church closed in 2016, but it has been beautifully reimagined to host art exhibitions, public projects, performances, and more.

Architectural design firm Peterson Rich Office (PRO) has preserved the church’s original beauty while creating new spaces like galleries, classrooms, and a public library. The church’s main gallery also includes a mezzanine for programming, and the former altar has been converted into a unique space for performances. Outside, over 3.5 acres of new public green space, designed by OSD, are now open for everyone to enjoy.

But The Shepherd is more than just a beautiful building—it’s part of a larger plan to make Little Village a cultural hotspot in Detroit. The Curises have teamed up with local artists, neighbors, and the City of Detroit to turn this area into a vibrant arts district.

One of the highlights inside The Shepherd is the Little Village Library, curated by Asmaa Walton, founder of the Black Art Library. The library is a public space dedicated to artists of color, focusing on those with deep ties to Michigan. For an extra cozy touch, the church’s old confessionals have even been transformed into reading nooks!

The first major exhibition at The Shepherd was "Charles McGee: Time is Now", a collaboration with MOCAD. Running from May 18 to July 20, 2024, the exhibition showcases the incredible work of the late Charles McGee, an artist who celebrated the beauty and resilience of Detroit and its people. Right next door, the Charles McGee Legacy Park features large sculptures and space for visitors to relax and explore.

There’s more to check out nearby, too! BridgeHouse will be a culinary destination, with a new pâtisserie from James Beard Award-winning chef Warda Bouguettaya. Plus, you can stay at ALEO, a boutique bed & breakfast that highlights work from 30 Detroit-based artists, making it a perfect retreat for art lovers.

Pictured here: Angela Wisniewski of Coup D'État during the shop's pop-up at ALEO

For something totally unique, don’t miss the skatepark at The Shepherd, created in partnership with Tony Hawk and McArthur Binion. It’s a blend of art and action, giving skateboarders a one-of-a-kind space to ride.

Plan Your Visit:

Address: 1265 Parkview Street, Detroit, MI 48214

Hours: Wednesday-Saturday, 11 AM - 5 PM

Whether you’re coming for the art, the park, the skatepark, or the food, The Shepherd is a must-visit destination in Detroit’s East Village. Make sure to stop by and experience this new cultural hub for yourself!

~S