Michigan Central Station Promises a Spectacular 3D Light Show

Live graffiti painting, fire pits perfect for marshmallow roasting, and local shopping are scheduled for the event
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Michigan Central Station Promises a Spectacular 3D Light ShowWhile the holiday season has come to an end, metro Detroit is still celebrating. The North American International Auto Show commences this Friday, Jan. 18 at the Cobo Center, and with the exhibition comes an agenda of activities and parties taking place throughout the Motor City. Serving as an extension of the NAIAS, Ford’s Winter Festival is taking place in front of Michigan Central Station — the automaker’s soon-to-be  $740-million Michigan Avenue campus.

The 105-year-old, 18-story building, which when renovated will occupy more than 1.2 million-square-feet, will serve as a projection screen to Ford’s high-tech 3D light show. Utilizing three dimensional projection mapping and archival photos, it will give viewers a glimpse of what is to come of the landmark. Three times an hour, Ford will project imagery of what the train station looked like in its prime, along with the ongoing construction and future facade of the structure, after renovations have been completed in 2022. Spliced into the projection will be work from local artists and footage of live performances by Detroit-area musicians and DJs. “The 3D light show projected onto the train station’s architectural dimensions allows us to tell a dramatic and graphic narrative about the history of this Detroit icon transitioning into our future vision for it, building anticipation and excitement for what’s to come,” says Garett Carr, Ford’s global auto show and events manager.

The 10-day festival, lasting until Jan. 27, will also host a number of other things to do. From 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sunday Jan. 20, the site will have live grafitti painting and musical performances, as well as food trucks and beverage stations, offering alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, BBQ, Italian, and soulfood, among other cuisines. There will also be a night market consisting of vending stations by local retailers, organized activities for kids, ice carvings, and fire pits perfect for making s’mores. The Detroit Historical Society has curated an exhibit on the history of Michigan Central Station, which features a number of never-before-seen artifacts. During the week, the festival is held between 5:30 p.m. and 9:00 p.m and there is no admission cost. 21500 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn; mcsfest.com

What are your fondest memories of Michigan Central Station? Reminisce with us in the comments below.


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