Revisiting Michigan Central Station in Historic Photos

Posted June 4, 2024 by Sarah Murphy

In honor of this week's Michigan Central Station reopening, look back at the historic depot in images from the Society's “Documenting Detroit” photography collection. Taken as part of a documentary photography class taught by Bill Rauhauser at the College for Creative Studies in the 1970s and 1980s, these student photos capture the regal but faded building in its last functional era, when passenger usage had declined, but before it was abandoned. 

See the full collection of Documenting Detroit photos of the depot in our online collection. Learn more about the building's history in our online encyclopedia, and find details about the building's opening festivities at michigancentral.com.

 

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From the Collection

  • Michigan Central Railroad Station, 1980. Photo by Wesley A. Wolak.

  • Michigan Central Station, 1973. Photo by Dave Jordano.

  • Michigan Central Railroad Station, 1973. Photo by Dave Jordano.

  • East Front Corner, Train Station, 1980. Photo by Ann Rebidas.

  • Closed Section in Train Station, 1973. Photo by Keith J. Jolly.

  • Hall in Michigan Central Station, 1973. Photo by Keith J. Jolly.

  • Soda Bar, Interior, Train Station, Detroit, 1980. Photo by Ann Rebidas.

  • Waiting Area, Train Station - Detroit, 1980. Photo by Ann Rebidas.