Exploring Detroit in a Giant Cardboard Maze

< Cardboard Wonderland: Michigan Science Center Unveils a Gigantic, Neighborhood-Inspired Maze >

A fourth-floor gallery at the Michigan Science Center is about to transform into something far from ordinary—a life-sized cardboard maze paying homage to Detroit’s iconic neighborhoods and landmarks. Opening in early May, this exhibit isn’t just a playful challenge; it’s a bold fusion of art, engineering, and civic pride.

Built entirely from cardboard, the maze boasts a claim to fame: it’s billed as the largest of its kind in the country. Visitors won’t just navigate twists and turns—they’ll embark on a journey through murals and nods to real Detroit treasures like Belle Isle, Hart Plaza, Michigan Central Station, and the Fisher Building. Even parts of the Michigan Science Center itself find new life within the maze, blending the familiar with the unexpected. It’s less about losing your way and more about uncovering how ingenuity turns humble materials into interactive art.

But the fun doesn’t end at the maze’s edges. The science center is rolling out a suite of hands-on cardboard-themed activities, from robotics challenges navigating miniature cardboard labyrinths to DIY building stations where guests can construct their own creations. Even classic games like skee-ball get a recyclable makeover, proving that inspiration—and innovation—can come from the most unassuming sources.

Designed with inclusivity in mind, the exhibit ensures everyone can explore. Multiple exits and accessible paths accommodate strollers, mobility aids, and varying mobility levels, making it a welcoming adventure for all ages and abilities.

This isn’t just a maze—it’s a celebration of Detroit’s spirit, ingenuity, and the magic of turning the everyday into the extraordinary.