By ANDREA MATTHEWS

Contributing Reporter

If you have any preconceived notions about the Detroit Institute of Art having nothing to offer a younger crowd, you may want to think again.

The Marble Lounge is the DIA’s newest program geared toward 18- to 35-year-olds in metro Detroit. It combines art with live entertainment and music. 

 “The 32-consecutive-hour grand re-opening event attracted many 18- to 35-year olds, especially at 1 or 2 in the morning,” said Pamela Marcil, public relations manager for the DIA. 

“The DIA has a lot to offer a younger audience and we want to get that age group involved,” Marcil added.

On Thurs., May 22, the DIA will open from 10 p.m. until 2 a.m. for the late night Marble Lounge party. 

A DJ will be mixing live to open the night, which will feature a performance by Mexican Luchadores from Kronk Gym, a legendary boxing facility in Detroit. 

Luchadores are Mexican wrestlers that incorporate exaggerated, theatrical moves into their fights. The performers also wear the signature luchadore face masks.  

The performance of the Luchadores connects with the DIA’s exhibit “Life’s Pleasures.” The exhibit features 80 paintings from the beginning of the 20th century, depicting life’s luxuries. Some of these paintings include scenes from the boxing ring and wrestling matches. 

The exhibit will be closed during the Marble Lounge, but images from the exhibit will be projected onto the walls.

The “Give it a Rest: People at Play in American Prints and Drawings 1890 – 1945,” exhibit, will be open during the event. 

The exhibit features approximately 100 works that show all kinds of American leisure activities. Most of the works featured during this exhibit are by Martin Lewis John Sloan, Glenn O. Coleman and George Bellows.

Local punk-rock band Snake Oil Slick will close the event.

Cover is $10. A cash bar and food will be available throughout the night.

Marcil said that the first Marble Lounge event in March was almost filled to capacity with about 400 people, so be sure to get there early.