Hamtramck Disneyland

Very difficult to find but you're basically going down an alley. I only drove by because I didn't have time to stop. But the sign says its ok to tour the yard. Basically, you are viewing handmade works by an artist at their home. So much to look at!

“Fun and quirky spot if you’re already in the area and looking for something to do. I wouldn’t make a special trip just for this, but it’s definitely worth checking out if you’re nearby. Great for snapping some unique photos and soaking in a bit of local creativity.”

Really cool display of art, very creative and interesting work... Our daughter loved it and didn't want to leave.

Kind of cool but looks a little beat up; probably amazing back in the day. From the alley, we really couldn't see the whole thing and you can't go in the yard. Neighborhood looks a little sketchy, would not advise an evening time visit.

This was definitely Kool to see would recommend

Had a few hours to kill before heading back to Chicago last weekend so decided to check this place out. I think the owner was there in the backyard while I was admiring everything. If you like avant- garde art installations and have 10-15mins to spare I recommend it.

Surreal-Unique-middle of nowhere monument to anyone that aspires to kitsch.

Google directions will have you driving around in circles down one-ways. The entrance (that Google took me to) looks like just an eccentric backyard gate in the middle of an overpopulated city in the middle of another city (this will make sense if you visit). Nothing, I mean, NOTHING, screams enter and you will 100% leave today, tomorrow or ever.

Honestly thought this place was going to be interesting and fun but it was very small located in the heart of Hamtramck and very unique but could tell they had kind of let the place fall apart. But still a experience at least stop by and see for yourself. Does have a strong artistic vibe.

Hamtramck ain't really the best neighborhood. Nonetheless, it's an opportunity for folks to learn more. They've got the Disneyland art installation that's def worth seeing. My GPS led me right in front of the house. Head out back. It stretches only across two backyards. You'll see lots of random things, like an old TV, the top half of a mannequin, paintings, an airplane, etc. Not sure what it all means. At the end of the day, we could invest more in neighborhoods like this.

So this is a really interesting and unique hidden attraction in the Detroit area. We popped the address in our gps that is here on the yelp and only takes you time what I assume is the front yard. You can't really see anything and it has a private property sign. So we drove on and took the next left we could hoping to find an alley. No luck. So we made the next available left again and then the next available left on that road and then we seen the aisle with a cardboard sign on a telephone pole with the name of the place. So basically if you are having a hard time finding it. If your gps brings you to the front and the house is on your left take 3 lefts and look for the pole and go down the alley. If it is on your right take your frost right toy can and look for the pole and go down the alley. This isn't exactly a time consuming attraction. Everything says private property so we respected that and stayed in the alley. You are also in alley so if a car comes down it you will want to get out of the way. While not riel consuming it is still pretty cool. The person who lives here made this is vey creative and talented for sure so props to them. All in all my daughters enjoyed it. If you did the Heidelberg project in Detroit and enjoyed it then this will probably be right up your "alley" as well. See what I did there?

This is a local neighborhood attraction folk art created by a resident to spread love and cheer. It was created by Dmytro Szylak in 1999 It is an eclectic art exhibit that spans their entire back yard. You can not go through or in the yard and the exhibit is best seen from behind the house in the alley. There is limited street parking in the front or you can stand in the alley and hope you are not blocking someones garage. And keep in mind that you are in a neighborhood and that the exhibit is in someones back yard. They have many no trespassing signs posted to remind you of such if you forget. So keep in mind that the map will bring you to the front, where you cannot see much, and you will have to make you way to the back via the alley behind the house. For some reason I found myself staring at the exhibit. This is a hidden gem. A unique conversation piece. I do not expect you to spend much time there, as I only spent about 5 minutes or so. I recommend stopping here if you are in the area or as part of a larger itinerary.

Not what I expected, go and visit and hear the history on how it started. Enjoyed it.

That's interesting concept of a neighborhood attraction that is unique and different version of O things that is local in the area. It has many art projects and different interesting things to see and check out explore some people might Collett trash I don't know it's just art is in the eye of the beholder so we visited here it was very interesting to see all of the experiments it is definitely something worth seeing while you're there

Very very bad neighborhood. I don't recommend whatsoever. Residential neighborhood. No parking available.

I have not visited in quite a while, but this was an amazing art experience. It is so unique and beautiful. I loved visiting this place because I grew up in Hamtramck. I actually found out about this place a few years ago from my sister. When we visited it seemed much smaller than what we thought and it was difficult to find. We could see the top part of something and drove around until we found this amazing beauty. The colors, weird themes, abd trinkets make this a special place. I am not sure if it is open anymore because I heard the owner passed. If it is open, it is worth a stop whenever you are nearby. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity to witness artwork and creativity.

David said- "This is an eye sore. It is a safety hazzard. The Building &Engineering Department needs to fine this guy and tear it down." But I don't agree. @davidc

Hamtramck Disneyland was a folk art installation created by Dmytro Szylak in the backyard of his home in Hamtramck over many years until his death in 2015. Now, Hatch Art owns the property and is beginning work to maintain the installation. My brother and I visited Detroit this past weekend and stayed in Hamtramck. I had read about Hamtramck Disneyland and thought we should at least walk by and see it. But when we got there, someone connected with Hatch Art was there and was able to talk to us about the installation, Hatch Art's work on the installation, and more and take us into the little garage where Dmytro Szylak worked on some of the pieces for the installation. This is a really interesting thing to see in Hamtramck. If you're in the area, I suggest you stop by and take a look. Hamtramck Disneyland is one of those installations that make you awe at the imagination of people who look at the same everyday regular objects we all look at everyday but seems something wonderful and whimsical and magical in them. I suspect Dmytro Szylak was one of those people who could see the wonderful in the everyday! Well worth a visit!

On a tip from DDA Director Darren Grow, I took a bus load of teens to view Hamtramck Disneyland. They had no idea what to expect, and they certainly were not disappointed. Made for great photo ops and plenty to talk about! Michael and Marco did a great job of explaining the unexplainable. Now, whenever I am with new people and in the HD area, we always make a stop!

What a strange and wonderful place. It amazes me that this man's neighbors let him put this kitsch carnival of random knick knacks in his backyard, but I'm SO glad they did. It is creations like this that run so far against the grain, they become a statement so powerful and so gripping that you lose yourself in them- if just for a moment. My immediate impression: Bright colors, a scrappy carnival of childhood memories all melded together as a visual storybook. This story is told in found objects, woven carefully together in a massive outcropping from one obviously very passionate and creative man's backyard. We all have seen these familiar objects before, but in a different context. Some of them, probably at the State Fair. The carousel horses, the mickey mouse head, the lights and the roller coaster-like peaks and lulls. It all took me almost immediately back to the days of cotton candy and fun houses. And then you look closer. There's a porcelain cat figurine, a gnome on a swing and a painting that looks to be from Grandpa's family room wall. It's memory lane. Some one's very colorful rendition of it and it really reeled me in. There is something so fascinating about this combination of objects all exploding over one man's backyard fence in an alley in a Hamtramck neighborhood. It is sensory overload. Disneyland is a good way to put it. It's a Disneyland though, that fits Hamtramck's unique personality. It's gritty, it's lively, it's kitschy, it's ironic...it's all of those things. To some, it may seem random, it may seem like junk. I think it's genius. There's nothing like it. When people ask where to go when they come to Detroit, I will send them there. It is places like this that you never forget. You'd never see this anywhere else, of that, I am sure- and- THANKFUL.

This art installation will be re-opened. An art gallery bought it recently and they plan on it be open to the public. Read the article below. http://www.freep.com/story/money/business/2016/05/06/art-group-pays-100000-buy-save-hamtramck-disneyland/84037226/ I am from Michigan originally and I haven't see this art installation but if you read about its maker, you will get a sense of his past and his art. He endured a Nazi war camp and a famine in the Ukraine and he still was a sweet and happy man grateful to be able to come to the USA with his wife. Michigan is very lucky to have had him in its midst. He passed away May 1, 2015 aged 92. God Bless you Dmytro Szylak!

Dmytro is a cute, old gentleman with whom I had the pleasure spending a couple precious moments with one summer day. Intrigued from other Yelp reviews and information found online, hubster and myself made the trek out to Hamtramck one day to see this little place for ourselves. Navigating through some alleyways, eventually you will reach Hamtramck Disneyland- which stands out like a fata morgana in the desert. You blink once, look away and blink again. Yep, it's still there. Little intricate wooden ornaments hang over the edge of the yard and garage, decorating the otherwise bland alley. Once you go through the small gate, you will be hooked. If you are lucky, Dmytro will be there to show you around in person. He may or may not tell you his lifestory in heavy accented English (if you happen to know German, or really any other Eastern European language I'd suggest moving into that language as he is fluent in it). From what I gather, this sweet gentleman is a little lonely. Do yourself a favor, hop in your car to this little Disneyland. Not only will you witness one man's lifework of artistry and creativity, you may also get to know the soul behind the art; both are equally interesting, charming and worth visiting.

It's very small, but compacted with a bunch of trinkets and oddities. It was almost eerie to walk around his backyard installation because of how quiet the neighborhood was, but definitely glad I got to experience it. Apparently it is closed off now because the owner has passed, but I hope that his art will continue to live.

One of many oddities that Detroit offers, this home-turned-outdoor-museum is a must see for tourists and locals alike. Just be extra polite, since you will be sightseeing in another person's yard.

This giant sculptural collage, mounted atop two garages, abutting a typical Hamtramck alley, reminds me of that old board game Mousetrap. It's just this massively fun explosion of kitsch that has to come as a huge surprise to anyone not hip to the fact that it's there. There is one sign at the end of the alley that reads "This way visitor to Disneyland". Priceless. Since the sign doesn't say Hamtramck on it you would be in your rights to assume it's a couple thousand mile drive that way. Happily, no. And, happily, unlike California Disneyland - notice I didn't write "real Disneyland" - Hamtramck Disneyland is free. Disneyland's a state of mind, and it seems to be where Dmytro Szylak retired to. Unfortunately, he's getting up there in years, and his Disneyland is looking a good deal more ragged than it used to. The collection of photos between the garages are being bleached away by the sunlight. The crazy Rube Goldbergesque collection Mr. Szylak has lovingly assembled is in need of a new coat of paint, as much is faded and chipping away. Sad as it is, that's the only reason I can't give this secret garden five stars. The review that says Dmytro doesn't feel the same since his wife died and feels forgotten damn near breaks my cranky old heart. I'm going to send him a letter of appreciation and maybe volunteer to slap some paint on some of his old knick knacks. So don't listen to the jerk who gave Hamtramck Disneyland one lousy star. That guy sounds like he doesn't smile too often.

One of my favorite spots in Hamtramck! It's totally weird but unique. It is easily seen through the back ally. I suggest getting out of your car to get a close look. It's definitely one of a kind!!

I met Dmytro years ago and made a documentary about him and African Bead Museum creator, Olayami Dabls. (Another amazing Detroit destination) It's called N'kisi Concorde and is making the festival rounds right now. You can watch the documentary for free on Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/233221615 Dmytro is an exceptional guy. He's originally from Lviv, Ukraine. At 17 he was imprisoned in a Nazi labor camp near Stuttgart. Dmytro met his wife while in there. They were brought to the States as refugees and eventually found their way to Hamtramck. His wife Katherine worked for Better Made potato chips and Dmytro worked on a schafer at Willow Run. She was very supportive of his desire to create art. Hamtramck Disneyland is about 22 years old now and Dmytro is 93. He still gets up on the roof. He has said that his inspiration for his Disneyland comes to him while he is falling asleep. He works on it almost daily. During the winter he makes a small studio in his kitchen where he continues to work. My perception of Dmytro's work is that it's somewhat of a diary of everything good that has happened in his life. The American soldiers reflect on when his camp was liberated from the Nazis. The statue of liberty- coming to America. The windmill, his early life in a farming community. On one of the main support beams he's written something to the effect of "Long Live Bandrea". Bandrea was a Ukrainian nationalist who stood up to the Russians. The missiles he has said at pointed at Russia. (Why Russia hate? Google Holodmor. It's one of the worst induced famines in history. Dmytro survived that too, as a child.) By some accounts, there were as many as 30,000 people in the labor camp with Dmytro. Countries all over the world agreed take them as refugees. Dmytro has photos of his friends from that time and remembers which country they were sent to. I think this may have to do with his interest in where everyone is from. From an engineering aspect Hamtramck Disneyland is something worth seeing. If you enjoy art that is layered in symbolism and meaning- yes check it out. Dmytro's work is a monument to PMA. I think that many would be bitter and guarded after surviving what he has but he's not. Instead he's inviting everyone to his yard.

It's an honor to review Hamtramck Disneyland first! Not surprisingly, it's not actually Disneyland. What it is is a really cool "art installation" (for lack of better words) made in the backyard of a house, spilling over into the alley. It's hard to explain what it is. Colloquially I would say it looks like a roller coaster made by Tim Burton on LSD. What it is really, is more of a amalgamation of oddly placed dolls, bold paint jobs, tri-lingual press clippings and banners, wind-powered oddities, and repurposed lawn ornaments. There's a lot of literature out there on Metrotimes.com and other local news sites about this place. Honestly I find it just as engaging as the Heidelberg project! Not as big as Heidelberg by a longshot (one house versus a few city blocks, right?) but Hamtramck Disneyland is more dense of a project. Definitely check this out if you're in town - like Heidelberg, it's free!

This place terrifies me. It's creepy - like seeing the inner workings of a serial killer's mind come to life on a lawn in Hamtramck. The vacant stares of the dolls and stuffed animals are just unsettling, especially when you come across it unintentionally, while just cutting through the alley to get back to the main road. I get that it's all crazy toys and all, supposedly "happy" and "family friendly" things...but I can't help but get the vibe like it was created to lure small children on the premesis to never return....lol. This of course is probably far from the truth. Please, don't let my ridiculous review make you feel like this is a dangerous place. It's truly quite the site to see, and you SHOULD see it, if you're anywhere in the area. So why the 5 stars, despite the fact that driving by here gives me the willies? Because - much like my opinion of the Heidelberg project - this is something totally unique, totally Detroit (Hamtramck), totally nothing you'll ever see anywhere else. So whoever is behind it - be it misunderstood artist, serial killer, or kind old man who just wants to brighten the block - should be given their credit. :)

If you've seen the Heidelberg Project in Detroit and liked it then I recommend you make your way to Hamtramck to see metro-Detroit's own Disneyland. Mr. Dmytro happened to be there when we pulled up in his alley and offered to give us a tour for a small donation. We took him up on his offer and learned a little bit about how his home and backyard transformed into Disneyland. For starters, Mr. Dmytro actually made (by hand) some of the metal pieces that you see on the colorful windmill. One of the ornaments features two men working (I think firing and pounding iron) and as the windmill spins, the men move back-and-forth to complete their work. Although most of his colorful collectibles are in his backyard, the front of his house features an artistic version of the Statue of Liberty. Mr. Dmytro's backyard artist studio is not my style but something I would recommend people see you at least once. I mean, where else can you say something like this in metro Detroit?

Wonderfully odd place wedged in an alley. I'd call it a carnival of knick-knacks. Take the kids if just for a moment. You've got to see it to believe it. I hope Mr. Dmytro continues to add to the collection.

AMAZING!!!!! Absolutely jaw-dropping and inspiring. The artist and homeowner, Dmytro, was outside raking when we dropped by to see his acclaimed rooftop "explosion," and he welcomed us into his backyard and home like we were old friends. Definitely a must-see if you're visiting the D. I was in town to work on Demi Moore's new movie, and had more fun at Hamtramck Disneyland with Dmytro than I did with Demi on set. Please spread the word about this diamond-in-the-rough attraction. Dmytro told us he feels very forgotten about and alone, ever since his wife died two years ago and he stopped expanding on his "hobby." Help bring Disneyland (and Dmytro) back to life!!

Hamtramck Disneyland is a vibrant and magical art installation by Dmytro Szylak (1923-2015). In 2016 a local art collective purchased it and they are working to revive the installation and are filling the spaces with local and resident artists! For more info check out: www.hatchart.org/hamtramck-disneyland If you're in the area I encourage you to check this place out!

Went here with a friend recently, and we were greeted by some really fine people looking after the place. One of our outstanding American folk art sites, a must see. (Mind the potholes in the alley!)

When I first saw this I was totally dumbfounded. I was glad that someone did something cool with their property in Hamtramck, but man. It seems like all the knicknacks on this thing are random. Some of them don't have anything to do with Disney characters. Although it does remind me of "It's a Small World After All." I can't believe I liked that ride at Disneyland. I rode it over and over again. This is an example of interesting abstract art and I hope it will be up for a long time. The Ukrainian man who built it is 90 years old and still going strong. Let's hope it stays.

eccentric. peculiar. redonkulous... in a most spectacular way, of course. At this time, Dmytro Szylak, the man behind the masterpiece, is 90 years old. Now that you know this, I hope you feel some sense of urgency to get to his little slice of heaven that lies just a few minnies outside of Detroit Rock City. Just seeing photos simply doesn't do it justice, trust me. Between the colors and the clutter you'll find one man's carnival of happiness... and from there, you'll find your own- seriously, It's communicable. Practically ground zero for bliss, really. I'd try to describe it further but I think my feeble attempts would do no justice as I'm quite sure that everyone who visits is moved by something different; for me, it was the tiger- but I'll say no more as to not ruin your interpretation. I'll leave you with the best description of Hamtramck Disneyland being the physical embodiment of happiness. It's something you see that reminds you how youthful (no matter your age), jubilant (no matter your state of mind), and unique (because you were born that way) you really are. Welcome to Euphoria.

Hamtramck Disneyland stands to be my all-time favorite destination in the area. What started out as a retired GM line-man, Dmytro Szylak's, hobby has turned into the greatest American folk art collection I have ever seen. Drenched in american patriotic symbolism Szylak's creations are a combination of found objects and original art pieces that he has fashioned from steel wood and loads of paint. He gave us a personal tour for a small donation and he turned on some of the mechanical devices that spin some of his creations. The entire structure is also wired with christmas lights that he turns on in the evenings. The structure of his work balances high in the air between two garages. It is a miracle that it is still standing after the harsh winters and winds of Detroit. In a place like Chicago, the city would have certainly made him tear down such a sculpture. Which is why I thank my lucky stars that it is here in Hamtramck. You need to see Hamtramck Disneyland. No if's and's or but's about it.

This installation, now turning into a cult classic is a must visit if you are in the region. We visited this as part of the Hamtramck Neighborhood Art Festival

If you live in Hamtramck you have to see this guys house! I still remember this house from 15 or so years ago while I was riding my bike through the back alley. It was TOO DOPE! you can only imagine the excitement from a young kid seeing it. Nonetheless it is and was fantastic work. I will likely go back to see the new additions.