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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?
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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. read more
5 years ago
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. read more
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? read more
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. read more
3 years ago
17 years ago
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! read more
4 years ago
17 years ago
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. read more
4 years ago
14 years ago
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. read more
12 years ago
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. read more
18 years ago
10 years ago
16 years ago
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? read more
10 years ago
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. read more
14 years ago
8 years ago
8 years ago
17 years ago
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. read more
10 years ago
10 years ago
15 years ago
13 years ago
10 years ago
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