"How do contemporary archaeological methods facilitate the study of both ancient and modern cities? And how can the study of the past help illuminate the challenges and opportunities facing Detroit today?”  

These are the two questions being asked in the new “Urban Biographies: Ancient and Modern,” opening at the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology this Friday.

In this exhibit, three classical cities will be showcased: Gabii (Italy), Olynthos (Greece) and Notion (Turkey), as well as Detroit. The University of Michigan sponsors field projects in each city and this exhibit will display the work being conducted by archaeologists and UM Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning students.  

How does this tie into Detroit? According to the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology special exhibits page, students and archaeologists “are comparing their findings to projects of urban renewal in contemporary Detroit.”

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