What happens when a man retires after three decades on the General Motors assembly line and decides his backyard needs to become something the world has never seen? You get one of the most gloriously eccentric landmarks in the entire state of Michigan. The 1,945-square-foot installation known as “Hamtramck Disneyland” is located at 12087 Klinger and is viewable from the alleyway between Sobieski and Klinger, north of Commor and south of Carpenter in Hamtramck, MI. It’s a destination that defies easy description — part folk art museum, part time capsule, part love letter to a life well lived.
It is one of Michigan’s most significant works of folk art, and thousands of visitors from all over the world have made Hamtramck Disneyland one of their stops. Whether you’re a seasoned art enthusiast or just someone with a healthy curiosity, this one-of-a-kind spot has a way of stopping people in their tracks.
The Story Behind the Spectacle
Dmytro Szylak grew up in Ukraine and immigrated to the United States with his wife in the 1950s. He worked for General Motors for 30 years, and after retiring in the mid-1980s, he began building Hamtramck Disneyland atop the two garages on the properties he owned. It’s one of those origin stories that sounds almost too good to be true — a quiet immigrant craftsman, a blank rooftop, and an unstoppable creative vision.
The project took nearly 30 years to construct, and was constantly being updated and modified by Mr. Szylak until his death in 2015, at the age of 92. Remarkably, locals said that up until his death, he was outside with his installation every day. That lifelong dedication gives the entire site an almost sacred energy — every object placed with purpose, every painted surface touched by the same pair of hands for decades.
Neighbors and city officials were initially against Szylak’s idea of constructing artwork on his garage rooftop, but Szylak was later honored by the mayor of Hamtramck, and his works have been displayed in many local art shows. The story of this installation is, in many ways, the story of what persistence and passion can accomplish against all odds.
What You’ll Actually See
The installation became a riot of found objects — fan blades, rocking horses, thrift store paintings, mannequins, and lawn ornaments — as well as hand-built carousels, whirligigs, marching soldiers, and more, all adorned with Christmas lights. It’s the kind of visual feast that rewards slow, deliberate looking — every corner reveals something new.
Miniature models of a helicopter, a missile platform, and the Concorde airliner are docked in the yard, and a six-foot windmill animates mechanical figurines on its reverse side when it spins in the breeze. These kinetic elements are part of what makes the installation so memorable. In its heyday, the installation filled the air with whimsical kinetic structures that rattled and whirred as they spun in the wind.
The garages were painted in bright stripes, and the space in between was filled with found photographs, posters, and classic Americana images mixed with those of the Europe of Mr. Szylak’s past. This unique blend of American and Ukrainian influences, combined with its whimsical and eclectic nature, has made it a beloved landmark. You can feel both worlds colliding in the most joyful, colorful way imaginable.
Thanks to the help of many contributors — from professional and hobbyist artists to neighborhood kids and everyday folks — there are colorfully painted horses and cut-out marching figures to greet visitors. The helicopter has been recently repainted and the windmill put into working order, and there are new novelties to see, like a PVC pipe “rocket” on a launch pad and a gallery of strange found artworks on the outside garage walls. The restoration effort has made visiting feel fresh and alive again.
A Cultural Landmark in the Making
Hamtramck Disneyland has been the subject of two documentaries and is one of the top tourist attractions in Hamtramck, a city located within the boundaries of Detroit. It is one of Michigan’s most significant artist-built environments, alongside the Heidelberg Project and MBAD African Bead Museum, among others.
In 2006, famed photographer Bruce Weber did a photo shoot with Kate Moss at this location — a moment that further cemented the installation’s status as a genuine cultural touchstone far beyond the borders of Michigan. More recently, the New York Times Style Magazine took notice, publishing a piece titled “Some of America’s Best Art Is in the Yard” in September 2024.
Atmosphere & Setting
Hamtramck Disneyland remains in the spot where it was built — Dmytro Szylak’s home and the neighboring property, which is still rented to tenants. It’s located in a residential city neighborhood with street parking. Don’t expect a manicured tourist corridor — this is a lived-in, breathing neighborhood, and the installation rises up organically out of it, which is precisely what makes the experience feel so authentic.
The installation is built on a 30-foot backyard on top of two adjacent garages. Its vertical, towering presence means you can see elements of it from both the street and the alley — the art literally climbs into the sky above the rooftops. It’s the kind of place that looks like something dreamed up between a carnival and a folk museum, and it has a warmth to it that no professionally curated gallery could manufacture.
Hatch Art hosts various events at the site and provides guided tours to offer deeper insights into the history and significance of Hamtramck Disneyland. There’s lots to see from the alley, but if you want a closer look inside the backyard and Dmytro’s workshop, you’ll need to be accompanied by one of their caretakers. Catching a knowledgeable caretaker on-site can genuinely transform the visit from a quick look-see into something far more moving and personal.
Other Considerations
Is there an admission fee? There is no admission fee to visit Hamtramck Disneyland, making it an accessible attraction for all. It truly is a gift to the public — a world-class work of folk art that costs absolutely nothing to enjoy from the alley.
When is the best time to visit? Visitors can explore the site 24 hours a day, allowing for flexibility in planning. Spring and summer months offer the best weather conditions for exploring the outdoor installation. Early morning on a weekend also tends to be quieter, giving you more time to soak it all in without a crowd.
How do I actually find it? The installation is viewable from the alleyway between Sobieski and Klinger, north of Commor and south of Carpenter. The front of the property on Klinger Street has “Private Property” signage, so head around to the alley — that’s the intended viewing area and where the magic reveals itself.
Should I set my expectations before I go? Honesty matters here. Some first-time visitors arrive expecting something on the scale of a theme park, given the name. The name “Disneyland” can set big expectations, when in reality it is an elaborate art installation in a house’s backyard. Go in understanding that this is intimate, personal folk art — and you’ll likely leave genuinely moved. Those who read up on Dmytro’s story beforehand consistently report a richer, more emotional visit.
Is it family-friendly? Absolutely. The bright colors, spinning windmills, painted horses, and quirky figurines have a natural appeal to kids, and the alley viewing experience is easy and accessible for all ages. Hamtramck is also so much more than Hamtramck Disneyland — you can explore the shops on Joseph Campau Avenue or grab something to eat on Conant. It pairs naturally with a broader neighborhood stroll.
Can I support the restoration effort? The art site needs a lot of work, and Hatch Art needs resources in order to restore, improve, and share Hamtramck Disneyland with the community for many years to come. With the help of donors, some original art pieces have been restored and new works by local and visiting artists have been added. Visiting, sharing the story, and donating through Hatch Art’s website all help keep this remarkable landmark alive.
Hamtramck Disneyland
📍 12087 Klinger St (Back Alley), Hamtramck, MI 48212
Website: https://www.hatchart.org/hamtramck-disneyland
