Hudson's holiday exhibit at Detroit Historical Museum brings back the magic

Hudson’s holiday exhibit at Detroit Historical Museum brings back the magic

Posted by Admin November 20, 2023 Fashion

Nothing says Christmas like Hudson’s for generations of Detroiters.

When the iconic department store’s flagship store closed for good in 1983, it brought tears and wistful memories as Christmas traditions at Hudson’s — from the Thanksgiving Day parade to Santa Bear.

Now the Detroit Historical Museum is bringing back a little bit of that Christmas magic with a pop-up exhibit celebrating Hudson’s at Christmas, including Hudson’s Christmas mascot, Santa Bear.

“Say the word ‘Hudson’s’ and most Detroiters will be able to share a story about visiting the elegant downtown department store or shopping at one of its suburban locations,” the Detroit Historical Museum said in a news release.

More: Hudson’s, Crowley’s and other Detroit stores that turned city into shopping destination

Hudson’s Holidays will feature some of Detroit’s Historical Society’s must-see items, along with some artifacts from the downtown store that evoke the massive building’s distinctive features.

Founded in 1881 as a clothing store for men and boys in downtown Detroit, the Hudson’s 25-story building store stood as the world’s tallest department store until 1961. The company reportedly racked up an average of 100,000 sales per day in the 1950s. The store included not only some of the latest fashion pieces for men, women, and children, but it also had restaurants, an alteration department, a salon and a writing lounge.

The site that is open now at the museum hangs décor that resembles the same energy that made the holidays at the old department store so special and magical. Vintage toys, fashions, and accessories will also be on display. Traditions that so many generations in Detroit will be revisited like visiting Santa in toy town and shopping for deals in the basement store.

On Sundays in December from 1-5 p.m., admission is free. The site will remain open until Jan. 2. For information on how to see the exhibit click here.