Hamtramck Disneyland

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.
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!

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.

Unfortunately no longer open to the public.
My friend and I-​both artists– have been wanting to see this installation for quite some time. When we arrived, there was a real estate «For Sale» sign on the property, and the area was closed off with No Trespassing signs. We inquired about this to a neighbor, and she said the artist passed away a few months 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 trailer at
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.

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.

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.

So… ODD!!!
Is really all I have to say. It really isn’t completely my kind of thing, without an explanation of what the moving parts are. So I wish that Mr. Dmytro had been around. I would have liked it much more. Maybe I would have enjoyed it more if I could be inside his back yard but that is a slightly irreasonable request… (That’s not even a word –_​-​…)
If someone wants to take me back and run into Dmytro, I’m all for it, but I probably won’t be back voluntarily. I mean, by volunteering myself to go there…
If you like abstract art, installation art etc~ you will like it. Abstract art is often lost on me. Especially when I can’t see it from all angles, without close access to it. So… it is what it is, I’m not blown away by Hamtramck Disneyland. I AM however blown away by Mr. Dmytro’s dedication to his art form.

Dmytro is a cute, old gentleman with whom I had the pleasure spending a couple precious moments with one summer day. Intrigued from other Unilocal 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.

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.

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.

This is an eye sore. It is a safety hazzard. The Building &Engineering Department needs to fine this guy and tear it down.

I love this place. The Polish man who created this is a treasure himself. A true artist. It is a must see in this neat little safe Polish working class neighborhood. There is no admission. See it soon — one day (hopefully never) it will be gone. The artist is getting older. Be sure to sign the registry — I have seen signatures from far away as Germany.

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. :)

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.

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
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!