Two people are shown near the entrance of the Bird House at the Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak, Michigan. Pewabic tile in bright blues and golden iridescent line the domed entrance of the building. There is a prominent peacock motif lunette above the doorway completely made up of Pewabic tiles.
A detail shot of the deep blue and shimmering iridescent tile that lines the exterior dome above the entrance to the Bird House at the Detroit Zoo.
A detailed photo of the iconic peacock lunette fixed above the doorway to the Bird House at the Detroit Zoo. The peacock is set within a circular shape, with distinctive and delicate flower motif tiles bordering the design.
A detailed photo of the iconic peacock lunette fixed above the doorway to the Bird House at the Detroit Zoo. The peacock is set within a circular shape, with distinctive and delicate flower motif tiles bordering the design. This photo also includes details of the blue and iridescent tiles encompassing the intricate peacock feature.
Pewabic Tile details inlaid within the brick just below the dome and covering the arch ceiling leading into the building.
Full shot of the exterior to the Wildlife Interpretive Gallery at the Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak, Michigan. Two visitors marvel at the building which is partially shrouded by a wispy pine tree. The prominent glass dome at the apex of the building displays a beautiful patina. You can see the colorful Pewabic tile details inlaid in brick around the perimeter of the building.
Two people are shown near the entrance of the Bird House at the Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak, Michigan. Pewabic tile in bright blues and golden iridescent line the domed entrance of the building. There is a prominent peacock motif lunette above the doorway completely made up of Pewabic tiles.
A detail shot of the deep blue and shimmering iridescent tile that lines the exterior dome above the entrance to the Bird House at the Detroit Zoo.
A detailed photo of the iconic peacock lunette fixed above the doorway to the Bird House at the Detroit Zoo. The peacock is set within a circular shape, with distinctive and delicate flower motif tiles bordering the design.
A detailed photo of the iconic peacock lunette fixed above the doorway to the Bird House at the Detroit Zoo. The peacock is set within a circular shape, with distinctive and delicate flower motif tiles bordering the design. This photo also includes details of the blue and iridescent tiles encompassing the intricate peacock feature.
Pewabic Tile details inlaid within the brick just below the dome and covering the arch ceiling leading into the building.
Full shot of the exterior to the Wildlife Interpretive Gallery at the Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak, Michigan. Two visitors marvel at the building which is partially shrouded by a wispy pine tree. The prominent glass dome at the apex of the building displays a beautiful patina. You can see the colorful Pewabic tile details inlaid in brick around the perimeter of the building.

The Detroit Zoo

This brilliant historic Pewabic tile installation can be found at the beloved Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak, Michigan.

If you’re planning a visit we encourage you to stop by the Wildlife Interpretive Gallery, home of the Butterfly Garden and Aviary. Look up and you will find Pewabic tile inset into the bricks just below the dome and covering the arch ceiling leading into the building. 

The 1925 Pewabic day books show records of the recognizable peacock mosaic lunette, the tile barrel vault at the entrance to the Bird House, along with 58 one-foot square panels for the exterior of the building. This is just one more story uncovered during the digitization of our archival records!