Macomb Judge Dismisses Lawsuit Against DIA

A Macomb County Circuit Court judge on Wednesday dismissed a lawsuit filed by five county residents against the Detroit Institute of Arts, according to court records.

Plaintiffs Simon Haddad of Clinton Township, Leon Drolet of Macomb Township, Judy and Dennis Buchholtz of Warren and Philis DeSaele of Sterling Heights alleged in the lawsuit they were denied free admission Dec. 1 to the Faberge exhibit—which they contend violated terms of a tri-county millage.

Judge John Foster's opinion, including the denial to amend their pleadings, means the case is closed, the Detroit Free Press reported.

According to the Art Institute Service Agreement between the Macomb County Art Institute Authority and the DIA, the museum would provide "unlimited, free museum admission for all residents of Macomb County, including self-guided student field trips" should the millage be passed.

Museum guests have been charged separately for general admission and exhibits that have brought masterpieces and collections from artists such as Vincent van Gogh, Edgar Degas and Rembrandt van Rijn.

"Residents of Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb Counties receive free unlimited general museum admission in accordance with the passage of the County Art Institute Authority millage," the DIA states on its website.