Several performing arts groups and facilities are on the University of Michigan 's campus , as are museums dedicated to art , archaeology , and natural history and sciences . Founded in 1879 , the University Musical Society is an independent performing arts organization that presents over 60 events each year , bringing international artists in music , dance , and theater . Since 2001 Shakespeare in the Arb has presented one play by Shakespeare each June , in a large park near downtown . Regional and local performing arts groups not associated with the university include the Ann Arbor Civic Theatre , the Arbor Opera Theater , the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra , the Ann Arbor Ballet Theater , the Ann Arbor Civic Ballet ( established in 1954 as Michigan 's first chartered ballet company ) , The Ark , and Performance Network Theatre . Another unique piece of artistic expression in Ann Arbor is the fairy doors . These small portals are examples of installation art and can be found throughout the downtown area
Shakespeare in the Arb
Shakespeare in the Arb
Ann Arbor, Michigan