The Peacock Room is expanding its offerings in Detroit with the launch of The Peacock Room Antiques Studio, an event-driven retail destination to be located in the historic Park Shelton Building immediately north of the Detroit Institute of Arts.
The new studio, set to open this fall, will offer a curated collection of artwork, Detroit historical artifacts, costume and fine jewelry, vintage and designer clothing, pottery, glass, textiles, and other one-of-a-kind treasures. Price points will range to suit both budding and established collectors.
The concept draws inspiration from Detroit collector and philanthropist Charles Lang Freer, part of a group of investors who established Peninsular Car Co. in 1885 to build railcars in Detroit.
The Peacock Room was originally designed as a dining room in London, before Freer purchased it in 1904 and moved it to his manor at 71 East Ferry St., two blocks north of the DIA. Later, the room was donated and permanently installed in the Freer Art Gallery at the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C.
“The Peacock Room Antiques Studio will be about more than just acquiring beautiful vintage and antique pieces,” says Rachel Lutz, proprietress of The Peacock Room. “I wanted to serve Detroit’s creative community with a space dedicated to the art of collecting and the conversations that naturally emerge around objects, history, anthropology, and design.
“This room will allow people to gather, learn, share stories, share their collections, and discover pieces that will be treasured for years to come. The best collections aren’t built overnight. They’re acquired over time through curiosity, connection, and an appreciation of details.”
The Peacock Room Antiques Studio will pay tribute to the French salon model, celebrating the stories behind both exceptional and everyday objects. The event schedule will include food and drink tastings, music sessions, and collection show-and-tells.
Lutz plans to host “guest collectors” who will share their technical and cultural expertise and bring ephemeral pop-up collections. Several longtime Detroit institutions are planning to participate in the intimate learning sessions, including Henry the Hatter, Dabls MBAD African Bead Museum, and Hagopian Rugs, according to Lutz.
As part of the transition, The Peacock Room’s full collection of formal special-occasion fashion has moved to the brand’s location in Detroit’s Fisher Building, where customers can continue to shop at the boutique. The Park Shelton continues to house The Peacock Room’s casual apparel.
Founded by Rachel Lutz in 2011, The Peacock Room is a Detroit-based retail destination that offers curated fashion, accessories, gifts, and home accents. All apparel is sized from 0-22.
The Peacock Room Antiques Studio will be open by appointment or during events. For more information, visit shoppeacockroom.com.
