The murals described in this question are the <em>Detroit Industry Murals</em>, a series of frescoes by Mexican muralist Diego Rivera. The work was commissioned by Wilhelm Valentier in 1932. American capitalist Edsel Ford contributed $20,000 in order for the project to come together. The murals still stand, and they surround the Rivera Court in the Detroit Institute of Arts. They have also been given National Historic Landmark Status.
