The historic Detroit Olympia.

The Grand Old Houses of Hockey exhibit pays homage to the NHL's most storied arenas. The vibrant histories of the Boston Garden, Chicago Stadium, Detroit Olympia, Madison Square Garden in New York, Montreal Forum, and Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto are displayed utilizing artifacts and graphics.

Historic pieces on exhibit include the ticket booth from the Olympia, the original organ from Maple Leaf Gardens, the knee brace worn by Bobby Orr when he scored the cup-winning goal in 1970, Auriel Joliat's cap when he starred at the Forum in the 1920's, a program from the final game at old Madison Square Garden in 1968, and a brick taken from the old Chicago Stadium. The graphics point to each building's unique atmosphere whether it be architectural features, the game programs for sale, or the ticket stubs that got fans into the arena.

On display in this area is the bronze statue entitled The Goalie which salutes the unique career of Montreal netminder Ken Dryden. His accompanying text yields a better understanding of what it was like for him to play goal in the NHL.