Cranbrook Academy of Art

Cranbrook Academy of Art stands as a beacon of American design, rooted in a revolutionary vision of integrating art into daily life. From its inception in the 1920s by George Booth and Finnish architect Eliel Saarinen, Cranbrook was conceived as more than just a school; it was a living community where artists, craftsmen, and students coexisted, learning through the active example of creative work. This philosophy, deeply influenced by the English Arts and Crafts movement and later evolving into modernism, created an unparalleled environment for artistic exploration and mastery.

The Academy's unique approach fostered a profound impact on the physical environment of the United States, earning it a reputation as synonymous with contemporary American design. Influential figures like Eliel Saarinen, who led the Art Council, and sculptor Carl Milles, who helmed the Sculpture Department, brought global talent to Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, establishing a vibrant hub for creative innovation. Even as modernism took hold, Cranbrook maintained its core Arts and Crafts principles, emphasizing hands-on learning and a holistic approach to artistic development.

Prospective students will discover a legacy of boundary-pushing design and an enduring commitment to the idea that art should be an integral part of life. The Academy's history is punctuated by seminal exhibitions and critical acclaim, highlighting its continuous influence on design discourse. It offers a rare opportunity to immerse oneself in a dynamic, studio-based environment, where the boundaries between living and creating are blurred, much as they were for the pioneering families who first shaped its vision.