Photo by Balthazar Korab
As spring blossoms emerge, the promise of nature’s beauty makes its memorable arrival. The new season delivers the inspiration to discover what is spiritually sacred as another winter is left behind. Cranbrook in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan is one of those special discoveries.
Given the rich history and cultural significance of Cranbrook, one treasure within the campus to be celebrated is the Cranbrook Art Museum and Library.
The National Historic Landmark, designed by world-renowned architect Eliel Saarinen and completed in 1942, it is a definitive masterwork of American Modernism. Stylistically it serves as a bridge between the ornamental richness of Art Deco and the clean functional lines of the International Style.
From a planning and design perspective, the wide, low-rising stairs allow for a slow pace and prepare visitors for a contemplative experience. The museum and library are two distinct wings connected by a grand outdoor colonnade referred to as The Peristyle. This central portico is iconic and acts a “gateway” to the campus’ framing views of the Triton Pool and horizon. This design feature, while monumental in scale, feels very intimate due to art deco detailing of the door entry portals.
The buildings are constructed of materials intended to create a sense of permanence and “quiet luxury”. The primary exterior cladding is a warm, buff-colored Mankato limestone from Minnesota. The entrance doors are bronze and lead with intricate geometric patterns. The interior of the library is composed of exotic woods and hand-woven textiles to soften the stone and concrete, providing a cozy atmosphere for research.
The museum is a leading venue for contemporary art, architecture, and design. It features rotating exhibitions of both 20th-century and current works, including the graduate thesis work of students from the Cranbrook Academy of Art. The library serves as the primary academic resource for the academy, specializing in the ten visual art disciplines taught at the school.
Visit the Cranbrook Art Museum to explore their thousands of works of art, architecture, design, and craft.