Crafting the Cranbrook Story: House Party 2026 will take us back one hundred years to a time when artisans were working around the clock to bring the vision of Cranbrook to life.
On February 28, 2026, join us for an incredibly rare opportunity to experience an evening of celebration and exploration at the historic Cranbrook School for Boys (present-day Cranbrook Kingswood Upper School Quad). Originally designed by Eliel Saarinen in collaboration with Henry Scripps Booth and J. Robert F. Swanson, the campus opened in 1927 and tells the story of a transformational time in Cranbrook's history.
From sculptors and brickmakers to metalsmiths and builders, House Party 2026 will celebrate the artists who defined this chapter of the Cranbrook Story. The night will begin with a Reception in the restored North "Map" Lobby and one of Cranbrook's architectural jewels, the Library Reading Room, and culminate in the iconic Dining Hall, where you will enjoy Dinner from Forte Belanger, a Center-curated Auction, and Dancing.
CHAIRS
Viveka and Jason Peter
CO-CHAIRS
Sarah and Lando Juarez
Gaby and Sharif Tai
Kristine and Jason Vazzano
ABOUT HOUSE PARTY
House Party is the Center for Collections and Research's annual fundraising gala where we open the doors for exploration and celebration in the special places that define Cranbrook's legacy. Your support ensures that future generations continue to have access to the diverse art, architecture, landscapes, and archival resources that collectively tell the Cranbrook Story.
ATTIRE
Black-tie Optional
A Gala Benefiting Cranbrook Center for Collections and Research
ABOUT THE HISTORIC CRANBROOK SCHOOL FOR BOYS
This video tour tells the history, art, and architecture of the historic Cranbrook School for Boys and was recorded for the graduating Cranbrook Kingswood Upper School Class of 2020 by Kevin Adkisson, Center Curator.
Whether through the Saarinen-designed Peacock Gates, manufactured by Oscar Bruno Bach, or the Beauty Arch, inscribed with one of George Booth’s mantras, “A Life Without Beauty is Only Half Lived,” entering the school grounds marks a transition into a realm where art, architecture, and education harmoniously coexist. Click here to read more about the historic Cranbrook School for Boys campus.
EVENT DETAILS
Location: Historic Cranbrook School for Boys I Present-Day Cranbrook Upper School Quad
6:00pm
House Party Begins
Cocktail Hour in Hoey Hall, North "Map" Lobby, and Cranbrook Library Reading Room
7:30pm
Dinner in the Dining Hall
Live Auction and Paddle Raise
Dessert, Dancing, and Merriment
11:15pm
House Party Concludes
Click below to learn more about this year’s ticket and sponsorship opportunities.
The Center gratefully acknowledges our generous patrons of House Party. We will be updating the Donor Wall weekly and hope to include your name soon!
View the Center's unique selection of one-of-a-kind experiences and "only through the Center" objects, carefully curated for the House Party Live Auction. Coming Soon!
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
For more information about Crafting the Cranbrook Story, please contact Amy Klein, Director of Development, at aklein@cranbrook.edu or 248.645.3215.
THEME AND GRAPHICS:
Designed by Unsold Studio
PHOTO CREDITS:
Unless otherwise noted, all photographs are from the Collection of Cranbrook Archives, Cranbrook Center for Collections and Research.
Cranbrook Campus Dining Hall, 2022; Photography by James Haefner.
North "Map" Lobby in Hoey Hall, 2019; Photography by Daniel Smith.
Cranbrook Campus Library Reading Room, 2016; Photography by Colton Graub.