Saarinen House Tour Information
Please review the information below before your tour to ensure an enjoyable visit. If you have any questions or concerns, or would like to book a private tour, please contact Cranbrook Center for Collections and Research at 248.645.3307 or center@cranbrook.edu.
TOUR LOGISTICS
The tours include stairs and a twenty minute walk on Cranbrook’s campus before arriving at Saarinen House.
TOUR GROUP SIZE
For your comfort and enjoyment we are keeping tour sizes small. The average tour will be 12 guests. Tour capacity is subject to change at our discretion.
ACCESSIBILITY
Due to the historical status and intimate nature of the house, many rooms and passageways are very narrow and therefore the house is not wheelchair accessible. All tours are walking tours and guests must be able to walk and stand throughout most of the tour. The entrance to the house includes seven steps and a tour of the second floor requires walking up and down the main stairwell. There are no places to sit down in the house itself.
CHILDREN
For the safety and comfort of all visitors, children younger than eight years old, including infants and toddlers, are discouraged on this tour.
RESTROOMS
There are no public restroom facilities at the house itself; please use the facilities at Cranbrook Art Museum before beginning your tour.
COATS AND BAGS
Only small wallets and handheld cameras are permitted on the tours. Please leave all backpacks, purses, camera bags, camera equipment, and other cumbersome items in vehicles. This policy was created for the security and protection of Saarinen House and its collection of fine and decorative art.
SHOES
To protect the original rugs and flooring in Saarinen House, you will be asked to remove your shoes and wear slippers that will be provided.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Photography is permitted for personal use only. No special equipment or tripods may be brought on the tour.
WEATHER CONCERNS
Saarinen House has no air conditioning and can be warm. There is a coat room inside Saarinen House. Tours take place rain or shine. Please note that tours may be canceled in the event of severe weather. Cancellations will be noted at the top of our website in the user alert banner.
REFUND POLICY
Tickets are non-refundable. However, with at least three days advance notice, your ticket may be transferred to another tour date during the same tour season. Your ticket may be transferred to another participant for the tour on the same day and time as the original ticket.
WELLNESS PROTOCOLS*
Cranbrook Educational Community currently has no COVID-19 restrictions in place. Visitors should use their best judgement regarding their health and safety when registering for and attending in-person tours.
*Last updated on December 18, 2023
photo credits
Living Room of Saarinen House, 2015; Photography by James Haefner, Courtesy of Cranbrook Center for Collections and Research.
Book Room of Saarinen House, 2015; Photography by James Haefner, Courtesy of Cranbrook Center for Collections and Research.