Venue Rentals and Photography

Venue Rentals

At Cranbrook, we are dedicated to helping make your event a success. Our 319-acre National Historic Landmark campus offers a range of venues for your use, from high-tech auditoriums to architecturally stunning historical homes. And when you select Cranbrook for your event, you’ll get the experienced assistance of one of our event coordinators. Individuals who contract to be married on the Cranbrook grounds may use a photographer of his/her choice when approved in writing by a Cranbrook Event Coordinator. For more information and to book an event at Cranbrook, please contact the Events Department at events@cranbrook.edu or 248.645.3164. Sites available for rental include: 

Thornlea Mansion & Grounds

Thornlea mansion was the home of George and Ellen Booth's youngest son, Henry Booth, who designed the building in a similar fashion to his parents' home. Among Thornlea's most appealing features is its seclusion, resting among 4.5 acres of rolling lawns and flanked by a winding rivulet and sheltering trees. Accommodates 30 to 50 people.

Cranbrook Art Museum

Cranbrook Art Museum offers two distinctive settings for gatherings. The Art Museum's outdoor peristyle provides a memorable setting for any special occasion, with soaring columns and breathtaking views of Swedish sculptor Carl Milles' Orpheus Fountain, a piece which has become synonymous with Cranbrook. A tented event on the Museum grounds can accommodate up to 350 people. Inside, the Museum's deSalle Auditorium features a state-of-the-art audio/visual system and is a perfect spot for lectures, seminars and meetings. Accommodates up to 200 people.

Cranbrook Institute of Science

With a T. rex skeleton cast and a life-size mastodon, a planetarium, observatory and a series of hands-on exhibits, the Institute provides a unique environment for any gathering. Founded in 1930, the Institute is Michigan's only science and natural history museum. The 200-seat auditorium features state-of-the art audio/visual technology, perfect for business meetings and gatherings. The expansive exhibit halls provide for one-of-a-kind spaces for dinners and receptions. Accommodates up to 500 people.

Greek Theatre

This outdoor theatre – a recreation of classical Greek architecture – was built by the Booth family as a place to hold amateur theatrics. Today, it’s used by the St. Dunstan’s Theatre Guild for its summer performances. Surrounded by lush pine trees, the spot offers seclusion and a rare opportunity to step back in time. Accommodates 250 people.


Photography

Amateur Photography
Cranbrook Art Museum, Cranbrook Institute of Science, and Cranbrook House and Gardens are open to the public to tour and to take outdoor photographs of their visit with a personal camera-during their operating hours with paid admission. The school areas of campus are not open to the public. Photographs must be for personal use and may not be sold, used for promotion or advertising, or be published online or in print without prior Cranbrook approval. Use of Cranbrook grounds by professional or amateur photographers as a backdrop pertaining to portraits such as weddings, engagements, family photos, modeling portfolios, prom photos, etc., requires a paid reservation and agreement to the terms on the page linked below. 

Professional Portrait Photography
The scenic gardens, iconic artwork, and other natural and tended outdoor spaces at Cranbrook Gardens are now available as an unforgettable backdrop for your next professional portrait photography session! 

Photography sessions must be booked in advance online. Please visit the Cranbrook House & Gardens Professional Portrait Photography webpage to learn more. 

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