The Place

The Crane Membership

Your Family’s Passport to the World of Cranbrook.

As a benefit of enrollment at Cranbrook Schools, we are delighted to offer the families of all our students a complimentary Crane Household Membership.
 
The Crane Membership grants special access to the spectacular experiences in science, art, education and nature that are the unique hallmark of Cranbrook Educational Community.
 
Stand beneath a towering Tyrannosaurus, dig for dinosaur bones, or immerse yourself in a planetarium show at Cranbrook Institute of Science. Enjoy world-class exhibitions and lectures featuring modern and contemporary art and designers at Cranbrook Art Museum. Explore breathtaking gardens and natural spaces, receive discounts on special events, and get early access to the regionally famous Plant Sale at Cranbrook House & Gardens. Discover the innovative history and remarkable historical homes and collections of Cranbrook while receiving discounts on public tours and lectures at Cranbrook Center for Collections and Research.
 
We encourage you to explore our campus and websites (see below) to discover the full range of benefits available to you as a Cranbrook Schools family!

Membership Benefits

List of 4 items.

  • Cranbrook Art Museum

    • Free general admission for 2 adults living in the same household and their children (18 and younger)
    • Complimentary Saarinen House & Collection Wing tours
    • Invitations to ArtMembers-only events and programs
    • Half off guest general admission
    • Discount on adult workshops
    • Advance notice and discounts on art-making camps for children
    • Fifteen percent discount on store, Fika Café, and gift membership purchases
    • Learn more about Cranbrook Art Museum here

  • Cranbrook Center for Collections and Research

    • Cranbrook Center for Collections and Research
    • Ten percent discount on public lectures and tours
    • Invitation to join one of two annual Special Campus-wide Cranbrook tours
    • Learn more about the Cranbrook Center for Collections and Research here

  • Cranbrook House & Gardens

    • Free admission on regular Cranbrook House Tours and Cranbrook Gardens Tours
    • Discounts or other special privileges on select events
    • Early access to shop the Winter Houseplant Sale
    • Learn more about Cranbrook House and Gardens here

  • Cranbrook Institute of Science

    • Free general admission for two adults living in the same household and their children (18 and younger)
    • Discounted rates for lectures, CIS summer camps, birthday parties, Institute events, and private events
    • $1.00 discount on tickets for adults and children for Acheson Planetarium, exploreLab, and changing exhibit tickets
    • Ten percent discount on merchandise in the Science Shop, Reflections café, and gift membership purchases
    • Free or discounted general admission to approximately 350 science technology museums worldwide – each museum has its own admissions policy – visit www.astc.org for details
    • 50% off general admission to approximately 200 children’s museums – visit  https://findachildrensmuseum.org/ for details (Starts in October of 2024)
    • Learn more about Cranbrook Institute of Science here

Ongoing and Upcoming Events

List of 4 items.

  • Cranbrook Art Museum Events

     
    Ongoing exhibitions:
     
    Upcoming exhibitions
     
    Family Activities
    • Calendar | Cranbrook Art Museum
    • Art Lab Afterschool
      • March 6, 2025, at 4:00 PM
      • March 13, 2025, at 4:00 PM
      • March 20, 2025, at 4:00 PM
      • March 27, 2025, at 4:00 PM
      • April 3, 2025, at 4:00 PM
      • April 10, 2025, at 4:00 PM
      • April 17, 2025, at 4:00 PM
      • April 24, 2025, at 4:00 PM
    • Wainger Workshops:
      • Instant Photography
        • March 6, 2025, at 5:30 PM
      • Playing with Patterns
        • March 13, 2025, at 5:30 PM
      • Wavy Basket Weaving
        • March 20, 2025, at 5:30 PM
    • Family Workshops
      • March 8, 2025, at 11:00 PM
    • Cranbrook on the Green: Artist-Designed Mini-Golf

    Learn more about     Cranbrook Art Museum here

  • Cranbrook Center for Collections and Research Events

    Tours of Cranbrook
    Behind-the-Scenes Tours
    • Cranbrook School and the historic Cranbrook Print Collections
      • March 20 through March 30
        • Thursdays: 1:00, 3:00, and 5:30 PM
        • Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays,: 1:00 and 3:00 PM

  • Cranbrook House & Gardens Events


  • Cranbrook Institute of Science Events

    Dino Fossil Detectives
    Saturday, March 22 | 1:00-3:00pm
    Step into the thrilling world of dinosaurs in this action-packed, hands-on family workshop! Get up close with real fossils, hold a mammoth tooth, and even shake hands with a T. rex. Channel your inner paleontologist as you create fossil casts, uncover your very own take-home fossil, and dive into the dino arms race to solve an epic Whodunnit mystery. Adventure and discovery await!
    This workshop is recommended for guests ages 6 and up.
    Tickets are $17 for members and $20 for non-members, per person.
    Registration closes on Wednesday, March 19 at 5:00pm.
     
    Spring into Science
    Wednesday, March 26 to Friday, March 28 | 11:00am to 3:00pm daily
    Spring into Science and celebrate the arrival of a new season! Join us as we explore Michigan’s ecosystems and the wonders of our natural world through hands-on, environmental fun. Over 20 local environmental organizations will be on hand to help you discover your inner environmental steward and deepen your love for nature.
    Experiences during this event include:
    • Bee-come a Beehive Keeper: Experience the science behind beekeeping and how honey is made
    • Germination Necklaces: Watch your seedlings grow as you wear them
    • Battle Water Pollution: Learn how everyone can play their part to ensure clean water
    • Invasive Creepy Critters: Get to know the invasive species that live in our Great Lakes…if you dare
    • Wildlife Investigation: Explore the animal friends that make up Michigan’s wildlife
    • Recycling Superhero: Discover how you can be the best recycler possible
    • Stop and Smell the Wildflowers: Immerse yourself in Michigan’s native flowers
    • And more nature-based fun!
    All activities are FREE 
    The museum will be open from 10:00am to 5:00pm on Wednesday, March 26 and Thursday, March 27 and 10:00am to 10:00pm on Friday, March 28, and all activities will be available from 11:00am to 3:00pm.
     
    Flying High
    Saturday, April 5 | 1:00-3:00pm
    Soar into the science of flight in this high-energy, hands-on family workshop! Explore what makes things fly, float, and glide with fun experiments using wind tunnels, fans, parachutes, and gliders. Take cues from nature, improve your designs, then build and launch your own planes and rockets to take home. Let your imagination take flight!
    This workshop is recommended for guests ages 6 and up.
    Tickets are $17 for members and $20 for non-members, per person.
    Registration closes on Wednesday, April 2 at 5:00pm.
     
    Space Science Overnight
    Saturday, April 12 6:00pm – Sunday, April 13, 2025 8:00am
    Discover the wonders of the night sky as you explore with an astronomer, dive into space engineering, create your own moon phases, hold a REAL meteorite, hear a surprising constellation tale, and take a stroll to learn the true distances between the planets and the Sun. Plus, take home a special gift—a tasty astronaut snack!
    If you're involved in Scouting, this program can help fulfill some or all of the requirements for the following badges: Daisy Space Science Explorer, Brownie Space Science Adventurer, Junior Space Science Investigator, and Tiger Sky's the Limit.
     
    Crime Scene Investigation
    Saturday, April 26 | 6:00-9:00pm
    Can you crack the case? Start by sharpening your detective skills in workshops covering memory, blood analysis, fingerprints, and other types of evidence. Then, it's time to investigate the crime scene! Collect evidence, analyze clues, assess suspects, and collaborate with your team. Who do YOU think is the culprit? Plus, take home a special gift—a secret message communicator!
     
    Down by the Pond
    Saturday, May 3 | 1:00-3:00pm
    Dive into the wonders of pond life in this fun, hands-on family workshop! Start with interactive activities to explore aquatic ecosystems, then head to the pond to spot frogs, insects, birds, and more. Grab a net and discover the fascinating critters beneath the surface—what secrets do they reveal about the water's health? It's a splashy adventure you won't forget!
    This workshop is recommended for guests ages 6 and up.
    Most of this program takes place outdoors, so please dress for the weather. We'll head outside, rain or shine!
    Tickets are $17 for members and $20 for non-members, per person.
    Registration closes on Wednesday, April 30 at 5:00pm.
     
    Space Science Overnight
    Saturday, May 3, 6:00pm – Sunday, May 4, 2025, 8:00am
    Discover the wonders of the night sky as you explore with an astronomer, dive into space engineering, create your own moon phases, hold a REAL meteorite, hear a surprising constellation tale, and take a stroll to learn the true distances between the planets and the Sun. Plus, take home a special gift—a tasty astronaut snack!

    If you're involved in Scouting, this program can help fulfill some or all of the requirements for the following badges: Daisy Space Science Explorer, Brownie Space Science Adventurer, Junior Space Science Investigator, and Tiger Sky's the Limit.
     
    Unearth Alpena Fossil Dig
    Saturday, May 17 | 5:30am – 6:30pm
    Join Cranbrook Institute of Science experts and award-winning paleontologist, author, and storyteller Paleo Joe for an exclusive, members-only, day-long fossil-hunting adventure!
    Travel to Alpena, Michigan, and dig for your own fossils while learning the ins and outs of paleontology. You'll explore dig site etiquette, tools of the trade, safety protocols, fossil identification, excavation techniques, and the rich history of the area. The best part? You get to take home any fossils you find during your expedition! Last year, the young paleontologist above discovered his very own Trilobite, which he will treasure forever.
    Breakfast, lunch, dinner, water, and snacks will be provided throughout the day, along with a fossil-collecting tool kit, commemorative bucket, and protective eyewear.

    This exciting, fossil-filled experience is recommended for explorers ages 12 and up. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets are $275.00 per person

We are thrilled to invite you and your family to experience Cranbrook Art Museum, Cranbrook Center for Collections and Research, Cranbrook House & Gardens, and Cranbrook Institute of Science, all made possible by friends of Cranbrook and the Fred A. and Barbara M. Erb Family Foundation. We encourage you to visit frequently and explore our websites for the latest updates on this season’s exhibitions, family days, lectures, programs, and tours!

For questions regarding your membership, please email Kelly Lewis-Gump at kgump@cranbrook.edu or at 248-645-3333.

Contact Us

PO Box 801
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48303
(248) 645-3000

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