Take a Piece of Albert Kahn Home Now!
The Albert Kahn Legacy Foundation Silent Auction is live now!
The auction will remain active until November 4 at 8:00 PM. Don’t miss your chance to bid and support the Albert Kahn Legacy Foundation!
Guardians of Detroit: Architectural Sculpture in the Motor City
November 10, 2021 7PM
Guardians of Detroit: Architectural Sculpture in the Motor City is a first-of-its-kind effort to document the incredible collection of Architectural Sculpture in the city of Detroit. Published by Wayne State University Press, this award-winning book features 332 pages and includes more than 770 photographs and extensively-researched text to tell the stories of some of Detroit’s most unique structures. Guardians of Detroit was listed as a 2020 Michigan Notable Book by the Library of Michigan and won a 2019 State History Award from the Historical Society of Michigan for Outstanding Michigan History Publication. It also was honored with a 2020 Midwest Book in the Arts/Photography/Coffee Table Books category/
The Guardians of Detroit presentation will focus mainly on architectural sculpture on buildings designed by Albert Kahn. You will learn about the symbolism behind the ornamentation and hear some of the untold stories behind these treasures, all drawn from the Guardians of Detroit book. The program will include a question and answer session.
Guardians of Detroit author Jeff Morrison is a historian and photographer who has been taking pictures since his parents gave him his first camera at age nine. He has a bachelor’s degree in history with a minor in art from Eastern Michigan University and over thirty years’ experience as a graphic artist. Jeff lives in Oxford, Michigan, with his lovely wife, Susie, and their wonder dog, Manfred. He is currently working on a new book called Guardians of Michigan: Architectural Sculpture of the Pleasant Peninsulas, which focuses on architectural sculpture outside the City of Detroit.
Detroit Month of Design Extended Until October 31!
Detroit’s 11th annual Month of Design kicks off on September 1st, and what a month it will be. The 2021 schedule is filled with exhibitions, design experiences, workshops, installations, open studios, talks, tours, and more, all brought to life through Design Core and the community. Detroit’s Month of Design has done nothing but grow over the past years, doubling in its events since 2019.
Albert Kahn: Creating the Modern World
“Albert Kahn: Creating the Modern World” celebrates the work of Albert Kahn (1869-1942), Detroit’s most important architect of the first half of the 20th century and the world’s foremost industrial architect of his day. Kahn’s work enabled the creation of America’s modern industrial enterprises, created iconic office and civic buildings, and inspired the streamlined modernist designs that followed. The exhibit tells the story of historically significant architecture and design that has stood the test of time.
Using text and numerous photos, the exhibit shows the innovative genius behind the design and building of many of Detroit and Michigan’s most iconic structures–from the automotive factories of the early 20th century, such as the Packard Plant and Ford’s sprawling Rouge complex, to numerous Detroit landmarks, including the Fisher Building, the Detroit Athletic Club, the Belle Isle Aquarium and Conservatory. During the height of the Art Deco period, Kahn designed the former General Motors headquarters, the Edsel and Eleanor Ford House, and many buildings on the University of Michigan campus, including Hill Auditorium and the Carillon Tower.
Event partners are The Fisher Building/The Platform, which is providing the exhibit space, and Albert Kahn Associates, which is co-hosting the opening event on September 9.
Register for the FREE opening reception here!
First Annual Albert Kahn Legacy Foundation Detroit Bike Tour of Albert Kahn’s Detroit
Sunday, Sept. 19, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Ride along for an approximately 8.8-mile, two-hour bicycle tour of Albert Kahn-designed buildings in and around greater downtown Detroit. The tour will begin and end near the Fisher Building and visit Albert Kahn’s personal residence, the Detroit Athletic Club, the National Theatre, and the Detroit Free Press Building, among several others. The ride will be led by former Detroit Free Press columnist John Gallagher, and docents will offer descriptions of each Kahn-related site at multiple stops along the way.
This is a must see for architecture lovers! Space is limited to 30 attendees. Water and snacks will be provided before and after the ride. Riders must bring their own bicycles and be able to ride at a moderate pace to stay with the group.
Optional walking tour of the Fisher Building at the end of the ride.
Space is limited to 30 attendees. $25 for members, $35 for non-members
Register here to secure your space today!
After Albert Kahn: The Emergence of Yamasaki
With John Gallagher
Wednesday, September 22 at 7:00 pm. Register here!
Past Events
Albert and Julius Kahn: The Invention of the Modern Factory
Author and architectural historian Michael G. Smith discussed how Albert and Julius revolutionized modern day factories. Watch the recording below:
Albert Kahn Designs Detroit – Talk with Michael Hodges
Renowned author and journalist Michael H. Hodges explained how a young immigrant became one of the most prolific architects of the 20th century. Watch the recording below: