Docomomo_US/MI

09/09/2025

Join art historian and President of the Michigan Chapter of Docomomo US Deborah Lubera Kawsky to celebrate the life, career, and enduring legacy of Detroit design icon — and dear friend — Ruth Adler Schnee, who was a driving force in modern design for eight decades.

Adler Schnee’s life story is inspirational, encompassing her escape from N**i Germany, her ground-breaking studies at the Cranbrook Art Academy and her establishment of Adler-Schnee, Detroit’s first modern design store.

She is best known today for her boldly-colored and patterned textiles and for her interior designs for both private and public spaces, from the Ford Rotunda to the World Trade Center.

This event is part of the 10th Annual Detroit Month of Design, the Detroit Fiber Festival is a day-long celebration of fabric and fiber arts.

3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Keynote Talk: “Detroit’s Own Ruth Adler Schnee“ with Dr. Deborah Kawsky

The Fisher Building: The Peacock Room
3011 West Grand Boulevard
Detroit, MI 48202

Sunday, September 28 · 11am - 5pm EDT

Visit the link in our profile for information and tickets.

08/31/2025

MCM Parkitecture

During the mid-20th century, the National Park Service launched the Mission 66 initiative: a bold plan to ditch rustic "Parkitecture" and go modern. It took decades for parkgoers to warm up to the audacious style.

08/25/2025

Our friends at a2modern are hosting an open house!

Join on September 20th, at a notable Mid-century modern home— The Mills Residence.

900 Pine Tree Drive is a great example of the architecture of Ted Smith. Originally built in 1959 for Kendall and Mary Lloyd Mills, it has been preserved with almost all of its original features.

Much of the credit for the pristine original condition of the home must go to the longtime owners Harvey and Dorothy Doss.

The current owners, Nancy Bulkley and Noah Rosenzweig, have taken a preservationist custodial approach to both the original structure’s design details and home furnishings.

There will be three entry times:
1:00pm, 2:00pm and 3:00 pm
Each ticket will cost $15.00

Tap the link in our profile or visit>
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mills-residence-open-house-tickets-1607600258649?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

08/22/2025

Gathering the Original

The Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy purchased 11 original pieces to keep them out of private collections

08/20/2025

Happy birthday to Eliel and Eero Saarinen, both born on this day (1873 and 1910, respectively). The father and son collaborated on the design of the Fenton Community Center, completed in 1938. https://sah-archipedia.org/buildings/MI-01-GS12

08/17/2025

We are so excited to celebrate a milestone: Eleven years ago today was our first official Docomomo US/MI Event!

It was a tour of the Parcells House in Grosse Pointe, Michigan. Ruth Adler Schnee was our special guest!

Thank you to everyone who has offered support, attended an event and reached out to us! We appreciate your passion for Modernism!

We’d like to extend a special appreciation to our founding members who played a significant role in raising awareness to the importance of Michigan’s modern architecture.

We’d love for you to share stories you have about a memorable experience you’ve had at a Docomomo Michigan event!

08/12/2025

This home was designed by architect Robert Metcalf.

It was constructed in 1969. It’s located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and is adjacent to the Braun Nature Area.

This home is currently on the market and is listed by Nancy Bishop. Photos are courtesy of the Charles Reinhart Company

08/09/2025

This home was designed by mid-century architect Tivador Balogh. It was built in the Huron Heights neighborhood of Ann Arbor, Michigan in 1965.

Many of the design elements are original to the home, including the kitchen, bathrooms and interior finishes.

The living room highlights the timeless design of this home— featuring redwood cedar paneling, custom-designed shelving, a wood-burning fireplace, and expansive windows that frame the yard with mature trees. The kitchen features the original cabinetry and appliances.

This home is on the market and is listed by Richard Taylor. The photos are courtesy of Charles Reinhart Company.

07/26/2025

Great Michigan Connection!

Photo 4 of 6 in From the Archive: Iconoclasts Who Reimagined the American Home. Browse inspirational photos of modern homes. From midcentury modern to prefab housing and renovations, these stylish spaces suit every taste.

07/23/2025

Incredible!

Roland Reisley is the last original client of Frank Lloyd Wright, still living in the Usonian home designed by the famed architect. Even after 73 years, he told NPR, he still marvels at the beauty of the home.