The 'Behind the Scenes at Cranbrook' lecture series returns for the 2012 season this Sunday, March 25 with "Around the World in 120 Minutes: A Tour of Cranbrook Art Museum’s Textile Collection," from 1:30-3:30 p.m.

Former Cranbrook Academy of Art Director Gerhardt Knodel will study first-hand the textile-based traditions of different geographic regions, and offer examples from Cranbrook Art Museum’s textiles collection ranging from Peruvian and Coptic antiquities to modern works.

Now in its fourth year, the Behind the Scenes tours at Cranbrook include special viewings of objects and artifacts, tours conducted by Museum Directors, and the chance to learn more about the art, science and history of Cranbrook’s National Historic Landmark campus.

Four other campus-wide events that offer access to collections and buildings at Cranbrook not usually open to the public are scheduled as part of the series.

They are:

• From Arugula to Zinnias and Everything In-Between: A Cranbrook Greenhouse Family Workshop

Saturday, March 31, 10-11:30 a.m. and 1-2:30 p.m.

Visitors explore the various mini habitats of Cranbrook’s greenhouse and, through a hands-on activity, discover how to raise an edible garden!  This family event is recommended for children ages 6 and older.

• Digging into the Past: The Archaeology Collections of Cranbrook Institute of Science

Tuesday, April 17, 6:30-8 p.m.

Cranbrook Institute of Science Director Dr. Michael Stafford will reveal the wonders of the archaeology collections held by Cranbrook Institute of Science. From Inca gold to prehistoric ceramics to stone tools and more, the Institute's archaeology collections are of extraordinary quality and depth.

• Cranbrook Contemporary: A Tour of Recent Architecture

Sunday, May 6, 1:30-4 p.m.

Reed Kroloff, Director, Cranbrook Academy of Art, leads a bus and walking tour of

five contemporary buildings constructed at Cranbrook. This tour examines the ways in which contemporary architects have interpreted the creative vision established for Cranbrook by founder George Booth and Resident Architect Eliel Saarinen.

• Exploring the Arts & Crafts Movement at Cranbrook House

Wednesday, May 23, 7-8:30 p.m.

Join Leslie S. Edwards, Head Archivist, for an illustrated presentation about the relationship between George Booth and Albert Kahn. The presentation is followed by a special tour of the house that highlights architectural details including the Oak Room’s Moravian “Bible in Tile” fireplace and the exquisite woodcarvings of John Kirchmayer.

Tickets are $30 per person, per event for the general public and $20 per person, per event for Members of Cranbrook Art Museum, Cranbrook Institute of Science or Cranbrook House and Gardens.

Due to the spaces being utilized, tickets are limited and vary according to lecture. Pre-registration is required.

For more detailed information about the content and location of each lecture visit  www.cranbrook.edu or call 248 645.3210.