This spring we are pleased to offer a survey course for the general public. Bard Graduate Center’s History of Design and Decorative Arts is a five-week program for adults of all ages, backgrounds, and experience taught by our world renowned faculty. Participants will learn about Chinese decorative arts from 1300 to 1800, Islamic decorative arts of the classical period and beyond European Renaissance and Early Modern decorative arts, 19th and 20th century modern design in the United States and Europe.

Week 1 (April 4)
China 1300–1800
With Associate Professor Francois Louis

Week 2 (April 11)
The Arts of the Lands of Islam
With Assistant Professor Abigail Krasner Balbale

Week 3 (April 18)
Renaissance and the Early Modern Period
With Professor Andrew Morrall

Week 4 (April 25)
United States 1900–2000
With Associate Professor Catherine Whalen

Week 5 (May 2)
Europe 1800–1930
With Assistant Professor Freyja Hartzell



We are also pleased to offer need-based sliding scale community tickets by request to all ticketed events. To learn more, please email[email protected].

Leading support for Public Programs at Bard Graduate Center comes from Gregory Soros and other generous donors.