Harry Bertoia's Lost Sculpture Rediscovered and Installed at GM Headquarters, Cranbrook Plans 2027 Retrospective
A 26-foot sculpture by Harry Bertoia, once believed to be lost, has been found and now adorns General Motors' new global headquarters located in Detroit's Hudson's building. Originally commissioned in 1970 for the Genesee Valley mall, the artwork comprises steel-wire rods finished in brass and bronze. After its relocation to Northland Mall, it was thought to be destroyed until the Southfield Arts Commission discovered it in 2017. GM constructed a five-story space for its display, which is currently restricted to employees. In June 2027, Cranbrook Academy of Art will host a retrospective titled 'Harry Bertoia: A Homecoming,' showcasing over 100 pieces. Bertoia, who studied and taught at Cranbrook, has his daughter, Celia Bertoia, thrilled about the sculpture's return.
Key facts
- Harry Bertoia's 26-foot suspended sculpture, commissioned in 1970, was rediscovered in 2017 in Southfield, Michigan.
- The sculpture is now installed at General Motors' new global headquarters in Detroit's Hudson's building, but is employee-only.
- Cranbrook Art Museum will open a Bertoia retrospective in June 2027, featuring over 100 works.
- Bertoia studied at Cranbrook Academy of Art starting in 1937 with peers like Eero Saarinen and Charles and Ray Eames.
- GM has a 1955 Bertoia work, 'Untitled Wall Screen,' at its Warren Technical Center.
- The sculpture was originally for the Genesee Valley mall in Flint, Michigan, and was moved to Northland Mall in 1980.
- Celia Bertoia, the artist's daughter, heads the Harry Bertoia Foundation.
- Andrew Blauvelt is the director of Cranbrook Art Museum.
Entities
Artists
- Harry Bertoia
- Eero Saarinen
- Eliel Saarinen
- Charles Eames
- Ray Eames
- Florence Knoll
- Herbert Matter
- Father Gabriel Richard
- Celia Bertoia
- Andrew Blauvelt
- Joseph S. Sample
- Miriam T. Sample
Institutions
- Cranbrook Academy of Art
- Cranbrook Art Museum
- General Motors
- J.L. Hudson Company
- Southfield Arts Commission
- City of Southfield
- Harry Bertoia Foundation
- Hyperallergic
- Knoll International
- Knoll Archives
Locations
- Detroit
- United States
- Flint
- Michigan
- Southfield
- Warren
- Genesee Valley mall
- Northland Mall
- Cranbrook campus
- Cadillac House
- Vanderbilt