Here you can carry out art historical and design research; apply the theories and practice of information science; design and curate digital libraries, archives, and exhibitions; and communicate arts content and design effectively across diverse cultures and societies.
Pratt students at the Morgan Library Reading Room (courtesy Polly Cancro, History of Art and Design / Library and Information Science '18)
History of Art and Design / Library and Information Science at Pratt
The MSLIS/MA History of Art and Design dual-degree program prepares you for careers in art and design, museum, and academic libraries. In this program, you will become an expert on the intersection of art and design and information, going deep into art, design, and historical archives, art and design collections, and more. With fellowship opportunities at NYC’s leading museums, libraries, and archives, such as The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Frick Art Reference Library, and MoMA, the dual-degree program offers unique experiential learning opportunities.
Students in the dual-degree MSLIS/MA History of Art and Design program get to experience all Pratt has to offer by taking half of their program (30 credits) at the School of Information based in Manhattan, and the other half in the Department of History of Art and Design on the Brooklyn campus (30 credits). The first two years students take courses in both departments, with much of the thesis work taking place in the third year. With class sizes of just 8-12, you’ll collaborate closely with your cohort and faculty and be learning at the nexus of NYC arts and culture communities.
Internships
Internships at museums, libraries, nonprofit art organizations, and galleries provide professional opportunities in your area of interest and prepare you for future careers. Recent students have interned at prestigious institutions such as the New York Public Library, Franklin Furnace, and the Whitney Museum of American Art.
Study Abroad
We are pleased to offer study abroad options for dual-degree students, including a new course offered for the first time during spring break 2024: “Artist Archives: Rome/New York”. We also recently celebrated the 35th anniversary of Pratt in Venice, which is a 6-week program that occurs each June and July. For more information on Study Abroad, see where you can go.
Learning Resources
We develop disciplinary fluency in our program of study and we celebrate the interdisciplinary nature of design critical to address the plurality and complexity of the environments in which we operate. Learning resources.
Our Faculty
Pratt’s distinguished faculty of outstanding creative professionals and scholars share a common desire to develop each student’s potential and creativity to the fullest. Bringing different views, methods, and perspectives, they provide a rigorous educational model in which students make and learn. See all History of Art and Design faculty and administrators and School of Information faculty and administrators.
Our Alumni
Pratt’s distinguished alumni are leading diverse and thriving careers, addressing critical challenges and creating innovative work that reimagines our world.
Where They Work
Librarian, Photographs and Prints Division, New York Public Library
Archivist, Center for Brooklyn History at Brooklyn Public Library
IT Project Manager, J. Paul Getty Trust
Head, Reference & Reader Services, Teachers College, Columbia University
Web Collection Librarian, Columbia University Libraries
Join us at Pratt. Learn more about admissions requirements, plan your visit, talk to a counselor, and start your application. Take the next step.
You’ll find yourself at home at Pratt. Learn more about our residence halls, student organizations, athletics, gallery exhibitions, events, the amazing City of New York and our Brooklyn neighborhood communities. Check us out.
"The purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off our souls."
— Pablo Picasso
Art has a unique way of transforming our perspective. It’s more than just an expression of creativity—it’s a means of escape and a way to reconnect with our deeper selves. As Picasso beautifully put it, 'The purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off our souls.' In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, we often forget to pause and reflect. Art offers us that moment of clarity, allowing us to lose ourselves in beauty, and in doing so, find ourselves again. Whether it’s through painting, sculpture, or any form of creative expression, art has the power to refresh our spirits and reignite our passions. So, take a moment today to let art speak to you, cleanse your mind, and inspire your soul.
#ArtInspiration #CreativeExpression #Picasso #ArtQuotes #SoulfulArt #FindingYourself
You’re invited to the Surrealism Tomorrow exhibition, which will be held at the Student Union on Wednesday, April 16, at 3:00 PM. We hope you can join us there to celebrate the creativity and astute psychological insight of our students.
The submissions range from traditional techniques such as oil painting, sculpture, and photography to more innovative approaches like digitized claymation, video game design, and mixed-media installations. The use of materials is equally varied and creative, including textiles, metal, wood, and ceramics, offering a dynamic mix of visual, tactile, and conceptual experiences.
During the opening, a panel of We look forward to seeing you at the openingexperts from leading institutions will review submissions, providing recognition, conservations, and valuable feedback:
Stephanie Weber, Lenbachhaus Munich
Ana Janevski, The Museum of Modern Art
Danielle Drori, Manhattan Institute for Psychoanalysis
Emir Kapetanović, Los Angeles-based filmmaker
Cacho Falcon, New York City-based visual artist
The opening of the exhibition is preceded by two sessions of Surrealist Games that will take place on April 15th, in the Alumni Reading Room. This event is open to students, faculty and staff.
This event is sponsored by the History of Art and Design Department, Social Sciences and Cultural Studies Departments, Psychology at Pratt, and School of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Refreshments will be provided.
Weekly Design History: The Helvetica Typeface
This week, we celebrate the Helvetica Typeface, one of the most influential and widely used typefaces in modern graphic design. Designed in 1957 by Max Miedinger and Eduard Hoffmann, Helvetica epitomizes the Swiss Style, known for its clean, neutral, and highly legible design.
Helvetica quickly became the go-to typeface for corporate branding, signage, and transportation systems around the world due to its versatility and modern aesthetic. Its simplicity and clarity make it timeless, continuing to be a favorite among designers.
Fun Fact: Helvetica was originally called Neue Haas Grotesk but was renamed to reflect its Swiss origins, as "Helvetica" is the Latin name for Switzerland.
#Helvetica #Typography #SwissDesign #DesignHistory #WeeklyDesignSpotlight
You are invited to “Climate Change and the New Polar Aesthetics: Artists Reimagine the Arctic and Antarctic.“
If you are interested in attending, Please RSVP.
* This event is open for public.
Date: Monday, April 21st, 2025
Time: 5:30 to 7:00 pm
Venue: Alumni Reading Room
A Talk by Lisa Bloom
In Climate Change and the New Polar Aesthetics, Lisa E. Bloom considers the ways artists, filmmakers, and activists engaged with the Arctic and Antarctic to represent our current environmental crises and reconstruct public understandings of them. Bloom examines feminist, Black, Indigenous, and non-Western perspectives to address the exigencies of the experience of the Anthropocene and its attendant ecosystem failures. Bloom’s examination and contextualization of new polar aesthetics makes environmental degradation more legible while demonstrating that our own political agency is central to imagining and constructing a better world.
Lisa E. Bloom is the author of many femi- nist books and articles in art history, visual culture, and cultural studies including Gender on Ice: American Ideologies of Polar Expeditions (University of Minnesota Press), With Other Eyes: Looking at Race and Gender in Visual Culture (University of Minnesota Press) and Jewish Identities in U.S. Feminist Art: Ghosts of Ethnicity (Routledge). She has taught and had been a researcher at numerous universities and art schools over the years including the University of California, Berkeley, (2018-2024) where she was recently a scholar-in-residence at the Beatrice Bain Center in the Department of Gender and Women’s Studies.
Art History 101: Part 4 - Impressionism to Post-Impressionism
The Birth of Impressionism
Emerging in the late 19th century, Impressionism focused on capturing light and everyday moments, often painted en plein air (outdoors).
Example: "Impression, Sunrise" by Claude Monet (1872)
Key Figures
Artists like Claude Monet and Pierre-Auguste Renoir were pioneers of this movement, experimenting with color and brushstroke techniques.
Example: "Luncheon of the Boating Party" by Pierre-Auguste Renoir (1880-1881)
Post-Impressionist Innovations
Post-Impressionists like Vincent van Gogh and Paul Cézanne expanded on Impressionist ideas, using bold colors and unique forms to express deeper emotions.
Example: "The Starry Night" by Vincent van Gogh (1889)
Iconic Examples
"Water Lilies" by Monet showcases the beauty of nature through light reflections, while "The Starry Night" by Van Gogh expresses emotional turbulence through swirling skies.
Example: "Water Lilies" series by Claude Monet (1920-1926)
Weekly Art Spotlight: The Ardabil Carpet
This week, we delve into the exquisite craftsmanship of the Ardabil Carpet, one of the most celebrated pieces of Persian Islamic art. Created in 1539-1540, this carpet is renowned for its intricate design and remarkable size, measuring 34.5 by 17.5 feet.
Commissioned for the Ardabil Shrine in Iran, the carpet features a stunning medallion design surrounded by a series of intricate floral and geometric patterns. The meticulous craftsmanship is a testament to the advanced weaving techniques and artistic vision of the Safavid period.
#IslamicArt #ArdabilCarpet #PersianArt #ArtInspiration #DesignHistory #WeeklyArtSpotlight
It's the School of Information April '25 newsletter with the winners of the annual Amazon Music Product Design Challenge, outcomes of the full-time faculty searches, and much more news; link available in our bio.
We are pleased to be offering a number of new special topics courses this summer and fall '25 semesters - checkout the flyers here! Graduate registrations begins April 7th! Link in our bio for full-size versions.
More snapshots from @prattischool’s Artists’ Archives: Rome/New York course! #ArtistsArchives #RomeNewYork #ArtPreservation #PrattiSchoolinRome #PrattInstitute
Just back from Rome! 🇮🇹✨ Students from @prattischool’s Artists’ Archives: Rome/New York, led by professor @cristinapattuelli, spent a week exploring art archives—from contemporary museums to family-run foundations. They gained international perspectives on preserving artists' legacies while examining original materials, artwork, and the creative networks that shaped artistic movements across continents.
A huge thank you to all who warmly welcomed our students and shared their invaluable insights! @museomaxxi @archiviofrancoangeli @archivio_elisabettacatalano @iccdfotografie @zerynthia_contemporaryart
Swipe through for highlights from their journey. ➡️ 📸. More to come.
#ArtistsArchives #RomeNewYork #ArtPreservation #PrattiSchoolinRome #PrattInstitute
It's our last information session for prospective students until the fall this coming Tuesday at 6pm ET (March 25) at Pratt Manhattan Center or on Zoom. To join, please RSVP via the link in our bio.
With the spring upon us, take some time to get outside and enjoy the sunlight and water. The piers in Hudson River Park are the perfect place. Brought to you by the @prattischool Wellness Committee.
The MSLIS/MA History of Art and Design dual-degree program prepares students for careers in art, museum, and academic libraries. With fellowship opportunities taking place at NYC’s leading museums, libraries, and archives, such as the Brooklyn Museum, the Guggenheim Museum, and The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the dual-degree program offers unique opportunities for experiential learning.
This program consists of 30 credits at the School of Information and 30 credits at the Department of History of Art and Design for a total of 60 credits, which must be completed with a B average or higher. Students in the dual-degree program generally take one or two classes in each program per semester (3–4 courses, 9–12 credits).
Students in the dual-degree MSLIS/MA History of Art and Design satisfy the learning outcomes of each of the respective degrees.
MS Library and Information Science
Throughout the LIS program, students will create a digital portfolio to highlight the work they have completed and demonstrate they have met the program’s five student learning outcomes:
Foundations of Library and Information studies – Apply core concepts and theories to information collection, organization and access in multiple environments.
User-centered services – Students can meet information needs of diverse user communities across multiple communication formats (e.g. oral, written, visual, interactive).
Technology – Students can select and apply tools and technologies used in the field to improve information functions.
Research – Investigate information environments and users’ needs, behaviors, and experiences through appropriate research methods and analysis.
Ethical/Creative/Critical practice – Apply core ethical principles to professional practice and understand the broad impact of information on society. Students can raise critical questions about information, its production, dissemination, storage and preservation.
MA History of Art and Design
Graduates are able to articulate the mutually constitutive nature of historical changes in social, political and economic conditions in the fields of art, design, and cultural production.
Graduates are able to describe, research and analyze the forms of cultural artifacts and monuments.
Graduates demonstrate a critical engagement with the discipline’s tools and methods.
Graduates have the skills to craft lines of inquiry and perform in-depth research, including the use of relevant languages, that results in original analysis and interpretation.
