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.
You are invited to “A Conversation with Heiny Srour.”
* This event is for Pratt community.v
Thursday, March 13th, 2025
5:45 – 7:00 pm
Myrtle Hall, 4th Floor, MH 4E-03 DDA
Open to the Pratt community
On the occasion of two new restorations screening at BAM, Lebanese director Heiny Srour will visit Pratt to discuss her work with faculty and students.
Born in 1945 in Beirut, Srour studied Social Anthropology in Paris, where she worked as a journalist and developed an interest in Third World Cinema. To make her first film, The Hour of Liberation Has Arrived (1974), Srour documented a revolutionary feminist uprising against the British-backed Sultanate of Oman. Her next feature, Leila and the Wolves (1984), combines fictional drama, archival footage, and fantasy sequences, and follows a young Lebanese woman in modern London as she time-travels through the 20th century, observing the place of Arab women in anti-colonial movements.
Organized by Olivia Crough (Visiting Assistant Professor, HAD) for the course History of Film, in collaboration with Graham Carter (Several Futures) – contact ocrough@pratt.edu with questions.
Celebrating the masterful Charles Le Brun, born February 24, 1619! Known as the 'Great Decorator,' Le Brun's visionary work defined the grandeur of the French Baroque era, leaving an indelible mark on the Palace of Versailles and beyond. His legacy continues to inspire. #ArtistOfTheMonth #charleslebrun #baroquemastery
Art History 101: Part 2 - Baroque to Romanticism
The Baroque Era
The Baroque period (1600-1750) introduced drama and emotion in art, with artists using bold contrasts and movement to engage viewers.
Example: Rembrandt van Rijn, The Night Watch, 1642, oil on canvas, 379.5 x 453.5 cm (Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam)
Chiaroscuro Technique
Caravaggio was a master of chiaroscuro, creating striking contrasts between light and dark that added depth to his compositions.
Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, Calling of Saint Matthew, oil on canvas, c. 1599–1600 (Contarelli Chapel, San Luigi dei Francesi, Rome)
Neoclassicism Emerges
In reaction to Baroque excess, Neoclassicism revived classical ideals, focusing on simplicity and symmetry while drawing inspiration from ancient Rome and Greece.
Jacques-Louis David, Oath of the Horatii, 1784, oil on canvas, 3.3 x 4.25 m, painted in Rome, exhibited at the salon of 1785 (Musée du Louvre)
The Rise of Romanticism
Romanticism (late 18th century) celebrated emotion, nature, and individualism, often depicting dramatic landscapes and historical events.
Example: "The Wanderer above the Sea of Fog" by Caspar David Friedrich (1818)
You are invited to "A Vida Portuguesa: Portuguese Art and Design Symposium."
Date: Friday, March 7th
Time: 3:00 to 5:00 pm
Venue: Alumni Reading Room
About the Project: A Vida Portuguesa, the renowned Lisbon-based shop founded by Catarina Portas in 2007, is celebrated for its mission to preserve Portugal’s artisanal traditions while offering a modern perspective on design. In collaboration with the MoMA Design Store, A Vida Portuguesa opened a Pop-Up Shop that brings an exclusive assortment of the shop’s handcrafted designs to the United States. This series of talks at Pratt features Portuguese history and culture and reflects on its artistry and contemporary design.
A Vida Portuguesa: Why and How to Make a Shop by Catarina Portas and Nuno Coelho
Can a Country’s History be Told Through its Brands? Unpacking Portugal’s 20th- Century History through Packaging Design by Nuno Coelho
Touch by Jorge Colombo
PALAVRAS EMPRESTADAS, from under the orange tree by Analia Segal
*A visit to the MoMA Design Store Pop-Up Shop (January 8th—March 10th) is recommended for attendants to have the opportunity to experience designs from A Vida Portuguesa first hand.
Please RSVP using the link in bio.
Pentimento: The Ghosts of Art’s Past
Definition:
Pentimento (plural: pentimenti) refers to a visible trace or alteration in a painting, where an earlier version, design, or element has been painted over but becomes visible again as the top layer of paint ages and becomes more transparent over time. This phenomenon provides insights into the artist’s process and reveals changes made during the creation of the artwork.
Image 1: Jan Van Eyck, The Arnolfini Portrait, 1434, tempera and oil on oak panel, 82.2 x 60 cm (National Gallery, London)
Image 2: Arnolfini Wedding Portrait by Jan van Eyck (left), detail of infrared scans of Arnolfini Wedding Portrait (right); Courtesy: Principle Gallery
On this day celebrating love, the I ♥ NY logo reminds us how a few simple elements can create a deep sense of pride and belonging, proving that design can be both emotional and iconic.
Created in 1977 by graphic designer Milton Glaser, the 'I ♥ NY' logo is one of the most recognizable and enduring symbols in graphic design history. Originally commissioned as part of a campaign to boost tourism, it quickly became a global symbol of New York City’s bold spirit and resilience.
Key Highlights:
Simple and Iconic Design: The logo features the phrase "I ♥ NY" with a heart symbol, using bold typography that conveys warmth and emotional connection. The heart replaced the word "love," making it instantly recognizable.
Cultural Impact: Despite being created for a specific tourism campaign, the logo became synonymous with the city itself, adapting to various cultural contexts and becoming a symbol of New York’s identity.
Enduring Popularity: From T-shirts to tattoos, the "I ♥ NY" logo remains a timeless example of how effective and universal graphic design can be, transcending its original purpose to become a global icon.
#GraphicDesign #ILoveNY #MiltonGlaser #DesignHistory #IconicDesign #NYC #SimpleDesign #WeeklyDesignHistory
Current Students - we are pleased to announce that we are now accepting fellowship applications for the 2025-2026 academic year! The fellowship program supports 2-semester practicum-internships that are designed to provide students with exceptional professional-level experience in NYC's great cultural institutions. The fellowships include:
Brooklyn Public Library Center for Brooklyn History Art & Artifact Collection Fellowship
Brooklyn Public Library Children’s & Young Adult Services Fellowship
Brooklyn Museum Archives Fellowship
Franklin Furnace Fellowship
Frick Art Research Library Fellowship
Lesbian Herstory Archives Fellowship
MoMA Library Fellowship
MoMA Archives Linked Open Data Fellowship
MoMA Product Design Fellowship
Met Museum Watson Library Fellowship
Whitney Museum Digital Asset & Preservation Fellowship
Metropolitan Museum Data Analysis & Visualization for Collections Information Fellowship
Metropolitan Museum Digital Product Design Fellowship
Museum of the City of New York Digital Media Fellowship
Hauser & Wirth Institute Archives Fellowship
Please note that the application deadline is Monday, April 7, 2025 at 5pm EST. For detailed fellowship descriptions, eligibility requirements, and applications, please refer to the fellowship webpage- link to it is available via our bio.
Our block on West 14th St is starting to come together after years of construction. Our neighbor at 132 West 14th St got a facade change, creating a contrast with Pratt Manhattan’s Renaissance Revival style with a more modern look. #manhattan #nyc
Join us this coming Tuesday at 6pm ET for an information session for prospective students held in-person and online. Learn about our Masters programs and more! RSVP via the link in our bio.
What is the future of the School of Information? We are requesting your feedback on our 2026-20230 Strategic Plan and much more in our February '24 newsletter; link available in our bio.
The School of Information is pleased to receive a $1.28 million grant from the Mellon Foundation to support the Digital Preservation Outreach and Education Network (DPOE-N)! Read all about it in the Pratt.edu news article linked in our bio.
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.
