ArtCenter College of Design (Hillside Campus) - Image 1
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ArtCenter College of Design Hillside Campus

4.5
·129 reviews·Pasadena, United States

A global leader in art and design education, fostering innovation with industry-expert faculty and cutting-edge facilities.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekends during events

Experience vibrant campus life

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ArtCenter College of Design (Hillside Campus) - Image 1

ArtCenter College of Design Hillside Campus

Best Time

Weekends during events

Experience vibrant campus life

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A global leader in art and design education, fostering innovation with industry-expert faculty and cutting-edge facilities.

4.5
(129 reviews)

"One of the finest colleges in the world for art and design, shaping creative futures."

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TIP

Portfolio Prep is Key

Your portfolio is crucial for admission. Start early and showcase your best work!

Check Event Schedules

Don't miss car shows or artist alleys – they offer a unique glimpse into the community.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Student Portfolios

Student Portfolios

Various studios and galleries

Witness the cutting-edge work of aspiring designers and artists, a true testament to ArtCenter's rigorous curriculum.

Classic Car Shows

Classic Car Shows

Hillside Campus grounds

Experience a vibrant display of classic, vintage, and collector cars, often accompanied by music and food.

Artist Alleys & Markets

Artist Alleys & Markets

Campus grounds

Discover unique art, crafts, and merchandise from local artists and students at pop-up markets.

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Planning Your Visit

Portfolio Powerhouse

ArtCenter's admissions heavily weigh your portfolio. Start building yours early, focusing on projects that showcase your unique skills and creative process. Don't hesitate to contact admissions for specific major requirements.

Campus Vibe & Events

Beyond academics, ArtCenter hosts events like classic car shows and artist alleys. Check their schedule for unique opportunities to experience the campus and local creative scene.

Best Times

When
Weekends during events
Why
Experience vibrant campus life
Crowd
Medium
When
During exhibition openings
Why
See student work firsthand
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

I stopped posting tik toks just to work on my portfolio LOL #artschool #artschoolcheck #artcenter #gnomon #lcad #accd #lagunacollegeofartanddesign
@uminicafe
179.4K likes • 1.1M views

Portfolio Prep is Key

Your portfolio is crucial for admission. Start early and showcase your best work! Reddit

Check Event Schedules

Don't miss car shows or artist alleys – they offer a unique glimpse into the community. TikTok

Look how cute it is!!! If I don’t go, I will be sad😭 #lumeediy #pasadena #fun
@lumee.diy
58K likes • 1.4M views
find us here this weekend 🥰 #november #anime #pasadena #artistalley
@geekygiftstudio
44.7K likes • 647.7K views

Contact Admissions

They're there to help! Call them for personalized application advice. Reddit

Explore the Campus

Enjoy the quiet, idyllic surroundings and creative atmosphere. [^Review]

reddit.com

What do you need to apply for art center as an undergrad in highschool?

Tips

from all over the internet

Portfolio Prep is Key

Your portfolio is crucial for admission. Start early and showcase your best work! Reddit

Check Event Schedules

Don't miss car shows or artist alleys – they offer a unique glimpse into the community. TikTok

Contact Admissions

They're there to help! Call them for personalized application advice. Reddit

Explore the Campus

Enjoy the quiet, idyllic surroundings and creative atmosphere. [^Review]

What Travellers Say

4.5
(129 reviews)

Reviews Summary

ArtCenter College of Design is highly regarded globally for its rigorous art and design programs, particularly in fields like transportation and product design. Visitors praise its state-of-the-art facilities, industry-expert faculty, and the vibrant creative atmosphere. While the academic intensity is a hallmark, some note the competitive nature of admissions and the demanding curriculum.

"ACCD is one of the finest colleage in the world for art and design.
It is one of the best colleage that my son would like to study in the future.
It is a university located in a quiet, idyllic surroundings with the beautiful sound of birds.

ACCD offers a curriculum that emphasizes practicality, commerciality.
Its major of dustrial design awards Bachelor of Science rather than B.A.

The undergraduate program consists of Creative Direction Entertainment Design, Spatial Experience Design, Film, Fine Art, Graphic Design, Illustration, Interaction Design, Photography & imaging, Product Design, Transportation Design, Humanities & Design Science Integrated Studies, etc."

Hyunje Jo

"The ArtCenter College of Design had a terrific classic car show that featured an eclectic variety of the areas best classics,vintage and collector cars,trucks and motorcycles!
The cars were all excellent and the owners shared great "gear head" stories!
Along with perfect blue skies and overlooking the scenic Rose Bowl Linda Vista area of Pasadena and beautiful Angeles National Forrest the event featured scrumptious food and drinks,vendors,music and a terrific group of car lovers,families and visitors ! The staff handling the event-known as "The Pit Crew"-Were all very friendly,helpful and courteous! We all had the very best time at the event!
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#artcentercollegeofdesign #accod #accd #seetheusa #godisgood #carshows #lindavista #pasadena #rosebowl #pitcrew #cardesign #goodtimes #classiccars #insta360x3 #360photography #carphotography"

Wayne Salvatti

"ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena, California, stands out as one of the premier art schools globally, consistently recognized for its rigorous and forward-thinking approach to creative education. The institution offers an array of undergraduate and graduate programs that cover disciplines from fine arts and graphic design to transportation and entertainment design, making it a powerhouse in shaping the future of creative industries.

One of the hallmarks of ArtCenter is its commitment to blending traditional techniques with cutting-edge technology. Students are not only encouraged to master the fundamentals but are also pushed to innovate and experiment. The faculty, composed of industry professionals and renowned artists, brings real-world experience into the classroom, providing invaluable insights and mentorship.

The campus itself is a hub of creativity, featuring state-of-the-art facilities that include professional-grade studios, workshops, and galleries. This environment fosters a culture of collaboration, where students from diverse disciplines work together, often producing groundbreaking work that garners international recognition.

ArtCenter's alumni network is another testament to its excellence, with graduates who are leaders in their fields, from Oscar-winning filmmakers to influential designers. For anyone serious about a career in the arts or design, ArtCenter College of Design is undeniably one of the best places to hone your craft."

SérGio Silva

What People Like

World-class design programs
Expert faculty
State-of-the-art facilities

What People Dislike

Intense curriculum
Competitive admissions

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Hillside Campus is located in Pasadena, California. Public transportation options are available, and driving is also common. Parking can be limited, so consider ride-sharing or public transit if possible. TikTok

Parking availability can vary, especially during events. It's advisable to check the ArtCenter website for the most current parking information or consider alternative transportation. [^Review]

From Los Angeles, you can take the Metro Gold Line to Pasadena and then transfer to a local bus, or drive via the I-210 East. [^Review]

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

General campus visits for prospective students usually require scheduling an appointment. However, public events like car shows or artist alleys may have separate admission policies. Check the ArtCenter website for details. TikTok

Campus hours for general visits are typically during weekdays. Public events will have their own specific hours, so it's best to check the event calendar. [^Review]

Prospective students can schedule campus tours. For general visitors, attending public events is the best way to experience the campus atmosphere. [^Review]

Admission fees vary depending on the event. Some events, like artist alleys or car shows, might have a small entry fee, while others may be free. TikTok

🎫 🎨 Onsite Experience

ArtCenter offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs including Graphic Design, Illustration, Product Design, Transportation Design, Film, Fine Art, and more. [^Review]

Student exhibitions showcase innovative and diverse projects across various disciplines, offering a glimpse into the future of art and design. [^Review]

While formal workshops are for enrolled students, ArtCenter sometimes hosts public events like artist alleys or markets where you can interact with creators and purchase unique items. TikTok+1

The campus is described as having a quiet, idyllic setting with a strong focus on creativity and practical application in design. [^Review]

Yes, ArtCenter is renowned globally for its transportation design program, with many successful alumni in the automotive industry. [^Review]

📸 📸 Photography

The campus architecture, student artwork, and the scenic views offer great photographic opportunities. Events like car shows also provide unique subjects. [^Review]

Generally, personal photography is allowed, but always be respectful of students' work and privacy. For commercial photography, permits may be required. [^Review]

Specific drone usage policies would need to be checked with campus security or administration, as many educational institutions have restrictions. [^Review]

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While ArtCenter is primarily a higher education institution, families can enjoy visiting during public events like classic car shows or artist alleys. TikTok These events often have a lively atmosphere with food and entertainment that can appeal to all ages. The campus's peaceful setting also makes for a pleasant outing. It's a great way to expose children to art and design in a less formal setting. [^Review]

For families interested in art education, attending these public events can offer a glimpse into the creative environment that ArtCenter fosters. It’s a chance to see student work and perhaps inspire young minds. Remember to check the ArtCenter's event schedule in advance to plan your family's visit around these special occasions. TikTok

🚗 Car Enthusiasts

ArtCenter College of Design is a must-visit for car enthusiasts, particularly due to its world-renowned transportation design program. [^Review] The campus frequently hosts spectacular classic car shows that feature a diverse collection of vintage, classic, and collector cars, trucks, and motorcycles. [^Review] These events are not just about admiring vehicles; they're also about the stories behind them, shared by passionate owners. The scenic backdrop of Pasadena and the Angeles National Forest adds to the overall experience. [^Review]

Beyond the car shows, the very presence of a leading transportation design school means the campus is steeped in automotive culture. You might even catch glimpses of student projects or alumni achievements related to automotive design. If you have a passion for cars, attending an ArtCenter car show is an excellent way to combine your interests with a visit to a prestigious design institution. [^Review]

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Admissions & Portfolio Guidance

Applying to ArtCenter College of Design is a competitive process, with the portfolio being the most critical component of your application. Prospective students are strongly advised to consult the official ArtCenter website for detailed requirements specific to their desired major. Many Redditors emphasize that contacting the admissions office directly is invaluable, as their staff is dedicated to assisting applicants in preparing their materials. Reddit It's not just about showcasing technical skill, but also demonstrating your creative thinking, problem-solving abilities, and unique artistic voice. Start building your portfolio well in advance of application deadlines to allow ample time for refinement and feedback. TikTok

Beyond the portfolio, ArtCenter looks for candidates who are passionate, driven, and possess a strong work ethic. The curriculum is known for its intensity and focus on practical, commercial application of design principles. [^Review] Understanding the specific demands of your chosen program and tailoring your portfolio to reflect that understanding is key to a successful application. Remember, the admissions team wants to see your potential and your commitment to a career in the arts and design fields. Reddit

Campus Life and Events

The ArtCenter College of Design Hillside Campus offers more than just academic pursuits; it's a vibrant hub for creative events and community engagement. The campus itself is noted for its idyllic surroundings and a peaceful atmosphere, providing a conducive environment for learning and creation. [^Review] Throughout the year, ArtCenter hosts various public events that offer a fantastic opportunity for the wider community to experience the campus and its creative output. These can range from classic car shows, which draw enthusiasts with an impressive display of vintage vehicles, to artist alleys and markets where students and local artists sell their unique creations. TikTok

These events are not only enjoyable but also provide a platform for students to showcase their work and connect with the public. For instance, the classic car shows have been described as terrific events featuring an eclectic variety of cars, trucks, and motorcycles, often accompanied by food, music, and friendly car lovers. [^Review] Attending these events can give you a tangible sense of the ArtCenter community and the passion that drives its students and faculty. Keep an eye on the ArtCenter's official calendar for upcoming events to plan your visit. TikTok

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