Cooper Hewitt Museum | Queens

The Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum is located in the historic Andrew Carnegie Mansion on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. It is the only museum in the United States dedicated entirely to design, showcasing a vast and diverse collection of design objects from a wide range of time periods and disciplines.

Museum Overview

History and Mission: The museum was founded in 1897 as the Cooper Union Museum for the Arts of Decoration and was re-established as Cooper Hewitt in 1976, when it was integrated into the Smithsonian Institution. The museum’s mission is to inspire people to understand and appreciate the role of design in their everyday lives and its ability to shape the future.

Collections: The museum's collection includes over 215,000 objects spanning more than 30 centuries of design. These objects cover many fields of design, including architecture, furniture, textiles, and graphic design. Notable pieces include historic examples of furniture, textiles, wallpapers, metalwork, and contemporary design innovations. It features design from cultures all over the world, illustrating the broad and impactful influence of design on human civilization.

Exhibitions and Interactive Experiences

Permanent and Temporary Exhibitions: The museum features a dynamic array of permanent collections and temporary exhibitions. These exhibitions highlight both historical artifacts and cutting-edge design, showcasing the evolution of design and its impact on culture.

Immersion Room: One of the museum’s most unique features is the Immersion Room, where visitors can experience wallpaper designs from the collection at full scale. Using digital technology, the room creates a fully immersive experience, allowing guests to "step into" famous wallpaper designs.

Interactive Design Labs: Visitors can engage with interactive technology in the museum’s design labs. These exhibits provide opportunities to explore the design process in-depth, creating a hands-on experience that encourages creative expression.

Notable Programs and Events

Design Triennial: The Design Triennial is one of the museum’s most significant events, showcasing the best and most innovative design from around the world. The exhibition highlights emerging trends and showcases groundbreaking works in a variety of design disciplines, from architecture to industrial design.

Educational Programs: The museum offers a wide range of educational initiatives, including workshops, lectures, and hands-on activities for all ages. These programs are designed to deepen understanding and appreciation of design while fostering creativity.

Parsons School of Design Collaboration: In partnership with Parsons School of Design, the museum offers a master’s program in the History of Design and Curatorial Studies, where students gain hands-on experience in the museum's collections and curatorial practices.

Visitor Information

Hours of Operation: The museum is open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, providing ample time for visitors to explore its exhibitions and participate in interactive activities.

Admission Fees:

Adults: $22

Seniors (62 & above): $16

Students (with ID): $10

Visitors with disabilities: $10

18 & under: Free

Cooper Hewitt Members: Free

Guest of Cooper Hewitt Member: $11

Pay What You Wish: 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM daily

Free Admission: Certain groups receive free admission, including Bank of America cardholders during the first weekend of each month, members of the American Association of Museums, active-duty military personnel, and certain college students and faculty.

Location and Accessibility

Address: 2 East 91st Street, New York, NY 10128

Subway: The museum is easily accessible by subway:

4/5/6 trains to 86th Street and Lexington Avenue

Q train to 86th Street and Second Avenue

Bus: The museum can also be reached by various bus routes:

Uptown: M1, M2, M3, M4 to 5th Avenue and 90th or 92nd Street

Downtown: M1, M2, M3, M4 to Madison Avenue and 91st Street

Crosstown: M96 to Madison Avenue and 94th Street

Parking: There are several private parking garages near the museum.

Impact and Legacy

The museum continues to be a vital center for design education and innovation, helping to shape the future of design through exhibitions, educational programs, and collaborative partnerships with universities and other design institutions. It plays a key role in helping the public recognize the power of design to influence society, culture, and the environment.

With its rich collection and commitment to design excellence, the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum offers a unique opportunity to engage with design history and discover how design impacts every aspect of our daily lives.