Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum

Overview

Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum is the only museum in the US devoted exclusively to historic and contemporary design, housed in the magnificent former mansion of industrialist Andrew Carnegie on the Upper East Side.

Highlights

• The Pen: Every visitor receives an interactive digital pen that lets you draw on massive touchscreen tables, save your favorite objects, and explore the collection digitally.
• The Mansion: Andrew Carnegie's spectacular 64-room Georgian Revival mansion (1901), with its original wood paneling, grand staircase, and manicured garden.
• Design Triennial: A major survey exhibition every three years showcasing the most innovative contemporary design from around the world.

History

Founded in 1897 by the granddaughters of Peter Cooper as a teaching museum of the decorative arts. It moved to the Carnegie Mansion in 1976 and joined the Smithsonian Institution. A $91 million renovation was completed in 2014.

Visitor Tips

• Free Evenings: Free admission on certain evenings — check the schedule online.
• Garden: The beautifully landscaped Arthur Ross Terrace and Garden is a hidden oasis and perfect for a rest.
• Duration: 1–1.5 hours.