Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum: Celebrating Design Innovation
The Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum is located in New York City's iconic Carnegie Mansion on Fifth Avenue and is a premier destination for design enthusiasts and scholars alike. See here for information about Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum: Icon of Modern Architecture and Art also located on Fifth Avenue. The museum is dedicated to showcasing the best in design and presenting a wide variety of exhibitions and educational programs throughout the year. The museum was founded in 1897 by Sarah and Eleanor Hewitt, granddaughters of industrialist Peter Cooper. Founded in 1897 as the Cooper Union Museum for the Arts of Decoration, the museum has evolved over the years to become a leading authority on design. In 1967, it became part of the Smithsonian Institution, expanding its reach and influence within the design community. Today, the museum is one of 19 Smithsonian Institution museums in the United States and the only one devoted exclusively to design.
Exhibitions
Cooper Hewitt regularly hosts exhibitions that showcase the intersection of design, technology, and culture. These dynamic displays explore a diverse range of themes, from sustainable design practices to the impact of technology on everyday life.
The museum's rich collection contains more than 215,000 objects spanning 30 centuries of design history, ranging from textiles and decorative arts to digital media and industrial design. The museum displays influential pieces from American and European decorative arts from the 17th to 20th centuries, with unique furniture, silver, ceramics, and textile holdings. Highlights include iconic pieces by legendary designers such as Charles and Ray Eames, as well as contemporary works that push the boundaries of design innovation. The museum curates a growing collection of contemporary designs, which include furniture, product design, graphic design, and architecture.
Exhibitions
Cooper Hewitt regularly hosts exhibitions that showcase the intersection of design, technology, and culture. These dynamic displays explore a diverse range of themes, from sustainable design practices to the impact of technology on everyday life.
The museum's rich collection contains more than 215,000 objects spanning 30 centuries of design history, ranging from textiles and decorative arts to digital media and industrial design. The museum displays influential pieces from American and European decorative arts from the 17th to 20th centuries, with unique furniture, silver, ceramics, and textile holdings. Highlights include iconic pieces by legendary designers such as Charles and Ray Eames, as well as contemporary works that push the boundaries of design innovation. The museum curates a growing collection of contemporary designs, which include furniture, product design, graphic design, and architecture.
Education and Outreach
In addition to its exhibitions, the museum offers a variety of educational programs and workshops aimed at inspiring creativity and fostering a deeper understanding of design principles. Through outreach initiatives and collaborations with schools and community organizations, Cooper Hewitt strives to make design accessible to all.
Cooper Hewitt's exhibitions and public programs are highly acclaimed. Recent exhibitions have included "By the Book: Notes on Design and Literacy" (2010), "Masterpieces of American Jewelry" (2011), and "Safe: Design Takes On Risk" (2013). The museum also offers a wide range of public programs, including workshops, lectures, family programs, and workshops for design professionals. The museum is accessible to all visitors, with barrier-free access to the museum's galleries and public spaces. The museum is also home to the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Library, one of the world's leading resources for design information.
Designing the Future
As a hub for design innovation and inspiration, the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum continues to uphold its legacy of celebrating creativity and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the world of design.
In addition to its exhibitions, the museum offers a variety of educational programs and workshops aimed at inspiring creativity and fostering a deeper understanding of design principles. Through outreach initiatives and collaborations with schools and community organizations, Cooper Hewitt strives to make design accessible to all.
Cooper Hewitt's exhibitions and public programs are highly acclaimed. Recent exhibitions have included "By the Book: Notes on Design and Literacy" (2010), "Masterpieces of American Jewelry" (2011), and "Safe: Design Takes On Risk" (2013). The museum also offers a wide range of public programs, including workshops, lectures, family programs, and workshops for design professionals. The museum is accessible to all visitors, with barrier-free access to the museum's galleries and public spaces. The museum is also home to the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Library, one of the world's leading resources for design information.
Designing the Future
As a hub for design innovation and inspiration, the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum continues to uphold its legacy of celebrating creativity and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the world of design.