Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum - New York City, NY

Address:2 E 91st St.
New York, New York
Tel: (212) 849-8400

Explore a diverse collection of over 250,000 objects from around the world that celebrate historic and contemporary design, from mass production pieces to those that are one-of-a-kind. One of the museums located along 5th Avenue's Museum Mile, the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum is housed in Andrew Carnegie's old mansion, enclosed by black cast iron, and fronted by a grassy tree-filled courtyard with a classic look that's perfect for a museum dedicated to design. Naturally, the Cooper-Hewitt chose to ditch the typical banners and flags for a series of signs which draw eager visitors inside.

Lovers of design will appreciate the range of the collection here. Visitors can choose to spend their time perusing Applied Arts and Industrial Design, Drawings and Prints, Textiles, or Wall coverings - or explore all four and call it a day! Even newcomers to the genre will appreciate the unique look given to every day items like furniture and toothbrushes, and the form that's been added to their function. Some of the most popular attractions here are the Michelangelo drawing that was done for a seven-branched candelabrum and the furniture designs by Frank Lloyd Wright. The Museum also celebrates 20th-century American productions and hand-printed panoramic scenic wallpapers, such as 20th-century American bandboxes covered in wallpaper, and Chinese hand-painted wallpapers.

Kids will find fun here as well, with family programs that complement special exhibitions, as well as hands-on workshops and storytelling performances. Plan to spend two hours or more - especially if you want time for a light snack. The Café at Cooper-Hewitt features a sophisticated contemporary American menu, featuring such treats as panini sandwiches, freshly made salads, desserts, and homemade soups. To get here, take the Lexington Avenue 4, 5, and 6 subways, or the Fifth and Madison Avenue buses.