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Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum

The only museum in the United States devoted exclusively to historical and contemporary design, housed in the landmark Andrew Carnegie Mansion on New York City's Museum Mile.

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Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum
www.cooperhewitt.org, og_image_www.cooperhewitt.org

What is the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum known for?

It is the only museum in the United States devoted exclusively to historical and contemporary design. The museum stewards a diverse collection of more than 215,000 objects spanning 30 centuries.

What are the hours for the museum?

The museum is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Is it free to visit?

No, unlike most other Smithsonian museums, Cooper Hewitt charges an admission fee.

Where is the museum located?

The museum is located at 2 East 91st Street in Manhattan, New York City, along the Upper East Side's Museum Mile in the landmark Andrew Carnegie Mansion.

How can I get to the museum via public transit?

The nearest accessible subway entrance is the Q train at 86th and Second Avenue, specifically at the southeast corner of 86th Street and 2nd Avenue.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

The Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum is the only museum in the United States devoted exclusively to historical and contemporary design. It is situated within the landmark Andrew Carnegie Mansion, along with two adjacent townhouses at 9 and 11 East 90th Street. The museum's expansive collection is one of the most diverse in existence, containing more than 215,000 design objects spanning 30 centuries of human creativity. Founded in 1897 by Sarah and Eleanor Hewitt, granddaughters of Peter Cooper, the institution began as a private collection. The collection joined the Smithsonian Institution in 1968 and eventually opened to the public in October 1976 as the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Design. Over the years, the museum has been renamed twice, most recently in 2014 to its current name. Visitors can explore a vast array of decorative arts and design, as the museum serves as one of the foremost repositories of design in the world. Beyond the galleries, the museum features a beautiful public garden, providing a serene escape from the Manhattan streetscape. The institution also maintains 22 archives of important American designers and manufacturers, preserving untold stories of industrial and artistic history. To ensure a smooth visit, the museum utilizes timed-entry tickets. This allows guests to explore the historic mansion's rooms and the contemporary design exhibits without overcrowding. The experience blends the Gilded Age architecture of the Carnegie Mansion with a modern approach to curation and design education.

Visitor tips

  • Reserve your timed-entry tickets in advance at cooperhewitt.org to ensure entry.
  • Inquire with staff at the 2 East 91st Street entrance if you require an accessible entrance.
  • Visit the public garden for a quiet moment between galleries.
  • Take the Q train to 86th and Second Avenue for the nearest accessible subway entrance.

Nearby context

Located on the Upper East Side's Museum Mile, the Cooper Hewitt is nestled among other world-class institutions, making it a perfect stop for a stroll through one of the city's most residential and elegant neighborhoods.

Sources

Evidence and links