Museum

Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum

Manhattan, United States

Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum is a museum in Manhattan, United States. 3 works from its collection are in this catalog, including Albrecht Dürer.

About Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum

Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum is a design museum at the Andrew Carnegie Mansion in Manhattan, New York City, along the Upper East Side's Museum Mile. It is one of 19 Smithsonian Institution museums and one of three Smithsonian facilities located in New York City, along with the National Museum of the American Indian's George Gustav Heye Center in Bowling Green and the Archives of American Art New York Research Center in the Flatiron District. Unlike other Smithsonian museums, Cooper Hewitt charges an admissions fee. Its collections and exhibitions explore design aesthetic and creativity from throughout the United States' history.

Overview & Identity

Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum is the only museum in the United States devoted exclusively to historical and contemporary design. Founded in 1897 by Sarah and Eleanor Hewitt, the granddaughters of industrialist Peter Cooper, it is a part of the Smithsonian Institution. The museum houses one of the most diverse and comprehensive design collections in existence, comprising more than 215,000 objects spanning 30 centuries.

Its mission is to advance public understanding of design through dynamic exhibitions, interactive programming, and educational resources, serving as a steward of design's role in improving the world.

History & Founding

The institution was established in 1897 by Sarah Cooper Hewitt and Eleanor Cooper Hewitt, who donated their family's collection of decorative arts to the Cooper Union. Initially known as the Cooper Union Museum for the Arts of Decoration, it was the first museum in the United States dedicated to the decorative arts. In 1967, the Smithsonian Institution assumed responsibility for the museum, and in 1969, it was renamed the Cooper-Hewitt Museum.

The name was updated to Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum in June 2014 to better reflect its global focus on design.

Building & Architecture

The museum is housed in the Andrew Carnegie Mansion, a landmark Georgian Revival structure with Beaux Arts elements located at 2 East 91st Street on Manhattan's Upper East Side. Designed by the architectural firm Babb, Cook & Willard and completed in 1902, the mansion was one of the first residences in New York City to feature a steel-frame construction, electric elevators, and a sophisticated air conditioning system. The building includes four above-ground stories, a grand staircase made of imported Scottish oak, and a spacious landscaped garden.

In 1989, the Smithsonian expanded the museum by acquiring the adjacent McAlpin-Minot House at 11 East 90th Street, connecting the structures via a passageway.

Collection Highlights & Notable Holdings

The museum's collection of over 215,000 objects includes ancient textiles, works on paper, furniture, and cutting-edge technologies. It holds the world's largest collection of works on paper by William Morris, a key figure in the Arts and Crafts movement. The collection also features significant holdings in furniture design, spanning from the 17th century to the present, and includes iconic modern design pieces.

Notable objects range from historical artifacts to contemporary innovations, illustrating the evolution of design across disciplines and cultures.

Significance & Legacy

Cooper Hewitt is a leading institution in the field of design, recognized for its role in promoting design education and innovation. It hosts the National Design Awards, a prestigious program that honors outstanding achievements in design. The museum's exhibitions and programs explore the history and culture of design, often focusing on singular topics that provoke dialogue about design's impact on society.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the museum launched a digital exhibition platform, expanding its reach and accessibility. Its unique position as the only Smithsonian museum dedicated to design underscores its importance in preserving and interpreting the history of human creativity.