Cooper-Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum

It is the mission of Cooper-Hewitt's staff and Board of Trustees to advance the public understanding of design across the twenty-four centuries of human creativity represented by the Museum's collection. The Museum was founded in 1897 by Amy, Eleanor, and Sarah Hewitt- granddaughters of industrialist Peter Cooper -as part of The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art. A branch of the Smithsonian since 1967, Cooper-Hewitt is housed in the landmark Andrew Carnegie Mansion on Fifth Avenue in New York City. The campus also includes two historic townhouses renovated with state-of-the-art conservation technology and a unique terrace and garden. Cooper-Hewitt's collections include more than 250,000 design objects and a world-class design library. Its exhibitions, in-depth educational programs, and on-site, degree-granting master's program explore the process of design, both historic and contemporary. As part of its mission, Cooper-Hewitt annually sponsors the National Design Awards, a prestigious program which honors innovation and excellence in American design. Together, these resources and programs reinforce Cooper-Hewitt's position as the preeminent museum and educational authority for the study of design in the United States. Hours Monday-Thursday: 10am-5pm Friday: 10am-5pm Saturday: 10am-6pm Sunday: 10am-6pm Garden entrance on 90th Street open May-September (weather permitting) Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day