Welcome to Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum. Cooper Hewitt is the only museum in the United States devoted exclusively to historical and contemporary design, and is the steward of one of the most diverse and comprehensive design collections in existence—more than 215,000 design objects spanning 30 centuries. From ancient textiles and works on paper to icons of modern design and cutting-edge technologies, Cooper Hewitt’s collection serves as inspiration for creative work of all kinds and tells the story of design’s paramount importance in improving our world.
Founded in 1897 by Sarah and Eleanor Hewitt, the granddaughters of industrialist Peter Cooper, Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum advances the public understanding of design through dynamic, interactive exhibitions, stimulating programming, and a broad array of online learning resources.
A 21st-century museum housed in New York City’s landmark Carnegie Mansion, Cooper Hewitt offers four floors of galleries dedicated to all disciplines of design, a permanent collection of more than 215,000 design objects fully digitized and available online, and a world-class design library. In addition to producing major special exhibitions, the museum continually refreshes the installation of objects from its collection of product design, decorative arts, works on paper, graphic design, textiles, wallcoverings, and digital materials. Interactive creative technologies invite visitors to freely explore the contents of the collection and experiment with the design process in collaboration with family, friends, and fellow visitors.
