Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum New York City
Smithsonian's design museum in historic Carnegie Mansion, offering interactive exhibits and a serene garden.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum New York City
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Smithsonian's design museum in historic Carnegie Mansion, offering interactive exhibits and a serene garden.
"An underrated gem, perfectly sized with an interactive pen and a beautiful garden."
🎯 Underrated Gem Alert
Often overlooked, this museum is a peaceful, perfectly sized escape from NYC's hustle.
🚶♀️ Garden is Free!
Enjoy the beautiful outdoor space even without museum admission.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Carnegie Mansion
Upper East Side
Explore the stunning architecture and grandeur of this historic townhouse, once home to Andrew Carnegie.
Interactive Design Exhibits
Throughout the museum
Engage with innovative displays showcasing the breadth of design, from graphic to industrial.
Tranquil Garden
Rear of the museum
A serene oasis perfect for a peaceful stroll or a moment of reflection amidst the city bustle.
Es Devlin: Interplay Exhibition
Special exhibition space
Discover the captivating stage designs of Es Devlin, featuring models and concept drawings.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Maximize Your Visit
Free Garden Access & Special Events
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Underrated Gem Alert
Often overlooked, this museum is a peaceful, perfectly sized escape from NYC's hustle. +1
🚶♀️ Garden is Free!
Enjoy the beautiful outdoor space even without museum admission.
💡 Interactive Pen
Use the museum's pen to save exhibits and create a personalized collection.
🖼️ Different from Neue Galerie
If you're choosing between museums, Cooper Hewitt focuses on design, not 20th-century German art.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Underrated Gem Alert
Often overlooked, this museum is a peaceful, perfectly sized escape from NYC's hustle. +1
🚶♀️ Garden is Free!
Enjoy the beautiful outdoor space even without museum admission.
💡 Interactive Pen
Use the museum's pen to save exhibits and create a personalized collection.
🖼️ Different from Neue Galerie
If you're choosing between museums, Cooper Hewitt focuses on design, not 20th-century German art.
📅 Check for Special Exhibits
Exhibits like Es Devlin's are a major draw and worth planning around.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Cooper Hewitt for its manageable size and the unique, interactive experience offered by its digital pen. The beautiful historic mansion and tranquil garden are also frequently highlighted as major draws, providing a peaceful escape. While generally well-received, some find certain exhibits less engaging than others, and dining options on-site are limited.
"We visited Cooper Hewitt around 5 PM during their “pay what you wish” hours. Housed in the former Andrew Carnegie mansion, the building is just as much of a draw as the exhibitions inside. The blend of historic interior detailing with cutting-edge design installations creates a layered and stimulating experience.
The exhibit we saw was both thought-provoking and beautifully presented, bridging the gap between speculative design and practical innovation. The museum shop, in particular, stood out—clean, well-curated, and arguably one of the best design retail spaces in NYC. It’s a more relaxed and introspective museum compared to others in the city, perfect for a slower-paced cultural outing."
Ozge Ustundag
"I do not visit the Cooper Hewitt as often as I do other museums but I should!!! The current Design Triennial that will be up thru August 2025 is fantastic and beautifully installed. Cooper Hewitt also has a wonderful garden area where you can relax, get a bite from their cafe. Really wonderful place. Highly recommend."
Irma Zandl
"Love, LOVE this mansion on Carnegie Hill. I just love sitting in the courtyard and read. I also love how the details of the architecture. Premium located on 5th Ave and across the street from the 90th Street Central Park entrance. I also love their seasonal exhibition and how they connect with the neighborhood and the local artists. A gem on UES!"
Bradley C
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum is located on the Upper East Side. The closest subway lines are the 4, 5, 6 trains to 86th Street or 96th Street. Several bus lines also stop nearby, including the M1, M2, M3, M4, and M101.
Street parking can be challenging in this area of Manhattan. There are several parking garages nearby, but they can be expensive. It's often more convenient to use public transportation.
Yes, Cooper Hewitt is part of Museum Mile. It's within walking distance of other notable institutions like The Met and the Guggenheim.
Absolutely! The museum is well-served by subway and bus routes, making it easily accessible for visitors using public transportation.
From Midtown, you can take a downtown subway line (like the 4, 5, or 6) uptown to the 86th or 96th Street stations, or a bus heading uptown along Fifth Avenue or Madison Avenue.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum typically opens its doors from 10 AM to 6 PM, with extended hours until 10 PM on Thursdays. It's always a good idea to check their official website for the most up-to-date hours before your visit.
General admission to the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum is typically around $18 for adults. Seniors, students, and children may have discounted rates. Check their website for current pricing and any special offers.
Yes, the beautiful Cooper Hewitt garden is free to enter and explore, even if you don't have a ticket to the museum itself. It's a lovely spot to relax.
The museum participates in events like the Museum Mile Festival, offering free admission on specific dates.
While not always mandatory, booking tickets in advance is recommended, especially during peak times or for special exhibitions, to ensure entry and potentially save time.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The museum showcases a vast collection of decorative arts and design, featuring everything from historic artifacts to contemporary innovations. Expect to see furniture, textiles, ceramics, graphic design, and more.
Yes, Cooper Hewitt is highly recommended for those interested in graphic design. They often feature exhibits and collections that highlight the evolution and impact of graphic design.
The Cooper Hewitt offers an interactive pen that allows visitors to 'collect' objects and information from exhibits, creating a personalized digital experience that can be accessed later online.
The museum is known for being perfectly sized, meaning you can typically explore its collections thoroughly in about 1-2 hours without feeling overwhelmed.
Information on guided tours can usually be found on the museum's official website. They often offer insights into specific exhibits or the history of the building.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Cooper Hewitt museum does not currently have a full-service cafe or restaurant on-site. Visitors are encouraged to explore the many dining options available in the surrounding Upper East Side neighborhood.
Generally, food and drinks are not permitted inside the galleries to protect the exhibits. However, water bottles might be allowed. It's best to confirm their specific policy upon arrival.
The Upper East Side offers a wide array of dining choices, from casual cafes and delis to upscale restaurants. You'll find plenty of options within a short walk of the museum.
While there isn't a dedicated picnic area within the museum, the adjacent garden offers a pleasant spot to relax. For a more traditional picnic, nearby Central Park is a great option.
For private events or group bookings, Cooper Hewitt may offer catering services. Inquiries for event rentals should be directed to the museum's events department.
📸 📸 Photography
Personal photography is generally allowed in the permanent collection galleries, but without flash. For special exhibitions, photography policies may vary, so always check the signage or ask a museum staff member.
Yes, photography is typically permitted in the Cooper Hewitt garden. It's a beautiful spot for capturing memorable moments.
Tripods and selfie sticks are usually not permitted inside the museum to ensure the safety of the artworks and the comfort of other visitors.
The historic Carnegie Mansion's architecture, the beautifully curated exhibits, and the serene garden are all fantastic locations for photography.
Yes, using your smartphone for photos is perfectly fine, as long as you adhere to the no-flash policy and any other restrictions for specific exhibits.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The museum often has exhibits that appeal to a younger audience, and the free-to-access garden provides a great space for them to run around and burn off energy. Consider planning your visit around any family-specific programming or workshops the museum might offer. The interactive nature of many exhibits encourages participation, making it a more dynamic experience for children than traditional museums. Plus, the historic mansion setting itself can spark imagination.
🎨 Art & Design Enthusiasts
Pay close attention to any special exhibitions, as they often feature cutting-edge work and renowned designers, like the Es Devlin showcase.
🏛️ History Buffs
Exploring the mansion offers a direct connection to New York City's Gilded Age and the life of one of its most prominent figures. The building's architectural details and preserved interiors provide a rich historical context. Beyond the mansion, the museum's collections often include historical artifacts that trace the evolution of design through different eras. This provides a fascinating narrative of how societal changes, technological advancements, and cultural shifts have influenced the objects we create and use.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Historic Carnegie Mansion
Visitors often remark on the seamless integration of contemporary design displays within the mansion's historic framework. This juxtaposition creates a unique and engaging experience, allowing you to appreciate both the past and the present of design. The building's grandeur provides a beautiful backdrop for the museum's diverse collections, making the visit a multi-layered experience.
Don't miss the chance to admire the mansion's original architectural elements, such as the stunning stained-glass windows, ornate woodwork, and grand staircase. These details are as much a part of the museum's appeal as the exhibits themselves, offering a rich historical context for the design showcased.
The Interactive Pen Experience
After your visit, you can access your collected items online through the Cooper Hewitt's website. This digital archive serves as a personalized souvenir of your visit, allowing you to revisit favorite pieces, learn more about them, and even share your discoveries. It's a fantastic way to extend the museum experience beyond its walls and delve deeper into the world of design.
This technology is particularly useful for those interested in specific design elements or for families looking to keep younger visitors engaged. The ability to curate a personal collection makes the museum feel more accessible and tailored to individual interests, a sentiment echoed by many visitors.
The Tranquil Garden
What makes the garden even more special is that it's free to access, even for those who don't have a ticket to the museum. This makes it a wonderful spot to visit if you're in the neighborhood and looking for a moment of calm, or if you want to enjoy a bit of nature before or after your museum visit.
The garden provides a lovely contrast to the museum's interior exhibits, offering a different kind of design experience – the design of nature. It's a popular spot for visitors to relax, take photos, and simply enjoy the fresh air.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit