Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum
Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum
Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum
4.5
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
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 210,000 design objects fully digitized and available online, and a world-class design library.
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Upper East Side
Combining quiet residential neighborhoods that have easy access to Central Park with world-famous cultural institutions, the Upper East Side is one of the most livable places in the city. Along beautiful Fifth Avenue, you’ll find Museum Mile, which houses many of the nation's most famous attractions in a single stretch, like The Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Guggenheim Museum. Walk a few blocks into the neighborhood, and you’ll come to Park Avenue, the poshest address in the city, lined with grand apartment buildings as far as the eye can see. Even if you can’t afford the luxury goods along Madison Avenue, it’s still a great spot to window shop an afternoon away.
How to get there
- 86th St • 8 min walk
- 96th St • 8 min walk
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See what travelers are saying
- RoadtripMommy163 contributionsBeautiful museum in a stunning mansionThis unassuming museum is beautifully curated with fun activities for the entire family. I particularly loved the Language of Symbols and Dorothy Liebes exhibits. The Carnegie Mansion is the perfect location. Unfortunately, when we went, the cafe and garden were not open but we still had a great time. It was very quiet when we went so it was a nice break. We were able to take our time and enjoy reading everything.Visited October 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten November 4, 2023
- jam5421Monroe, Connecticut36 contributionsVisit the Cooper Hewitt Museum. It’s worth the tripAmazing small museum convenient to Museum Mile housed in a gorgeous Beaux-Arts mansion. We were impressed by the exhibit of the works of Es Devlin. From paper models of her ideas to full blown stage sets showing the depth of her creativity and talent. So unique and interesting and a treat for the senses,Visited February 2024Traveled with friendsWritten February 18, 2024
- Kittygal 🇺🇦 🌻Los Angeles, California8,874 contributionsA Wonderful Museum in an Historic HomeThis splendid collection of design exhibits is housed in the old Carnegie mansion on the Upper East Side. There is a permanent collection of design examples as well as special installations. On my recent visit, I saw a retrospective of how signage has evolved, as well as a collection chronicling noted set designer Es Devlin's creative process. A docent-led tour of the Carnegie mansion rooms was also included in admission the day I was there. The beautiful old rooms are carefully tended to, and harken back to the gilded age of NYC. It's a popular spot for school groups and design aficionados. If you like design or stately homes (or both!), do stop by!Visited May 2024Traveled soloWritten May 27, 2024
- Robin BPhoenix, Arizona1,474 contributionsProbably depends on the exhibitThis museum is housed in the former home of Andrew Carnegie. It is now an art museum. When we visited, there was an art exhibit/installation by Es Devlin, a British artist and stage designer. We took a guided tour of the exhibit. It was interesting and unusual. We spent a little over an hour, but skipped the other exhibits, which weren’t that interesting in my opinion. I was also a little disappointed that while there were architectural details remaining in this beautiful mansion, there were no personal belongings or furnishings of the Carnegies. There is a lovely walled garden, but on the day we went it looked like a private event had taken place and the garden was closed.Visited June 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten June 20, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
600 reviews
Excellent
353
Very good
146
Average
51
Poor
35
Terrible
15
Laura F
37 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Someone at work recommended this. Unfortunately, my husband and I were very disappointed. The main exhibit hall was closed so the adult price was discounted g
From $18 to $14. Another exhibit is coming to the top floor the end of February. However, there were really only two floors of disjointed COSI/historical art cast offs. There was a section on technology and emotions/robots, a section on advertising pamphlets during early Americana 1930s and same time period Germany - but not a large amount and nothing earth shattering. There was a section on things made from horns and shells, a section on old china (interesting) and a create your own wallpaper room. That’s about it. We made ourselves go slow but it only took an hour. Overpriced and disjointed. No cohesive theme.
From $18 to $14. Another exhibit is coming to the top floor the end of February. However, there were really only two floors of disjointed COSI/historical art cast offs. There was a section on technology and emotions/robots, a section on advertising pamphlets during early Americana 1930s and same time period Germany - but not a large amount and nothing earth shattering. There was a section on things made from horns and shells, a section on old china (interesting) and a create your own wallpaper room. That’s about it. We made ourselves go slow but it only took an hour. Overpriced and disjointed. No cohesive theme.
Written February 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello Laura, We are sorry to hear about your disappointing experience at Cooper Hewitt.
We would like to offer you and your husband complimentary museum admission so that you can visit when the major third-floor exhibition, Contemporary Muslim Fashions, opens to the public (Feb. 28).
If this is of interest, please write to Kathleen Kane, Head of Visitor Experience, at KaneKM@si.edu.
Written February 7, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
jeffrey k
Needham, MA543 contributions
Mar 2022
This museum houses a hugely important collection focused on design. The key points of the visit start with the collection history and its building, which was the Carnegie Mansion.
Currently, there is an exhibit on design and planning relating to management of covid. The most important exhibit is on the third floor, devoted to the work of E McKnight Kauffer, who did graphic design in the middle part of the 20th century, an artist who had major influence in the field. This exhibit is comprehensive and engaging.
Anyone with an interest in design will find fascinating exhibits at this museum. We have visited many times, and it never fails to be engaging.
Currently, there is an exhibit on design and planning relating to management of covid. The most important exhibit is on the third floor, devoted to the work of E McKnight Kauffer, who did graphic design in the middle part of the 20th century, an artist who had major influence in the field. This exhibit is comprehensive and engaging.
Anyone with an interest in design will find fascinating exhibits at this museum. We have visited many times, and it never fails to be engaging.
Written March 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
James W
Clearwater, FL584 contributions
Feb 2020
We visited specifically to see the Artificial Intelligence special exhibit. What was presented was a mishmash of facial recognition history, and some interactive displays (which were not very engaging). So, their special exhibit was a bust. We then went on to see the permanent exhibit on using nature themes to create various household items (china, chairs, wallpaper, etc) in one hall. The items displayed were casually interesting. But, the exhibit just did not justify its promotion as the Smithsonian Design Museum. The best part of the experience was being in the Carnegie mansion and viewing an interactive picture tour of the house. From my perspective, returning the mansion to its former decorated self to tour would be the best purpose for this "museum".
Written February 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GPBurdell67
Asheville, NC1,967 contributions
Jul 2021 • Friends
If you’re into non-building design, you will enjoy this museum. The special exhibits were fashion related and the permanent collection pieces were quite varied. The building was built by Andrew Carnegie and is quite lavish. Check out the glassed in room adjoining the gift shop.
Written July 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Itinerant_Foodies
Greensboro, NC605 contributions
Oct 2021 • Friends
Very well organized museum that has several different displays. The Susie Zuzek display was quite interesting, given her incredibly sizable and influential output. We were also intrigued by the E. McKnight Kauffer exhibit, again surprised by his large output and influence. Since the museum for the most part occupies spaces within the former Carnegie home, much of the original home interior design is visible.
Written November 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kittygal 🇺🇦 🌻
Los Angeles, CA8,874 contributions
May 2024 • Solo
This splendid collection of design exhibits is housed in the old Carnegie mansion on the Upper East Side. There is a permanent collection of design examples as well as special installations.
On my recent visit, I saw a retrospective of how signage has evolved, as well as a collection chronicling noted set designer Es Devlin's creative process.
A docent-led tour of the Carnegie mansion rooms was also included in admission the day I was there. The beautiful old rooms are carefully tended to, and harken back to the gilded age of NYC.
It's a popular spot for school groups and design aficionados. If you like design or stately homes (or both!), do stop by!
On my recent visit, I saw a retrospective of how signage has evolved, as well as a collection chronicling noted set designer Es Devlin's creative process.
A docent-led tour of the Carnegie mansion rooms was also included in admission the day I was there. The beautiful old rooms are carefully tended to, and harken back to the gilded age of NYC.
It's a popular spot for school groups and design aficionados. If you like design or stately homes (or both!), do stop by!
Written May 27, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tanya P
1 contribution
Sep 2022 • Family
First of all, the exhibits were not at all impressive, memorable (except in a bad way), or beautiful, something I would expect in a design museum. Secondly, the subject matter of the exhibits was trendy and tiresome—“peace,”“childcare equality,” “immigration,” “Covid,” “healthcare,” etc. I wish I could say the museum was inspiring, but instead the exhibits were discombobulated, all held together, I suppose, by a sort of “progressive” agenda. I came away feeling tired and down. Finally, to put icing on the cake, the design shop, process lab, and any other interactive exhibits were closed, making my family feel swindled. Even the outdoor garden was unimpressive. I had heard good things about this museum in the past. Seems like it is not the museum it used to be. So disappointing! Save your money and time and walk across the Brooklyn Bridge or along the High Line to experience some compelling design.
Written September 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rcole123
New York City, NY6 contributions
Aug 2022
I live in Manhattan and so I visit this museum at least once each year. The building is magnificent as it was once the home of Andrew Carnegie and so for that reason alone it is worth a visit. The exhibitions however are hit and miss with more misses. The curatorial approach is very academic which makes the experience often times feel like hard work and so the fun is removed. On top of that, the light level for artifacts is so low that objects appear dull, loose their luster, and the text is difficult to read. Lastly, many of the artifacts are so far away that a closeup experience is not possible. For a design museum, the viewing experience should never be dull or lifeless and yet it often times feels just that unfortunately.
Written August 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
operalover939
Toronto, Canada2,939 contributions
Apr 2023
There were two interesting exhibitions at the time we visited, one focusing on W.E.B. Du Bois at the 1900 World Fair in Paris, outlining the condition of the Black population of Georgia, and the other on the work and ideas of Hector Guimard, the famous French architect and designer who was active from the late 19th century onwards. The third floor was devoted to international cooperation and peacekeeping, a rather different subject but also worth a visit.
Written April 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robert N
Brooklyn, NY111 contributions
Aug 2022 • Friends
I visited this museum numerous times in the past and it had featured extensive exhibits on the history of design of furniture, dining pieces, doll houses and fabrics. With the exception of dining pieces. All that is gone and has been replaced with trendy “peace architecture” and Covid field hospital history. I did not come for such nichy one-off and frankly, boring exhibits. I’m on their mailing list so I hope they let me know when they return to their roots of furniture and appliance design history. A major disappointment for myself and my picky out of town guest. It’s no longer what’s advertised unfortunately.
Written August 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The museum does have a nice restaurant inside the museum that many people seemed to like. There are all sorts of restaurants on Third and Second Avenue. I just tried Juicy Seafood on Second Avenue and it was wonderful. There is also Harbs and Tri Dim on Third Avenue in the low 80's that are both excellent for Contemporary Japanese food and Chinese food respectively. Jimbo's for a burger on Second Avenue is where all the locals eat from Sutton Place. There is no lack of restaurants in this area.
Written October 13, 2019
We had one digital pen and two tickets, but did not keep the one attached to the digitally saved exhibits. Is there a way to retrieve that code?
Written June 25, 2018
I agree, I have no idea but I'm sure they could help if you call them directly.
Written June 25, 2018
I went for free as part of Bank of America's Museums on Us program, but they have some kind of promotion where all tickets are $5 per person through September 29, 2016.
If you're visiting after that, you can Google "Cooper Hewitt tickets" and their Plan Your Visit page will come up. (Sorry, TA won't let me post the URL.)
Written September 7, 2016
Rollz17
Brooklyn, New York
What is the average amount of time it takes someone to go through the museum? We have about 2 hours, is it worth trying to see what we can?
Written April 24, 2016
Hi There. The museum itself is not massive. There is a fair bit on show but if you have two hours you can pretty much see all of it. Let yourself go through and then come back to the things you want if you have time. They give you pens you can save the information on with a code to look at on the web later. So if you need to know more you can save it to review again. Enjoy it.
Written April 24, 2016
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