Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum

Step inside the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum and explore the only museum in the United States devoted entirely to historical and contemporary design. Its world-class collection spans an extraordinary 30 centuries — from ancient Roman marble and Renaissance drawings to innovative wallpapers and modern 3D-printed objects.

The museum is housed in the stately Georgian-style mansion that was once home to philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. Alongside its four floors of galleries, Cooper Hewitt features interactive exhibits designed to engage visitors in the creative process, as well as major special exhibitions and regularly refreshed displays. Expect to see works across every discipline of design, including product design, decorative arts, textiles, wallcoverings, works on paper, graphic design, and digital materials.

Outside, the Arthur Ross Terrace and Garden provides a tranquil space filled with rockeries, rhododendrons, and cherry trees. Visitors can relax with an Italian pastry and espresso from the café or enjoy a game at the outdoor ping-pong table. Be sure to stop by the museum shop before you leave, where a carefully curated selection of homeware, jewelry, and design-led gifts ensures you can take a little inspiration home with you.