By Louie Doverspike
While most museums are exercises in design, few present the process by which an idea becomes a design and a design becomes an object. With the growth of the digital world, many people are finding it fascinating to learn how everything else comes together and how their digital realm can have real-world productions. A number of museums have emerged to acknowledge the growing fascination with the world of design, whether it be from an industrial or artistic perspective. Several of these museums can be found in the
New York area.
Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum
Part of the Smithsonian network of museums, the National Design Museum is located in a stunning mansion originally owned by Andrew Carnegie. The museum collection is the finest focused on design in the nation. While many design museums focus on contemporary design, the Cooper-Hewitt has extensive collections of old prints, textiles and even wallpapers.
Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum
2 East 91st St.
New York, NY 10128
212-849-8400
Museum of Art and Design
The Museum of Art and Design, often called, affectionately, MAD, is one of the premier collections in the city of modern design. Expect the cutting edge from this museum, with experimental works in glass, metals and any other medium a designer can manipulate. MAD also runs popular film series and a bustling modern design shop.
Museum of Art and Design
2 Columbus Circle
New York, NY 10019
212-956-3535
Musuem of Modern Art Store
While the Museum of Modern Art, or MoMA, often features design elements in their collection and displays, the museum is one of the best exemplars of modern art combined with practical design available to the consumer. It is in the MoMA store where the cutting-edge meets the production line. With a number of locations, MoMA store may be one of the most convenient ways to check out modern design principles in action.
MoMA Design Store
81 Spring Street
New York, NY
646-613-1367
MoMA Design Store
44 West 53 Street
New York, NY
212-767-1050
The Skyscraper Museum
New York's Skyscraper Museum is an exciting testament to the most immense application of design in the world. Opened in 1997, The Skyscraper Museum is the only one of its kind. The museum itself exemplifies mastery in design, with visitors made to feel as if they were standing in an immense vertical space, many floors over the ground. Displays include the original design models for various skyscrapers, including the World Trade Center towers.
The Skyscraper Museum
39 Battery Place
New York, NY
212-968-1961
Resources
About the Author:
Based in Seattle, Louie Doverspike has been a professional writer since 2004. His work has appeared in various publications, including "AntiqueWeek" magazine, the "Prague Post" and "Seattle Represent!" Doverspike holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Hamilton College.
