Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum

Description
Founded in 1897 by the Hewitt sisters, granddaughters of industrialist Peter Cooper, the only museum in the U.S. solely dedicated to design (both historic and modern) has been part of the Smithsonian since the 1960s. In 1976 it took up residence in the former home of steel magnate Andrew Carnegie: It’s worth a look as much for the impressive mansion as for the roster of temporary exhibitions, which include an always-interesting series in which works are selected from the permanent collection by a prominent artist or designer. The gift shop is stocked with international design objects (some very affordable) as well as the appropriate books. An extensive renovation is planned over the next few years to expand the gallery space and create a new library, but the museum will remain open throughout 2009.