Museum of Arts and Design (MAD)

Address:	2 Columbus Cir, New York, NY 10019, USA
Phone:	+1 212-299-7777
Site:	madmuseum.org
Rating:	4.2
Working:	Closed 10AM–6PM 10AM–6PM 10AM–9PM 10AM–9PM 10AM–6PM 10AM–6PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 19

A Private User

This new building, ideally situated, is a beauty of modern functional architecture. I used to go to the old museum (the annex near Lincoln Center and the main branch near the MOMA), but this is just as good. I especially loved the textile work by Teresa Agnew (Portrait of a Sewnstress made out of 30,000 fashion tiny labels), and in general the Second Life exhibition, featuring works of art made of discarded items such as old vynil records (butterflys), plastic forks. As usual, the weaving (of twigs, threads, or metal threads for some), pottery (some beautiful work there), is well-chosen and esthetically pleasing. Of course, as in any museum, some percentage of the works just dont appeal to me. That percentage is much lower for the MAD than for most museums, though. I highly recommend a visit!

Hans Straub

The Museum first opened its doors in 1956 as the Museum of Contemporary Crafts, with an original mission of recognizing the craftsmanship of contemporary American artists. Nurtured by the vision of philanthropist and craft patron Aileen Osborn Webb, the Museum mounted exhibitions that focused on the materials and techniques associated with craft disciplines. From its earliest years, the Museum celebrated the changing roles of craftsmanship in society, served as an important advocate for emerging artists, and linked art to industry.

Anna Lipiarz

I really enjoyed visiting this museum, especially with a free tour on every exhibition, though what makes me a bit frustrated is a fact that I was visiting at day "pay what you like" and had to pay 5$...well a bit of cheating in my opinion. The stuff was really friendly and helpful, I very much enjoyed a tour but she was rudely surprised that I can speak English as a person from Poland. I understand the stereotypes but in my opinion it was act of racism in a public space with thousands of visitors every year.

Fabio Vinuesa

Si bien me gusto mucho la exhibición que había cuando fui, esperaba un poco más del Museo. La fachada moderna del edificio es muy buena, la ubicación es perfecta y desde el restaurante del último piso hay una visuales increíbles del Central Park.

Adam Goebel

Perhaps, it just wasnt my type of museum, but I really wasnt into any of the exhibits they had when I came. One was a woodworking exhibit (that took up two floors), and the other was a collection of jewelry. I stumbled in here looking for an afternoon activity, and I left less than 30 minutes later having seen the entire museum (it is that small). Note that at the time I went, the google field trip app was offering FREE ADMISSION, so if you are interested in design, you should look out for that offer.

Jonas Doujak

Sehr gute Ausstellung. Das Museum konzentriert sich auf zeitgenössische Kreativität und den Möglichkeiten, in denen Künstler und Designer aus der ganzen Welt Materialien durch Prozesse verwandeln. Es werden handwerkliche sowie digitalen Objekte gezeigt.

Vanessa Sanz

Creo que la palabra museo es muy grande. A pesar del increíble lugar...las muestras son pocas. Esperaba encontrar más diseño. Me parece muy interesante la muestra de joyas...la propuesta y la puesta en escena... Solo si le queda tiempo pase

مريم عبد الغني

هذي الخرائط كتير كتير حلوه و مفيده جداً للإنسان و هو يعرف منها مكان إقامته و الأملكن التي زارها من زمن طويل مثال:من سنتين أو 3 أو سنه,يا رب تحبوا هذي المعلومه و شكـــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــراً ^_^

George Brown

If youve been to any design museums across the globe, this one is surprisingly disappointing. Its very small..only enough space for about 2 exhibitions... no permanent displays as far as I could see. Ironically the actual floor plan and design of the building snt great.. only 2 very very slow elevators that you might as well push the button - view the displays and by then the elevator will be arriving(no guarantees) Glad I didnt pay ..

Jessy Yokole

Its actually a tiny museum, on several floors, which heavily focuses on fashion and design. The exhibition (Counter-Couture) was very interesting but I found the collection slightly dissapointing (to be taken with a great of salt as jewelry is not my thing). Even though we had a pleasant time, I wouldnt recommend it to anyone who isnt into fashion and arts and definitely not to tourists. To be noted: free access with NYID (which I did)

Baird Milam

Their online description is misleading as to what exhibits are actually showing. I came to see furniture. There wasnt a furniture exhibit. Its a fairly short museum. I also heard a docent claim that porcelain was invented in Macedonia and China, and that male bodies are unsexualized in art, which leads me to believe that they dont bother checking the education or quality of their tours. Save yourself money and head elsewhere.

Charlie Shay

A small, peculiar museum. If youre browsing on your own, start from the sixth floor (where theres a workshop and a resident artist who would be happy to share some insights with you on their work) and work your way down. Check out some of the subtle artworks in the staircase on your way down. The guide here is also very passionate and engaging, and Id recommend joining a tour if you have the time.

Peter Woodman

Aunque es algo caro para lo que hay, no te lo puedes perder. Es un sitio de visita obligatoria. Sobre todo si eres amante del mundo del arte y el diseño, independientemente de los gustos.

Jungmin Kim

This museum has 5 floors, each floor has different theme with different artists. I liked it overall; interesting art pieces (I loved coral crochet) but i thought it was bit small and thought it could have done better job of installation array. To be honest i dont know if its worth the admission fee but It is pay-what-you-wish on Thursday night so check it out on Thursday night!

Cynthia B Rubin

Another great small museum. The changing exhibitions are consistently worth seeing - and "design" extends to mean just about every kinds of visual art. Open late on Thursday eves - when other museums are generally open late on Friday - so this is a great museum for when you find yourself in mid-town on a Thursday wanting to do just one more cool thing before going home.

Matthew Drutt

Ive known this institution since its founding in the 1960s as the American Craft Museum. Since the 1980s, theyve gone through a series of locations and identity crises, resulting in a confusing program and revolving door of staff, and lately, leadership. They need to return to their roots to regain the high ground, otherwise they will remain irrelevant.

Isabel Ng

Extremely kind staff! The artists in residence love to discuss their work with visitors and the 6th floors education classroom just recently added in this interactive wall "Activate" where visitors can contribute to the wall piece. The exhibitions are also very diverse and great for those who love the connections between design, art, and craft.

Marcelino Freixas

La HISTORIA del ..... ART and DESIGN Museum , New York . La AMISTAD y el buen ARTE siempre perdura en el TIEMPO Gràcias marcel

Terresa Ling

I remember the Museum of Arts and Design as a very small museum with many floors. They have a Pay-What-You-Wish on Thursdays from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. They also have a tiny gift shop on the first floor with cute little things like an artsy wallet. There was an intricate and artistic lighting in the lobby, but no photos are allowed there.