Museum of Arts and Design

The Museum of Arts and Design is a nonprofit institution at Columbus Circle in Manhattan dedicated to contemporary craft and artistic design. Its exhibition spaces span multiple floors and present objects made from ceramics, glass, metal, textiles, and other materials.

The institution was founded in 1956 to provide a dedicated home for contemporary craft in New York. It later moved to its current location at Columbus Circle, where it expanded both its collection and its programs.

Its name recalls that both fine art and handcrafted design are presented here, two areas often treated separately. Inside, you regularly see visitors participating in workshops using the same materials displayed in the galleries.

The building sits directly at the southwestern edge of Central Park, facing Columbus Circle, and is easily reached by subway. Workshops and events run regularly, so checking dates ahead of time helps visitors plan accordingly.

The glazed terracotta and glass facade changes its appearance throughout the day, casting different light into the exhibition spaces. Many visitors only notice on a second visit how much the mood in the galleries shifts with the position of the sun.

Location: Manhattan

Inception: 1956

Official opening: 1956

Website: http://madmuseum.org

GPS coordinates: 40.76750,-73.98190

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:29