The Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) in New York City is a cultural institution dedicated to the intersection of craft, design, and art. It showcases not only finished objects but also its own processes—how materials are shaped, how artists work with clay, glass, metal, and fabric, and how traditional methods are transformed by technology.
The museum is located on Columbus Circle, and after visiting, I recommend the café and restaurant on the building’s top floor, which offers a beautiful view of Central Park.
History
The museum was founded in 1956 as the Museum of Contemporary Crafts, initiated by Aileen Osborn Webb. In 2002, the museum received its current name, the Museum of Arts and Design. The new building on Columbus Circle was designed by Allied Works Architecture (Brad Cloepfil, architect).
Collection and Exhibitions
MAD’s collection features art and design objects created from the 1950s to the present. They are crafted using various techniques and materials, including glass, metal, wood, textiles, and other materials. Part of the collection is also available online.
Museum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions that combine design, craft, and artistic practices. For example:
- Designing Motherhood — exploration of motherhood through the lens of design.
- Douriean Fletcher: Jewelry of the Afrofuture — focus on jewelry and Afrofuturism.
- Dana Barnes: Untamed Gestures — fiber and silk sculptures that convey movement and stillness, where strength and fragility coexist in dynamic tension.
Fun facts
- MAD is the only museum in the United States with a dedicated gallery dedicated to contemporary jewelry.
- The museum building itself is an architectural landmark: its glazed terracotta and glass façade reflects the museum’s craft heritage.
- The museum has an Open Studio space where you can observe the process of creating art objects.
Visitor’s Information
Adress: 2 Columbus Circle, Manhattan, New York City
Website: www.madmuseum.org
Admission: $18
