VIBE

The country’s leading museum of contemporary crafts has recently taken things up a notch by moving from a cramped townhouse to a custom-renovated modernist tower on Columbus Circle that was originally designed by Edward Durell Stone. The 2,000 objects of the permanent collection (which include quilts, furniture, and jewelry) are now displayed in sophisticated exhibits that introduce the history and signifcance of these handmade crafts and design objects. The highlight of the musem is the sixth-floor Open Studio, which offers visitors an opportunity to watch the artists at work.

GO HERE WITH

Design geeks; a date; friends

WHY WE LIKE IT

They have some really interesting exhibits (we dig the contemporary jewelry gallery and gorgeous collection of quilts), and the Open Studio (with special demonstations by artists whose work is currently featured in the museum) is a pretty nifty idea. Who knew making a chair was so fun?! (We didn’t until we saw an artist in action…)

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

The collections are much smaller than at other NYC museums in this price range.

GOOD TO KNOW

There was a huge controversy over the museum’s refurbishment of the Stone building, with notable critics complaining that a key NYC building was being “destroyed” by the new additions. The story then took a new, dramatic twist when the museum director and board decided to override the wishes of their architect and include a band of picture windows in the structure that makes it look like the word “Hi” is written across the façade, to the absolute horror of the local design community. On a more mundane note, daily gallery tours are free with admission. Tours last approximately 45 minutes and are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

CLOSEST COMPS

Victoria and Albert Museum (London)

Click here for our full-form mobile travel guide, The Purple Passport to New York City.