Museum of Art and Design
A step below these museums are many other worthwhile institutions, although not as "famous." The Museum of Art and Design, across from MoMA on 53rd Street has an incredible collection of contemporary objects, innovative furniture, package design, ceramics and other design elements.
Admission is $9, $7 for students and includes their fabulous permanent collection as well as their special exhibitions. The current show features the work of Droog Design Collective, a group of international contemporary artists focusing on using recyclable materials and the influence of cultural developments. The group has a few pieces in MoMa's permanent collection and other museums around the word.
The New York Economic Development Corporation has chosen to sponsor the Museum of Arts and Design in developing a new space on Columbus Circle, slated to open in 2008. The museum will triple it's exhibition space and enable more of its permanent collection to be on view at all times.
Aside from there developments, a great thing about the Museum of Art and Design is that much of the exhibits on view are for sale in the gift shop! Rather than a Mona Lisa notebook or Da Vinci coffee cup, you can purchase the incredible lighting fixtures, high design vases or jewelry that is also on display in the museum! Pretty cool and unique gifts, if I do say so myself!
