Design Across Time: Exploring the Smithsonian’s Design Collection

Design has long shaped America’s identity—enhancing daily life, driving innovation, and reflecting shared values. Cooper Hewitt marks the nation’s 250th anniversary with a major, multi-year installation of the museum’s permanent collection—including significant works newly brought out of storage for expanded public access. On view across the entire first floor of the museum’s Carnegie Mansion, Design Across Time explores design’s impact across time, geography, and discipline. By bringing together works across product and graphic design, fashion, textiles, digital design, wallcoverings, and architecture, the exhibition highlights the breadth of the national design collection and underscores design’s role as a tool for improving the world around us.