Cooper Hewitt Launches 'Design Across Time' for US Semiquincentennial

The Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum in New York City has launched "Design Across Time: Exploring the Smithsonian's Design Collection," an exhibition celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States. Organized by Director Maria Nicanor, who previously led the Rice Design Alliance in Houston and curated at the Guggenheim and Victoria & Albert Museum, the exhibition is structured around six action-oriented themes—Repeat, Transform, Show Off, Simplify, among others—rather than following a chronological order. Featured items include Marjo Penninx's Style Stiletto textile (2011), Stephen Burks' Roping Stool (2017) crafted from waste, a royal jewel cabinet (1825-26) presented to Charles X of France, and Art Sims' Malcolm X film poster (1992). The exhibition, designed by JA Projects with graphics by Pacific, also showcases a Lotus-shaped Cup from Egypt (circa 1100 BCE) and a Noh theater costume from Japan (circa 1800). Later this year, Cooper Hewitt will introduce an online collections platform, developed by Champions Design with user experience by Schema Design, which will provide access to its 215,000 objects. Established in 1897 by sisters Sarah and Eleanor Hewitt, the museum serves as a laboratory for artisans, with rotating displays over two years.