K–12 School Groups

Tour + Workshop = DESIGN program invites students to "think like designers" as they discuss key objects from the Museum's exhibitions and use them as sources of inspiration for their own designs. Tours are intended to foster an awareness of design and its impact on our everyday lives through dialogue and active observation which is then applied during the workshop session. Workshop sessions are based on lessons plans which align to both National and New York City Board of Education Standards. Tour + Workshop = DESIGN programs are led by Museum Educators who have design and teaching experience and are trained to provide the best experience possible for K–12 students.

Program/Tour Offerings

Guided Exhibition Tour: Join our Museum Educators on an engaging hour-long tour that concentrates on one of Cooper-Hewitt's exhibitions.

Tour + Workshop = DESIGN: Groups receive a guided tour of one exhibition, followed by a hands-on workshop. Program length is approximately 1.5 hours. All materials are provided.

Tour + Workshop = DESIGN programs are based on our current exhibitions, Campana Brothers Select: Works from the Permanent Collection, Multiple Choice: From Sample to Product, and Rococo: The Continuing Curve, 1730–2008 and are available Monday–Friday at 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 2:30 p.m.

Please note that the Museum cannot accommodate school groups of more than thirty students and three chaperones.

Teachers may choose from one of the following Tour + Workshop = DESIGN themes:

Campana Brothers Select: Works from the Permanent Collection

• Material+Dreams=Design (ages 5+) Discover how the Campana Brothers, a design duo from Brazil, combed through Cooper-Hewitt’s collection to find objects representing hybrid materials (such as intricate weavings of dyed horsehair) and the marrying of plastic and wicker patio furniture. Drawing inspiration from the tour’s themes and materials, participants will create a design using found materials such as plastic to weave into something precious. (Available February 19–August 22, 2008)*

  The tour portion of this program also includes a tour of Multiple Choice: From Sample to Product

  Program is not available July 21–July 25, 2008.

Rococo: The Continuing Curve, 1730–2008

• Rococo Kids (ages 5+) Stay ahead of the rococo curve as you explore ornately designed objects from eighteenth-century Paris to present-day America. Find out how asymmetrical, organic shapes inspired by shells and the S-curve replaced symmetry. Participants will create their own lavishly designed rococo-style dinnerware set. (Available March 10–July 3, 2008)

All materials are provided. Please note that the museum cannot accommodate school groups of more than 30 students and 3 chaperones.

Policies

• Reservations must be made at least four weeks prior to scheduled visit. All groups visiting the Museum, whether participating in a Museum program, or self-guided must register.
• Guided sessions are available Monday through Friday at 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 2:30 p.m.
• Maximum of 30 students. A group consists of 10–30 students.
• One adult chaperone required per 15 children. Three adult chaperones maximum. (Exceptions are made for special needs groups.)
• One free visit per class per school year (public schools only)
• Cancellations must be made one week prior to scheduled visit in order to receive a refund.
• Please note there are no lunch room facilities available for school groups.

Fees

New York City Public Schools: Tour + Workshop = DESIGN sessions are free for New York City public schools. Each public school student participant will also receive one free family pass to encourage a return visit. All requests must be made on school letterhead and are limited to one class visit per school year.

Private & Non-New York City Public Schools: Payment must be received at least one week prior to scheduled visit. Fees cannot be refunded to groups that cancel with less than one weeks notice.

Tour + Workshop = DESIGN
$200 per Museum Teacher (up to 15 students per Museum Educator, maximum of 30 students and 3 chaperones). All materials are provided.

Guided Exhibition Tour Only or Workshop Session only
$100 per Museum Teacher (up to 15 students per Museum Educator). All materials are provided for workshop sessions.

Registration

By Fax or Email

Public School Registration Form: Download the registration form

Private & Non-New York City Public Schools: Download the registration form

By Telephone

To schedule a visit, call 212.849.8351