Credit: John Bartelstone

Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum

BBB's master plan and restoration of the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum enhances the original character of the Gilded-Age mansion while integrating the latest in museum technologies and providing visitors with a highly interactive learning environment for the study of American design.

Originally built in the early 20th-century as Andrew Carnegie's residence, the mansion is now a National Historic Landmark. The comprehensive renovation program, designed in collaboration with Gluckman Mayner Architects, carefully and seamlessly integrates both new infrastructure systems and design interventions within the historic building. Throughout the museum, significant public spaces on the first and second floors, including the Great Hall, Main Stair, and Teak Room, are meticulously restored. The Mansion is now dedicated primarily to public functions such as exhibition galleries, art handling, retail and food service, and the adjacent townhouse to administrative offices, education, and the relocated National Design Library. In addition to gallery and infrastructure improvements to the Mansion and townhouses, the project includes new freight and passenger elevators, registrar offices, and art conservation labs. Café spaces and restrooms are also renovated and expanded to enhance the visitor experience.

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