MORNING AT THE MUSEUM | DESIGN YOUR OWN COLLECTION

Gotta collect them all! Explore the exhibition Acquired! Shaping the National Design Collection with a scavenger hunt. Then, drop in for a design activity: What do you collect? Whether it’s shells, stickers, stamps, Pokémon cards, or sneakers, design a way to display your favorites. Take your design home and showcase your collection!

Drop in anytime from 9:00am-10:30am for a small-group, sensory-friendly experience intended for neurodivergent children and teens! 

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

Program Length: No set time, enjoy as much time as you need. The museum opens to the public at 10am; you do not need to leave once the museum opens.
Interactivity Level: High 

Morning at the Museum is a free, sensory-friendly program for neurodivergent children and teens and their families in which they can visit Cooper Hewitt prior to opening on designated Saturday mornings. Attendees can drop-in on various activities or explore the museum independently at their own pace. Prior to each program, registered families will receive pre-visit materials to help them prepare for their visit.  

Families, educators, and service providers can sign up for the Morning at the Museum mailing list by emailing CHAccess@si.edu or calling 212-849-8384.  

Learn more about Morning at the Museum programs at other Smithsonian museums. 

ACCESSIBILITY

Location:  This program will take place in person in the Lecture Room at Cooper Hewitt (2 East 91st Street, New York, NY). The Lecture Room is on the ground floor of the museum and is fully wheelchair accessible. Read more about accessibility at Cooper Hewitt.  

What to Expect: You can arrive anytime from 9am-10:30am and can participate in any or all of the following activities: a drop-in design activity, a scavenger hunt, or self-guided gallery exploration. Fidgets and headphones will be available free of charge, and there will be a designated quiet room. Stimming and vibrant self-expression are welcome and encouraged at Cooper Hewitt! Families will receive more detailed pre-visit materials prior to the program. 

Accommodations: For general questions, or if we can provide additional accessibility services or accommodations to support your participation in this program, please email us at CHAccess@si.edu or let us know when registering. Please make your accommodation request as far in advance as possible—preferably at least one week before the program date when possible.