Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum

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The only museum in the United States devoted to historic and contemporary design, the Cooper Hewitt holds more than 217,000 pieces—from furniture to prints to textiles. One-of-a-kind and mass-produced items are culled from international sources and range from 17th-century Japanese tsuba (sword fittings) to funky 20th-century American wall coverings. Founded in 1897 by Amy, Eleanor and Sarah Hewitt, the granddaughters of industrialist Peter Cooper, the museum is located in a landmark building, a 64-room mansion that is the former home of industrial pioneer Andrew Carnegie. It was the first private house to have a structural steel frame and one of the first homes to have both central air-conditioning and heating. Seeing the works in the setting of what feels like a 19th-century manor is part of the Cooper Hewitt experience. A three-year renovation, completed in December 2014, added 60 percent more exhibit space and a full floor dedicated to exhibitions from the permanent collection. — Joy Armstrong

Boasting the largest private garden in Manhattan, Cooper-Hewitt can ordinarily accommodate up to 70 guests for an indoor seated event, and up to 500 seated guests in the Arthur Ross Terrace and Garden. Couples can have access to the Great Hall and galleries. Catering is provided through Restaurant Associates. Prices upon request.

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