Museum of Arts and Design — Attraction in New York

Honestly, short exhibit but a lot of beautiful art. Normally I would have gave it a four star because of how clean it is and how beautiful the art was but I ran into a problem and it was too short. Unless you read every single detail on the art work. Which we read a decent amount. Problem is, if you are vaccinated and want to roam without a mask, don’t bother. I didn’t have a mask on for a couple of floors until one security guard harassed me for it. After that, I felt like every floor we were in they kept nitpicking at us. That’s why I took off another star, literally in every floor after the guy with the mask, a security HAD to say something to us, even when I kept my mask on, some how they found a way to say something. We saw the black tape on the floor and explained to my daughter it’s so you don’t cross it. The security guard came at us and told us not to cross it, but I told him we weren’t crossing it and looked at our feet again and wondered why he approached us that way. After I told my daughter not to point at anything because I was starting to suspect he might think we are touching things too. While we made our way to the the exit, I saw the security guard speaking into the mic saying something as soon as we were leaving. The pattern continues into the next floor where this security guard, specifically, made it obvious that he was following us. I felt a bit harassed actually. I didn’t think anything when I tried to point out a detail on one art piece and SURE ENOUGH, the security started blaming me for touching. I told him to look at the glass and I didn’t even touch it. If they were communicating with each other about us, that was completely unprofessional and it’s pretty much harassment, especially if I continued to leave the mask on after the first guy. I didn’t like that and even though there’s beautiful art here, I would not return because I flat out felt unwelcome by that. That’s another I took an extra one, just because they won’t respect if you’re vaccinated but they’ll harass you for other stuff. I wouldn’t recommend it, but I’m sure they don’t do this to everyone. If they do that’s ridiculous. Not with the ticket price for such a short stay so if you really want to go, get your ticket on Groupon for a discounted ticket. Glad I didn’t pay the full price because then I would have been more livid in wasting money since exhibits were closed. I recommend they do house exhibit, which was our fav. You’ll see more at other museums and won’t be harassed...

Review: Museum of Arts and Design – Small in Size, Big on Imagination

Tucked into the edge of Columbus Circle, the Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) may not sprawl like the Met or command hushed awe like MoMA—but what it does do is showcase bold, one-of-a-kind creativity in a way that feels deeply personal and refreshingly unfiltered.

Yes, the museum is small. You won’t need a map or a lunch break halfway through. But each floor feels like a carefully composed scene—thanks in part to the fact that the upper levels double as artist workshops. There’s a sense that the curators didn’t just arrange art; they collaborated with it. The displays aren’t simply hung—they’re staged, often using mannequins, light, and unexpected materials to build entire visual worlds. At times, it felt like I had wandered into an artist’s dream mid-thought. And I mean that in the best way.

The use of projection art was a particularly standout element. Some rooms used light and movement not just as backdrops, but as active parts of the artwork itself, tying disparate pieces together with mood, tone, and texture. I found myself slowing down—not because there was a lot to see, but because I wanted to feel everything a little longer. (My photos and videos definitely did more talking than I could.)

The ticket price, however, gave me pause—$20 for adult admission is steep, especially considering the museum’s size. That said, I didn’t walk away regretting a dollar of it. Supporting emerging and underrepresented artists always feels like money well spent—and in a city of blockbuster museums, MAD is offering something more intimate and imaginative.

Don’t skip the gift shop, either. It’s less “tourist trinkets,” more “design fair curated by your cool artist friend.” From statement jewelry to handmade decor, it’s a fantastic stop for unique gifts—or just for treating yourself in the name of culture.

In short: MAD is small but spirited, more thoughtful than flashy, and deeply worth visiting—especially if you’re someone who appreciates the artistry of the...

Stepping into the Museum of Arts and Design in New York City is like entering a world of creative innovation and craftsmanship. Located in the heart of Columbus Circle, this exceptional museum offers an inspiring selection of exhibits that showcase contemporary art, design, and craft across a wide range of mediums and techniques.

As I meandered through the thoughtfully curated galleries, I was struck by the museum's dedication to celebrating the creative process and the talented artists behind the masterpieces. From cutting-edge digital art to traditional handcrafted pieces, the collection is both diverse and visually stunning.

The staff at the museum was attentive and knowledgeable, always willing to provide context and answer questions about the exhibits. Their passion for art and design was evident and truly enhanced my visit.

In addition to the exhibits, the Museum of Arts and Design also hosts various events, workshops, and educational programs that cater to a variety of interests and skill levels. These interactive experiences provide a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of art and design, fostering a deeper appreciation and understanding of the creative process.

Whether you're an art aficionado or simply seeking a memorable cultural experience, the Museum of Arts and Design is an exceptional destination in New York City. Don't miss the chance to explore this extraordinary collection and be inspired by the limitless possibilities of human creativity!

Only reason I’m giving it a 4/5 is because most floors were closed...