Museum of Arts and Design (MAD)

The Basics

MAD contains four floors of exhibition galleries, as well as a 150-seat auditorium used for lectures and events; Robert, an upscale restaurant with views of Central Park; three artists-in-residence studios; and a highly rated gift shop. Guided tours, free with admission, are offered daily at 11:30am and 3pm.

Hop-on hop-off bus tours of New York City stop nearby the museum, at Lincoln Center.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Museum of Arts and Design is ideal for lovers of contemporary and innovative art, crafts, and design.

• Purchase admission tickets online to skip the entrance lines.

• Head to the museum’s on-site restaurant for a rare bird’s-eye view of Central Park.

• All galleries and public spaces are accessible to wheelchair users. Free wheelchairs are available for use; reserve 24 hours in advance.

How to Get There

Located in Columbus Circle, the Museum of Arts and Design is easily accessible using New York City’s comprehensive public transit system. Take the 1, 2, 3, A, B, C, or D subway to Columbus Circle station, or take bus M12, M31, or M57.

When to Get There

MAD is open from 10am to 6pm Tuesday through Sunday, and until 9pm Thursday; it is closed on Monday and major holidays. On Thursday nights from 6pm to 9pm, admission is by donation. For a list of special events and public programs, check the museum’s online calendar.

Meet the Artists

Unlike most contemporary art museums, MAD encourages visitors to interact with its artists in residence through observation hours, talks, and workshops. Check the museum’s website for weekly schedules of each artist’s open studio and installation hours. Artists in residence also run MADmakes, a drop-in program where visitors can develop new skills and engage in the art-making process.

Ways to explore

One of the best ways to experience MAD is on a free docent-led tour, offered at least once a day from Wednesday through Sunday and included in the price of admission. You can also explore the museum’s four floors of exhibition galleries on your own in about two hours or book a private tour for an additional fee. MAD’s on-site restaurant, Robert, is worth visiting for its views of Central Park, and so is the museum’s highly rated gift shop.

Stroll past MAD on a walking tour of the Upper West Side that focuses on the neighborhood’s vibrant art scene. You can also visit with a sightseeing pass or as part of a hop-on hop-off bus tour of New York City, which stops near the museum at Columbus Circle.

Accessibility

All galleries and public spaces are accessible to wheelchair users. Wheelchairs are available to borrow on a first-come, first-served basis. The museum has accessible restrooms. Assisted Listening Devices are available for events in its theater, and ASL-English interpretation is offered for programs and events.

Age limits

None, but children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

What to pack

Reusable water bottle, small sketchbook and pencil

What to wear

Comfortable shoes, layers for the climate-controlled galleries

Not allowed

Food and drinks, large backpacks, luggage, large umbrellas, tripods, photography of some works (signposted)

Amenities

Gender-inclusive restrooms, self-service storage lockers, restaurant, gift shop

Address

MAD is centrally located in Manhattan’s Columbus Circle, at the southwest corner of Central Park. It’s easy to travel there on New York City’s robust public transportation system, or you can walk, bike, or hail a taxi.

Driving

Driving in Manhattan isn’t recommended. If you choose to drive, park in the MPG parking garage—MAD visitors receive a 15 percent discount on daily reservations.

Public transportation

The easiest way to get to MAD is to take the subway to 59th Street–Columbus Circle station, which is served by the 1, A, B, C, D, N, Q, R, and W trains. You can also take the M12, M31, or M57 bus lines.

Best times to visit

Drop by Wednesday through Saturday between 10:30am and 5:30pm for open studio hours, when the museum's resident artists allow visitors to step inside their workspaces. Free docent tours are offered at 11:30am on Wednesdays, 2:30pm on Thursdays, and both 11:30am and 2:30pm Friday through Sunday.

Best days to visit

If you’re traveling without kids, head to MAD on Thursday nights when the museum is open late. The museum is closed on Mondays.

Best months to visit

MAD is a year-round attraction, but visit when the weather is nice from late spring to early fall to make the most of your time exploring Manhattan.

Special events

The museum offers a full schedule of special events, including hands-on workshops, live performances, and artist talks. Check the official MAD website to see what’s coming up.