Museum of Arts and Design - New York City - Museums

Formerly called the American Craft Museum, this small but aesthetically pleasing museum is the nation's top showcase for contemporary crafts. The collection focuses on objects that are prime examples of form and function, ranging from jewelry to baskets to vessels to furniture. You'll see a strong emphasis on material as well as craft, whether it be fiber, ceramics, or metal. Special exhibitions can range from Expressionist clay sculpture to fine bookbinding, and can celebrate movements or single artisans. Stop into the gorgeous shop even if you don't make it into the museum. In 2008, the museum will move to the quirky and controversial building designed by modernist architect Edward Durrell Stone in 1963 at 2 Columbus Circle.