Cooper-Hewitt Museum Gets IIDA Honors

May 7, 2013  by in UnCategorized   

By Home Furnishings Business in on May 8, 2013

The International Interior Design Association (IIDA) is pleased to announce Smithsonian's Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum as the winner of the 2013 Star Award.

The award, given to an individual or organization that has made significant contributions to the design industry, will be presented at the Association's Annual Meeting, Sunday, June 9, at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago. 

"Smithsonian's Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum has been a champion of design since its founding in the late 19th century," said Cheryl Durst, IIDA executive vice president and CEO. "Its stewardship of the artifacts of design history is unquestionably peerless. Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum's impeccable curatorial expertise and ongoing educational focus have advanced Design in the public perception to an immeasurable degree, and we're honored to present this national institution with this year's IIDA Star Award."

Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum was founded in 1897 by Amy, Eleanor and Sarah Hewitt - granddaughters of industrialist Peter Cooper - with the purpose of advancing the public's understanding of design across all of human history. The museum became a branch of the Smithsonian in 1967 and includes more than 250,000 design objects as well as a world-class library. Its exhibitions and its educational programs - including its master's program - explore both the historic and contemporary processes of Design. In addition, Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum sponsors the National Design Awards, honoring excellence in American design.

First bestowed in 1995, the Star Award was created to recognize and celebrate individuals or organizations that have made a significant positive impact on the interior design community and on the design world. Past recipients include Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Target Corp., and Charles and Ray Eames.