Family Program | FASHIONING PAPER

Drop in to the museum on the second Saturday of each month for hands-on family activities!  

In October, turn paper into fabric with momigami, the traditional Japanese technique of kneading and crumpling paper until it’s durable, flexible, and cloth-like. Make your own momigami pouch or create a small vest for a favorite stuffed toy.

Visit Design Across Time: Exploring the Smithsonian’s Design Collection and discover how designers transform simple materials like paper in unusual ways. Check out a roll of paper discards that unfurls into a cozy chair and see a paper dress from the 1960s, the era’s version of fast fashion!

Family drop-in activities are designed for youth ages 5–12 and their adult guardian/caregivers. Family programs are included in the price of museum admission, and youth 18 and under are always free.

ACCESSIBILITY & WHAT TO EXPECT

  • Format: This is a drop-in style workshop for youth ages 5-12 and their adult guardian/family. You will be guided by a museum educator who will help you to make a design. All materials will be provided. Adults must stay with their youth during the activity and are encouraged to participate. Registration is not required, but first come, first seated.
  • About the space: This program will take place in Cooper Hewitt’s Lecture Room on the ground floor of the museum. It is fully wheelchair accessible. There will be group seating at tables. There is an accessible restroom on the ground floor. Read more about accessibility at Cooper Hewitt.
  • Accommodations: We welcome questions and accommodation requests that support your participation. Email us at CHEducation@si.edu or call 212 849-8353. Please make your request as far in advance as possible—preferably at least ten days before the program date.

Special Thanks

Design learning at Cooper Hewitt is made possible by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council. Generous support is also provided by the Smithsonian Institution’s Together We Thrive Initiatives, the Richard and Jean Coyne Family Foundation, and the Cornelia T. Bailey Foundation.

Design Across Time: Exploring the Smithsonian’s Design Collection received major support from Jon and Shigemi Iwata, and Lisa Roberts and David Seltzer. Additional generous support has been made by Amita and Purnendu Chatterjee, the Lily Auchincloss Foundation, the Terra Foundation for American Art, the Arthur F. and Alice E. Adams Foundation, Irene Au and Bradley Horowitz, and Chris and Irma Fralic. This project received funding from the Smithsonian’s “Our Shared Future: 250,” a Smithsonian-wide initiative supported by private philanthropy and created to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary and advance the Smithsonian vision for the next 250 years.

Logos for the Smithsonian’s “Our Shared Future: 250," the Lily Auchincloss Foundation, and the Terra Foundation for American Art.