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Family Program | Sonic Design Lab

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

This February, explore the world of sound! Check out music‑listening devices—from early radios to a jukebox, hi‑fi systems, speakers, and modern headphones—in Art of Noise, an exhibition about how music has been heard and shared over the last 100 years.  

Find out how sound travels and learn about electromagnetism by building your very own paper‑cup speaker to take home.  

Exhibition Exploration

  • Join a special music-themed story time at 12:30 pm in the Art of Noise galleries.
  • Explore the exhibition with a kids’ scavenger hunt.

Design Activity

  • Make your own paper cup speaker and experiment with different materials to see how they affect sound! 
  • Get inspired by the unique designs in Art of Noise and customize the look of your cup speaker with markers, stickers, and other supplies to reflect your favorite tunes. 

Access Hour (11:00 am to 12:00 noon)

  • The first hour of family drop-ins is generally quieter and less crowded.
  • Additional staff experienced in conducting accessible workshops will be present during this hour. Families will have access to sensory supports and adaptive materials. We’d love for you to join us for some structured fun!

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. You can drop in at any time and stay as long as you like. 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.

Art of Noise is made possible by the August Heckscher Exhibition Fund, the Ehrenkranz Fund, the Barbara and Morton Mandel Design Gallery Endowment Fund, the Fisher Arts Impact Fund, and Jonathan Schroeder and Janet Borgerson. 

Fisher Arts Impact Fund logo with Smithsonian logo at the bottom.