ASL Tour | Introduction to Design Across Time

The ASL Tour is exclusive to visitors who are Deaf, hard of hearing, and their companions. 

Click here for tickets and more information.

Join us for an American Sign Language (ASL) Tour of the newly open Design Across Time exhibition. 

Design Across Time: Exploring Smithsonian’s Design Collection brings together more than 125 works across multiple design disciplines including product and graphic design, fashion, textiles, digital design, wallcoverings and architecture. Led by Deaf educator, Debra Cole, this program will dive into design strategies displayed within Cooper Hewitt’s collection.  

After the ASL tour, join the curators for a conversation about this major new installation that highlights the breadth of the national design collection. They will discuss the process of curating the exhibition, including developing themes and selecting objects from our permanent collection, which includes over 200,000 objects and spans over 30 centuries.  Refreshments will be provided at the conclusion of the illustrated presentation. Learn more about the lecture.  

Registration is required. The ASL Tour and subsequent program are free for visitors who are Deaf or hard-of-hearing and their companions. 

Learn more about upcoming ASL Tour programs.  

ACCESSIBILITY AND WHAT TO EXPECT 

• Format: A presentation and group conversation in ASL about the National Design Awards. There will be no English interpretation. There will be a 15-minute break after the ASL Tour before the lecture program begins. 

• About this space: Seating with backs are available. The museum is fully wheelchair accessible. There is an accessible restroom on the ground floor. Read more about accessibility at Cooper Hewitt.

• Accommodations: ASL Interpreters will be available for the ASL Tour and subsequent lecture program. CART Captioning will also be available for the lecture program.  We welcome questions and accommodation requests that support your participation. Email us at CHAccess@si.edu or call 212.849.8384. Please make your request as far in advance as possible—preferably at least ten days before the program date.