New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-05-24
COOPER UNION ART MUSEUM.
THE CHERISHED IDEAS OF THE GREAT
PHILANTHROPIsT TO BE CARRIED OUT

THE CHERISHED IDEAS OF THE GREAT
PHILANTHRoPTsr TO BE CARRIED OUT.
The opening OF Cooper Union Museum for the
Arts OF Decoration will give 10 this city an instu.
ton FOR the cultivation OF the people conducted upon
lines differing from anything that has been at
tempted in this country. 1t is modelled upon the
plan OF the Musee des Arts Dtcoratifs, Of Paris
which has done great work in the development
or French supremacy in the Industrial arts
The aim OF the museum is 70 do the same for the
art OF decoration In It's many forms do the Met
ropolitan and similar FOR the fine arts II
will differ from all others in the fact that the ex-
hbits will contain only such specimens as bear
directly upon the subject OF decoration which will
be treated in all forms from tho simplest 70 the most
exquisite art that be applied 70 decorative pur-
poses.
The value OF such institution IL obvious O..
course. there are already excellent schools OF ap-
piled design which fit students FOR this work bu,
the museum will supplement greatly the work OF
the schools and Will rot On.y he an advantage TO
the workmen but to the manufacturer and the pur-
chaser well. and educator Of public taste.
As the design of the institution is make 1t
practical possible. IT will be thrown open the
public with few formallties or restrictions. The
only official will be A curator and the only Formally
VIII be 10 stop at the general office and ask for IA
card. and TO give name and address. There will be
no catalogue each object will be labelled distinctly
stating its origin history and nature. and the ar
far possible catalogue classified ton.
This Cooper Union Museum! founded by the
two granddaughters of Peter Cooper, Miss Elinor
and Miss Sarah Hewitt. who have devoted three
years TO the vcrk Of collecting and classifying.
These women have made several trips abroad for
this purpose and have had the advice and assist
auce OF the best authorities in Paris and other
cities
'Of course II is only an experiment" said Miss
Hewitt. I'VE have not many plans or rules az we
don't want our work ID he burdened b.: red tape
1t was my grandfather's wish 10 found museum
OF some for the good of the people. ana set
tied upon this the plan that promised TO be OF
the greatest use. II is only beginning. The COL
lection Is not large. but Is well selected. There are
so many different things to be represented that We
have only few specimens Of each. and We hope
II will steadily increase"
The museum is on the fourth floor of the Cooper
The exhibit which seems remarkably complete. l.
tastofully arranged. showing wonderful variety.
/, also represents great expense and care in selec
ton There H. excellent collection OF pictures In
pen-and-ink pencil. water-colors, etc. from the
best artists OF different countries. Designs for all
kinds OF interior decoration tapestries fabrics and
furniture are found. well a complete collec-
ton Of casts OF all kinds. from architectural orna
rnents 10 sta.uary. and some rare and interesting
specimens with equally interesting histories.
brought from remote quarters of the globe. There
are also a number OF glass cases filed with small
specImens OF endless varieties.
TIE exhibits supplemented by encyclopedia
scrapbooks bearing upon the subjects 10 be studied.
Besides these there will also be complete refer
ence library.
The museum will be open for a private exhibition
on Wednesday afternoon. after which It will be
thrown open TO the public.