The Museum of Arts & Design (MAD) is devoted to the artistic handicrafts tradition with items made from fabric, ceramics, metals, and wood. As you'd expect, the collection includes wonderful jewelry and quilts, as well as many other creative, innovative and quirky items.Best and worst times to go to the Museum of Arts & DesignThe items on display vary widely, since the museum tends to show changing exhibitions rather than devoting space to permanent collections. Recent exhibitions have included Pucci's mannequins, fine watchmaking, photographs, contemporary ceramics, and the art of scent. To make sure you are interested in the current exhibitions, be sure to check the Museum's website in advance of your visit.Must see/do at the Museum of Arts & DesignMAD's mission is to collect, display, and interpret objects that document contemporary and historic innovation in craft, art, and design. This broad objective and the fact the museum's exhibitions and educational programs are constantly changing, mean that you never know exactly what you're going to see at MAD. So the best thing to do is to follow the Museum's leading in celebrating the creative process and all things whimsical. Keep an open mind and enjoy the possibilities!Admission to the Museum of Arts & DesignThe Museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with extended hours to 9 p.m. on Thursday and Friday. It is closed Mondays and major holidays. The fee for admission is $16 for adults, $14 for seniors, and $12 for students. Members and children 18 and under are free.Parking and Public Transportation to the Museum of Arts & DesignTo get there by subway, take the E or F train to the Fifth Avenue stop. For details about hours, admission and current exhibits, visit their web site.(between 5th and 6th Avenues)Food at the Museum of Arts & DesignLocated on the top floor, the Museum's restaurant, Robert, is open daily for lunch, tea service and dinner (even on Mondays when MAD is closed). As you'd expect in a museum devoted to design, the space and the cuisine are innovative and delightful. And the view is not to be missed.Insider tip for visitors to the Museum of Arts & DesignTwo tips:Admission is pay-what-you-wish on Thursday evenings from 6 PM to 9 PM.Use the stairwells to move from floor to floor, if you can. You'll find a number of hidden treasures and surprises.Other places to visit near the Museum of Arts & DesignThe south end of Central Park is across the street from MAD. A short stroll will take you to a number of Park landmarks, including Belvedere Castle, Bethesda Fountain, and the Carousel.Author's bio: Victoria Franzese is a proud New Yorker who owned, operated, and wrote for a successful online travel guide for 15 years. Now, thankfully, all of her travel is purely for fun. See where she's going next at @VOFranzese.