UPPER EAST SIDE — Thinking small has gotten big.
The Museum of the City of New York's micro-apartment exhibition, "Making Room: New Models for Housing New Yorkers," has proven so popular that the institution is extending the show's end date nearly two weeks, officials said.
And, as part of the extension through Sept. 15, the Museum will raffle off the cube-shaped, space-saving ottoman-and-coffee table combination highlighted in the exhibition.
That furnishing, called the Cubista, converts to provide seating for four people, according to the Museum and Resource Furniture, which loaned the item to the exhibit.
The Cubista became such an object of curiosity that "visitors frequently ask to see the Cubista transformation," the Museum said.
"People have no idea what's in it," according to Lisa Blecker, Resource's marketing director. "They think it's a little stool or a coffee table."
Because of its popularity, the MCNY asked Resource whether the store would be willing to give away the piece, Blecker said.
"It's become such a hit," Blecker said. "Everybody really loves it, and the Museum asked us if we would raffle it off, and we agreed."
Starting Friday, MCNY visitors can enter a contest to win the item.
The Italian-made Cubista sold at Resource typically converts from a cube into seating for five, Blecker explained, but the designer customized the model in the show to feature a walnut top instead of a fifth seat, as well as flashy fuchsia upholstery.
The Cubista costs $950 at Resource, which specializes in convertible furniture for small apartments and is located at 969 Third Ave.
Blecker said Resource's goal is to prompt discussion about micro-apartments — and how they might address New York City's long-term housing needs.
"i just hope that more people get to see this exhibition," she said. "We just wanted the contest to increase attendance."
