New York’s place as a leading light in the art world is undisputed, and a visit to the Guggenheim Museum is at the top of many people’s list of must-sees. Even if you’re not an art enthusiast, the experience of viewing masterpieces from Frank Lloyd Wright’s famous spiral ramps is unforgettable. A little planning will help you get the best from your visit, and this guide will set you off on the right path to have a perfect day surrounded by amazing art.
History Established in 1937, the Solomon Guggenheim foundation quickly gained a reputation for showcasing cutting-edge art, giving people their first encounter with works by artists like Wassily Kandinsky. The popularity of Guggenheim’s collection inspired the creating of a permanent building, and the unique home for the museum was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. The Guggenheim New York opened in October 1959 and attracts over a million visitors each year.
What can I see?
The vast permanent collection has several must-sees. Picasso’s ‘Woman with Yellow Hair’ is a stunning example of work from his surrealist period, while other notable pieces include works by Gaugin, Manet, and Kazimir Malevich. The collection is made up of over 600 artworks, showcasing abstract art, from impressionism to the present day.
The permanent collection is joined by visiting exhibitions, to support the museum’s ethos of fluidity and representing emerging artists alongside great artists from history. If you want to see a particular painting from the collection or to find out more about a visiting exhibition, just email collections@guggenheim.org.
How do I get there?
The Guggenheim Museum is on Fifth Avenue, between 88th and 89th Street, in the Upper East Side district. Subway lines 4, 5, 6 and Q will get you a stop near the museum, or hop on buses M1, M2, M3 or M4 on Madison or Fifth Avenue. Despite what you’ve seen in the films, getting a taxi is a costly and often slow way to travel around New York, so familiarising yourself with the city’s public transport service means more time to spend enjoying the art.
When can I go?
Opening hours at the Guggenheim New York are 10am-5.30pm seven days a week, with late opening until 8pm on Tuesdays and Saturdays. How much does it cost? Current admission charges are on the website www.guggenheim.org where you’ll find details of concessions for students and children here too. Saturday evening is “pay what you choose” but it does get pretty crowded.
Will my children enjoy it?
Definitely. There are family activity guides, creative programs and special family tours on Sundays. Can I get something to eat there? Yes, there’s café overlooking Central Park for a quick snack, or an American Bistro for more substantial brunch or lunch.
What’s nearby?
If you don’t think you’ll spend the whole day in the galleries, then you’ll find plenty to do nearby. The excellent Jewish Museum is within walking distance, you could enjoy time in Central Park walking by Jackie Kennedy Onassis’ reservoir, or have some fun in the Ancient Playground just six minutes’ walk from the Guggenheim Museum.
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Find more Things To Do in New York: Central Park | Ground Zero | Helicopter Rides | High Line | Metropolitan Museum of Art | Statue of Liberty | Times Square | Top of the Rock Observation Deck