In New York there are two museums dedicated to contemporary arts: the MoMA PS1 and the MoMA. The latter is one of the most famous museums of contemporary art in the world. MoMA PS1 is like an annex museum, located in Queens.
It is a museum that will appeal to amateurs of contemporary art exhibitions, and if you’re not one of them, even the restaurant is worth a visit.
UPDATE IN PROGRESS – SORRY FOR THE INCONVENIENCE – 2018/08
MoMA PS1: its avant-garde exhibitions, events and restaurant
├ History of MoMA PS1
├ What to see at MoMA PS1?
├ What did I see at MoMA PS1?
├ A good tip for the MoMA PS1: M. Wells Dinette restaurant
├ How much is the entrance fee?
├ When is the MoMA PS1 open?
├ How much time is needed to visit the museum?
├ Where is the MoMA PS1?
└ Conclusion
History of MoMA PS1
MoMA PS1 is one of the oldest museums dedicated to contemporary art in the United States.
It was founded by Alanna Heiss in 1971 at a Public School, hence the PS). Back then, there was a program to renovate abandoned buildings in New York, to transform them into studios for artists and make them places for exhibitions.
For about 20 years the museum was called The Institute for Art and Urban Resources. He received very famous national and international artists.
After being closed for about 3 years, they reopened in 1997 under the name PS 1 Contemporary Center.
Eventually, it was in 2000 when it joined the MoMA, pooling their funds and financial resources. It became MoMA PS1.
What to see at MoMA PS1?
It is an artistic laboratory. It has many temporary exhibitions of artists starting their careers. They are national and international artists.
In the great building of this former school, there is one to two exhibitions. The rest of the building is used by artists to work on their future exhibits.
Actually, it is very surprising to enter a big building and see only one exhibition.
The works are very contemporary. It is a very modern concept, perfect for fans of the style. I can’t even tell if it’s a museum for people who don’t like this kind of art.
To see the calendar of exhibitions, click here: http://momaps1.org/exhibitions/
The museum is also organizing events throughout the year:
– The Sunday Sessions: can be conferences or shows that take place mainly on Sundays. But it could be scheduled for another day, as for example a special event for Halloween (Friday 31st this year). http://momaps1.org/sundaysessions
– MoMA PS1 Young Architects Program is an annual competition organized by MoMA PS1 and MoMA. The architects submit their proposals for an exhibition in the courtyard of MoMA PS1. For more information, check here: http://momaps1.org/yap/view/17
– The Warm Up is a musical event that takes place during the summer. Every Saturday of summer (early June to late September), DJs come to play lounge music in the courtyard. To view the program, click here: http://momaps1.org/warmup/
MoMA PS1 is also a restaurant and a shop, selling works related to its current exhibitions and contemporary art in general.
What did I see at MoMA PS1?
I visited this museum twice.
The first time was in May 2013. There was a single exposure at this time.
It was the work of James Turrell, called Meeting (see more here). It was a square room on the top floor. The roof was cut out so you could see the sky and appreciate the silence of this room in a city like NYC.
That day, there were many clouds, so it looked pretty nice.
The second time was in October 2014. I discovered the work of the French artist Xavier Le Roy called Retrospective. It will be at the MoMA until December 1st.
To see his creation, you have to go upstairs.
Then you arrive to an empty room, in which there is a theater and dance performances.
I will not tell you everything about it, but the concept is that an actor comes along and starts to act for you.
One of the actors stayed with me for an hour.
Then you can learn about the work of Xavier Le Roy on a computer.
A good tip for the MoMA PS1: M. Wells Dinette restaurant
If you visit the museum, I recommend you eat at this restaurant. Well, if you do not visit the museum, it also worth it.
I liked the decor.
As MoMA PS1 is an old school, they used school furniture, blackboards… for the decoration, it looks like a classroom.
They have burgers, french fries, sandwiches, salads…
It opens daily from 12am to 6.00pm.
How much is the entrance fee?
The rate is:
– $ 10 for adults
– $ 5 for students and seniors
– Free for children under 16 years.
When is the MoMA PS1 open?
The museum is open every day except Tuesday and Wednesday.
– Open from 12am to 6.00pm.
– Closed for some holidays like Thanksgiving, December 25th and January 1st.
On January 24th, it closes at 3.00pm.
How much time is needed to visit the museum?
It depend on whether you like or don’t like the exhibitions. It can be from 10 minutes to 1h-1h30.
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Where is the MoMA PS1?
It is located in Queens, Long Island City.
It is close to Five Pointz, an area that used to be dedicated to graffiti but it’s being demolished to implement residence condos…
However, very nearby, you can stroll along the East River by the Gantry Plaza State Park. The view over the skyline of Manhattan is very nice from there.
Address: 22-25 Jackson Avenue, Long Island City, NY 11101
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Conclusion
If you like contemporary art, you have to go to MoMA PS1.
If you want to visit the entire area of Long Island City, do not miss this museum 😉
It is best to review the schedule of events they propose before you go, to make your visit event more interesting.
Website: www.nycgo.com
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MoMA PS1: its avant-garde exhibitions, events and restaurant
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