The Whitney Museum, famous for its American art and rooftop

New York is famous for its large museums like the Met, MoMA or the Guggenheim city. Modern art had another “home” with the Whitney Museum on Madison Avenue.

This museum was on the Upper East Side until October 2014 and then moved.

It reopened on May 1, 2015, and I visited it a few weeks later.

The history of Whitney Museum

Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, a sculptor and art collector, created the Whitney Museum in 1931.

The Whitney is all about American art; its full name is Whitney Museum of American Art. Its collection consists of more than 21,000 pieces of the 20th century and contemporary art from over 3,000 “live” artists.

The Whitney Museum was the first museum to present works made by American artists who were not famous or little known. It was also the first museum to organize an exhibition of video works by Nam June Paik in 1982. The Whitney is also the first to present a retrospective of Jasper Johns, Cy Twombly, and Cindy Sherman.

The most famous event of the museum is its biennial, featuring artists and more recent works of American art.

How is the Whitney Museum?

The new Whitney Museum was designed by Renzo Piano and is located in the developing area of ​​the High Line.

This new building has 8 floors:
– Ground floor (Floor 1): the main entrance, the box office, there is a shop and a restaurant.

– 3rd floor: a space called the Education Center with a theater for some events, conferences and shows.

– From 5th to 8th floor with exhibition galleries on each floor and a magnificent terrace overlooking the area and almost all of New York and New Jersey.
Each floor has a theme, from 1965 to now (5th floor), 1950-1975 (6th floor), 1925-1960 (7th floor), 1910-1940 (8th floor).

– On the top floor there is a large restaurant with tables on the rooftop.

What can you see in the museum?

This is a contemporary art museum but also a place to rest in one of the terraces, and eat on the rooftop enjoying the panorama of NY.

Some pieces of art are contemporary (maybe too much for some of you? 😉 )

Artists use all kinds of materials and techniques to create their works: painting, sculpture, video, wood etc.

Some works are more political like this one:

The museum offers permanent and temporary exhibitions. I invite you to review the agenda on their website.

What can be seen from the terraces?

As I said above, you can see the whole area of ​​Meatpacking District with the High Line and Standard Hotel, also you can see the Empire State Building, and the One WTC …

There’s some art too,

And places where you can take a break, like these colored chairs.

What is the environment like in the museum?

The museum was brand new at the time of my visit, and it seemed there were many people. Beyond that, it is a museum like many, with a very peaceful atmosphere, it is very pleasant both in the galleries and terraces.

How much is admission?

There are several rates:
– Adults: $ 25
– Senior: $ 18
– Students: $ 18
Free for children under 18 years.

The museum is included in several visitors Passes.

When does it open?

Note that the museum is closed on Tuesdays!
Mon 10:30 am–6 pm
Tuesday Closed
Wed 10:30 am–6 pm
Thurs 10:30 am–6 pm
Fri 10:30 am–10 pm
Sat 10:30 am–10 pm
Sun 10:30 am–6 pm

Is there a good tip of this place?

I loved the terrace.

The museum is open until 10 pm on Friday and Saturday, so I recommend that you visit the museum during the afternoon and evening to enjoy the view over the city by night.

It is best to start at the top floor and slowly make your way down the stairs to see the art in chronological order.

Where is the museum in NYC?

The museum is in the Meatpacking District, at the southernmost part of the High Line.

Address: 99 Gansevoort Street, New York, NY 10014.

Conclusion

The Whitney Museum is very nice and has all modern facilities (spacious galleries, terraces, rooftop).

The Art is contemporary and very modern.

It is located very close to the Chelsea Market, I mean, you can take the opportunity to grab something to eat before or after you visit 😉