The Whitney Museum is the epicenter of American modern art. Dive into its extensive collection, featuring iconic pieces like Edward Hopper’s Nighthawks and Alexander Calder’s sculptures. You’ll experience groundbreaking exhibitions like t...
Also Known As
Whitney Museum
Founded On
1931
Founded By
Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney
ADDRESS
99 Gansevoort St, New York, NY 10014, USA
RECOMMENDED DURATION
3 hours
Timings
10:30–18:00
VISITORS PER YEAR
1150000
TICKETS
From $29
NUMBER OF ENTRANCES
2
EXPECTED WAIT TIME - STANDARD
0-30 mins (Peak), 30-60 mins (Off Peak)
Founder: The museum was founded by Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, a prominent sculptor and art patron, in 1931.
Collection size: The Whitney houses over 25,000 works, making it one of the most comprehensive collections of American art.
Biennial: The Whitney Biennial is a prestigious exhibition that has showcased the latest in American art since 1932.
Whitney Museum of American Art Tickets
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The museum boasts a rich collection of over 25,000 works by more than 3,500 artists, spanning from the early 20th century to the present day, including Edward Hopper and Andy Warhol.
Expect approximately 1,000 works that celebrate the origins of the Whitney Museum, all part of the founding collection. Curated by the longest serving curators of the museum, Barbara Haskell and Sasha Nicholas, it features iconic pieces by renowned artists such as Edward Hopper, Georgia O’Keeffe, and George Bellows, alongside works by lesser-known figures.
The exhibition "Ruth Asawa: Through Line" honors the legacy of the pioneering sculptor Ruth Asawa, showcasing her innovative techniques such as intricate wire sculptures, drawing, and the use of everyday materials to create organic forms and geometric patterns. Asawa’s work reflects her Japanese heritage and her experiences as a Japanese American during World War II, addressing themes of resilience, identity, and community.
This one explores the multifaceted work of Harry Smith, an influential artist, filmmaker, and ethnomusicologist known for experimental films and deep engagement with themes of spirituality and cultural memory. You’ll find his notable works, including Early Abstractions, a series of hand-painted films that blend color and rhythm, and Heaven and Earth Magic, which showcases his surreal visual narratives. The exhibition also highlights his landmark compilation, Anthology of American Folk Music, which revived interest in traditional American music and underscored his understanding of cultural identity.
Henry Taylor's exhibition, "B Side," showcases his vibrant and thought-provoking paintings that address themes of identity, race, and social justice. Taylor's work often features portraits of friends, family, and community members, rendered in a bold, expressive style that captures the essence of his subjects. Notice Taylor's ability to blend personal narrative with broader cultural commentary, making it a significant contribution to contemporary American art, as you see in his works.
In "Counterculture," Rose B. Simpson presents a body of work that challenges traditional narratives around identity, culture, and heritage. Simpson, a member of the Santa Clara Pueblo, combines ceramics, sculpture, and performance to explore themes of indigenous identity and contemporary life. Socialsocial justice and environmental issues dominate this collection, inviting you to think about the intersections of art and activism.
Highlighting work of contemporary artists from Nicaragua, the concept of bilwi naats ga’niipci, which translates to "the art of the people." The exhibition showcases a range of artistic practices that reflect the cultural heritage and social realities of Nicaraguan communities. Through various mediums, artists explore themes of identity, resistance, and community, offering a unique perspective on the role of art in social change.
1930: Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, a prominent socialite and patron of the arts, established the museum to provide a venue dedicated to American art. The museum initially opened in her 8 West 8th Street townhouse, featuring her own collection and works by emerging American artists.
1931: The museum's inaugural exhibition showcases 174 artworks, highlighting American artists like Edward Hopper and Charles Demuth This event marks the museum’s commitment to presenting contemporary American art.
1954: The Whitney moves to a purpose-built facility designed by architect Marcel Breuer at 945 Madison Avenue. The new location allows the museum to expand its exhibition space and includes features like the Breuer-designed cantilevered galleries, which facilitate the display of larger works and installations.
1977: Under the leadership of then-director Tom Armstrong, the Whitney begins focusing more intensely on contemporary art. This shift includes the establishment of the 'Biennial exhibition,' which becomes a significant platform for emerging and innovative artists.
2015: The museum opens a new building designed by Renzo Piano at 99 Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District. The new facility features 50,000 square feet of exhibition space, including a rooftop gallery with views of the city and the Hudson River. This relocation addresses space constraints and modernizes the visitor experience.
2020: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Whitney expands its digital outreach with virtual exhibitions and online programs. Notable initiatives include virtual tours of the museum’s collection and live-streamed artist talks, which allow global audiences to engage with the museum’s offerings.
Today: The Whitney remains a leading institution for contemporary American art, continuously evolving its exhibitions and educational programs. It maintains a robust collection of over 25,000 works, including pieces by influential artists like Jeff Koons, Cindy Sherman, and Alexander Calder.
The Whitney Museum of American Art was founded by Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, an American socialite and art patron. In 1930, Whitney established the museum with a vision to support and showcase American artists. Initially, the museum was located in her private townhouse on West 8th Street in Manhattan, which she transformed into an art gallery. Whitney’s dedication and funding played a crucial role in the museum’s early development and its ongoing commitment to American art.
The Whitney Museum of American Art’s newest building, at 99 Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District, opened in 2015 and was designed by the acclaimed architect Renzo Piano (known for collaboratively designing the Centre Georges Pompidou, in Paris). This modern facility features a striking glass-and-steel facade with shifting terraces that reflect the city’s dynamic atmosphere. The building encompasses 50,000 square feet of exhibition space, allowing for a versatile range of art displays from large-scale installations to intimate works. The open, flexible layout supports innovative presentations and enhances the museum’s role in showcasing contemporary American art.
A highlight of the design is the rooftop gallery, which offers sweeping views of the city and the Hudson River, leaving you with sights of both the art and the urban landscape. The building also incorporates sustainable design elements, including energy-efficient systems and eco-friendly materials. Piano’s thoughtful design not only elevates the museum’s architectural presence but also aligns with modern environmental standards, making it a landmark in the Meatpacking District and a fitting home for the Whitney’s contemporary art collections.
The Whitney Museum’s collection comprises over 25,000 works of art. This extensive collection includes masterpieces by influential American artists such as Edward Hopper, Alexander Calder, and Jeff Koons, reflecting a broad spectrum of contemporary artistic practices.
Among the must-see works at the Whitney is Edward Hopper’s New York Office and Nighthawks studies, which provide an intimate glimpse into the artist's vision of urban isolation. Another iconic piece is Lee Krasner’s The Seasons, a monumental painting that expresses raw emotion and energy. For fans of contemporary art, recent acquisitions like Dyani White Hawk’s Nourish and Rashid Johnson’s New Poetry offer compelling modern narratives.
Current exhibitions at the Whitney Museum include “American Voices: Highlights from the Collection,” which features key works from the museum’s collection, and “Recent Acquisitions: Contemporary Dialogues,” showcasing new additions to the museum’s holdings.
Yes, the Whitney Museum offers two dining options: Frenchette Bakery, located on the ground floor, featuring freshly baked goods, light meals, and drinks; and Studio Bar on the 8th floor, which provides snacks and beverages with access to the museum's terraces. Both venues offer a relaxing atmosphere to complement your museum visit.
Non-flash photography for personal use is generally permitted in the museum’s public spaces. However, specific exhibitions may have restrictions, so check for any signage or guidelines at the entrance of galleries.
Tickets for the Whitney Museum can be purchased online through the museum’s official website or at the museum’s ticket desk. To avoid long waits, especially during peak times, it is recommended to buy tickets in advance. The website also provides options for timed entry tickets.
Nearby attractions include the High Line, a popular elevated park, and Chelsea Market, known for its diverse food options. Other cultural institutions within walking distance include the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology, the Rubin Museum of Art, and the Chelsea Art Museum.
Yes, the Whitney Museum is committed to accessibility. The building is designed to be fully accessible, with features such as ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms. The museum also offers assistive listening devices, guided tours for visitors with disabilities, and materials in various formats to accommodate different needs.
