The Museum of Modern Art in Manhattan is a haven for art enthusiasts, with a colossal collection spanning thousands of masterpieces. Established in 1929, this New York City museum has been entertaining and educating the public with paintings, photography, sculptures, and interesting conversations for close to a century. This top spot has inspired generations and if you’re thinking of visiting MoMA, here’s what you should know before you go!
Background on MoMA
There will always be people who criticize modern art and just imagine how much more prevalent this criticism must have been back in 1929. That’s when three bolshy women made their mark on the NYC scene. Lillie P Bliss, Mary Quinn Sullivan and Abby Aldrich Rockefeller created MoMA NYC with a clear vision – bring the joy of modern art to the city.
Since those early days, MoMA has amassed one of the largest collections of modern art and those who admire the works of Pollock, Warhol, Bacon and many more flock to New York City just to visit this artistic pinpoint. More recently, the NYC institution has been recognized internationally for its exhibitions and Paola Antonelli, MoMA’s Senior Curator in the Department of Architecture and Design, has been lauded for her contributions to the world of art and design.
What to expect when you visit
MoMA is designed to accommodate everyone. Accessibility is a priority, with facilities like all-gender bathrooms and baby changing areas which you will need when you explore the vast array of exhibits yourself or on a guided tour. This place has floors and floors of exhibitions, including a whopping 150,000 individual pieces of artwork. Temporary exhibitions offer the opportunity to see something unique where visitors have explored the visceral emotions of the human condition with Käthe Kollwitz’s soul-stirring pieces or experienced the sleek design of modern Latin furniture.
You can pick up tons of fantastic souvenirs featuring everything from books to cups and much more too at the MoMA store. Try to get there early, from 10.30 am, to avoid the queues.
What else can you do when you visit?
MoMA NYC draws audiences, not just with its exhibitions but with a whole host of exciting events. There are free UNIQLO NYC Nights where there are often DJs and events to raise money like the annual Party in the Garden. Sometimes, experts will give talks or lectures and there’s always something going on.
The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is an oasis of visual wonders, with a world-class collection. Surrounded by the busy streets of Manhattan, this tranquil spot is a place to get lost in color, shape, texture and culture. You can spend a whole day there or drop in for a few hours between exploring the nearby attractions: The Rockefeller Center, Times Square and Central Park.
The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City boasts much of the world’s most famous modern art. To truly understand and appreciate the colossal influence of this artistic genre, you simply must visit MoMA. It tells the story of the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries, visually taking you on a beautiful journey.
FAQs
What is MoMA famous for?
MoMA’s huge collection of artwork covers a wide range of media, themes and cultures. There you will find Van Gogh’s The Starry Night, Picasso’s Les Demoiselles d’Avignon and Andy Warhol’s Campbell’s Soup Cans. You’ll also find artwork from Dali, Matisse, Monet, Rousseau and many more famous artists.
When is MoMA free?
Residents of New York City can enjoy free admission to MoMA from 4-8 pm on the first Friday of each month. Tickets to the UNIQLO NYC Nights are available to reserve a week before and you need proof of residency. Kids under 16 always go free.
Is The Met or MoMA better?
It really depends on what you want to see and do. The Met is a huge museum, displaying artefacts and artwork from around the world. There you will find everything from Ancient Egyptian relics to modern-day art. MoMA focuses exclusively on modern art. If your interest lies in modern art then there is no better place to appreciate it than MoMA.
Where is MoMA and how to get there
Getting to this MoMA couldn’t be easier. Centrally located on 11 West 53rd Street, it’s in the middle of Midtown Manhattan. You can take the E or M trains to 5th Avenue/53rd Street or the F train to 57th Street and then walk for a few minutes.