
There are several reasons why you might know The Guggenheim in NYC even if you’ve never visited. Not only has it been featured in iconic movies and TV Shows like Men in Black, the Gossip Girl reboot and Manhattan, but it’s also one of the most Instagrammable museums in the city thanks to its instantly recognizable one-of-a-kind, six-story helical ramp. Officially known as the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and designed by famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright, there’s plenty more you should know about this Upper East Side treasure if you’re planning to visit.
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Background on The Guggenheim
Officially opening as the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in 1959, it is both one of the most famous buildings in the world and one of the best places to visit in the city. It is named after the American businessman and art collector of the same name. He originally founded the museum in 1939 after developing an interest in modern art and purchasing Kandinsky’s work. That’s how his famed art collection was born.
However, the museum is best known for its unique, spiral-ramped structure. Designed by renowned American architect Frank Lloyd Wright, the curved building was meant to create “the best possible atmosphere in which to show fine paintings or listen to music”. Although the building initially received criticism for breaking a lot of centuries-old architecture rules, its design challenged the notion that buildings should have a ground floor, a first floor and so on. Less than fifty years later, The Guggenheim was added to the UNESCO heritage site list.
What to expect when you visit The Guggenheim
The Guggenheim is home to an extensive collection of modern and contemporary art, including the ongoing Thannhauser Collection, boasting pieces from notable artists like Degas, Manet, Picasso, and Van Gogh. Additionally, expect to see more upcoming exhibitions featuring LED signs, Orphic Cubism paintings and so much more.
The museum is usually the busiest between 12pm and 3pm during the week and it’s packed on the weekend. Depending on the exhibitions you’re seeing, it might take you somewhere between one and three hours to visit the museum and properly reflect on the amazing artwork.
Where is The Guggenheim and how to get there
Thanks to its convenient location on Museum Mile, the popular Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum is easy to get to. There are several public transport options, including the subway and buses with stops on Madison or Fifth Avenue. If you choose to drive to the museum, parking is difficult but not impossible. There is side parking available on Fifth Avenue if you’re lucky. But there are two parking lots at 40 East 89th Street and 60 East 90th Street that offer discounts to museum visitors.
Get your tickets to The Guggenheim Museum
The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum is a beloved spot for both locals and tourists alike so make sure to book your tickets to the museum before your visit to ensure entrance. Explore all its galleries, from the permanent collection to the continuously changing temporary exhibitions.
What else can you do when you visit?
Besides its main exhibitions, kids can get involved in the museums considerable educational programs. Young and emerging artists can also take part in the artist-in-residence program, Learning Through Art. Since you’re in the Upper East Side, make a day of it and hit up The Met, have a picnic at Central Park and stroll around The Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir. And don’t forget to grab a souvenir at the museum’s cool gift shop to always remember your visit.
FAQs
Is it worth visiting?
Whether you’re an art history major, a cultured art connoisseur, or it’s your first time in the city, a visit to The Guggenheim is always a must. The six-storied building houses over 8000 artworks by some of the most important modern and contemporary artists of the last decades, including paintings, sculpture, photography, and video.
Does the Guggenheim have free admission days?
While the museum doesn’t have free admission days for adults, it does offer Pay What You Wish on Mondays and Saturdays from 4 to 5:30pm. You can contribute for as little as $1, but the suggested amount is $10. If you’re planning a family visit, admission for children under 12 is always free.
Does your membership get you into the other Guggenheim museums around the world?
Museum members get unlimited free admission at all Guggenheim museums (New York, Bilbao, and Venice).
How much does a ticket cost?
Last year the admission price for adults was raised by five dollars. It now costs $30 rather than the former $25.
From its other-worldly architecture to its immersive exhibitions, a visit to The Guggenheim should definitely be on your bucket list. And now you have all the info to plan your visit according to your time and interests.