Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
1071 Fifth Avenue
(between 88th and 89th Streets)
Manhattan
(212) 423-3500
Guggenheim Museum SoHo
575 Broadway (at Prince)
Manhattan
(212) 423-3500
www.guggenheim.org
What's
New?
Inside
Tips
The
Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum is located in Upper Manhattan at
1071 5th Avenue at East 89th Street, along
Museum Mile. The building was designed by world-renowned
architect Frank Lloyd Wright and resembles a white marshmallow
with a large glass dome for a ceiling. Housed within is one of
the most treasured collections of paintings and sculpture
anywhere. The Guggenheim is widely lauded and is definitely
worthy of a visit by anyone who enjoys art, free thinking, or an
enjoyable way to spend an afternoon.
The
museum was originally conceived by Baroness Hilla Rebay von
Ehrenwiesen, a very influential woman, who commissioned Wright
to create a design for her. He responded with a set of plans,
and their disagreement over these plans caused construction to
be delayed a full sixteen years. The museum finally opened in
1959. Featured paintings include works by Picasso, Van Gogh, and
Kandinsky, among others, and the emphasis here is on modern art.
Sculpture is also prominently displayed throughout, and the
collection is so vast that a separate branch, the Guggenheim
SoHo (located along Broadway at Prince Street,) was opened in
1992.
The most popular way to
view art at the Guggenheim is to enter the building and then
take the elevator to the very top. From there, you can proceed
down the spiraling ramp down to ground level, enjoying the art
on the way down. Some criticize Wright’s design, as they feel
it is not an ideal art-viewing environment, but these
individuals appear to be in the minority.
Guggenheim
SoHo began as a less popular offspring of the main museum, but
has enjoyed a steady rise in popularity over the past few years.
It takes up residence in a landmark brick structure that dates
back to the nineteenth century and was partially designed by
Arata Isozaki. Modern art and pieces from the main permanent
collection are featured at the SoHo branch, while temporary
exhibitions tend to remain in the main museum. There is also a
museum store, which faces out onto Broadway.
For more information on
the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, call (212) 423-3500. Admission
is $15, $10 for those over 65 and for students, and free for
children under 12 (provided that they are accompanied by an
adult.) The price includes admission to Guggenheim SoHo as well.
Both factions are open Sunday through Wednesday from 10:00 am to
6:00 pm and Friday and Saturday from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm. Doors
are closed on New Year’s Day and Christmas Day.
