Whitney Museum Of American Art

The Whitney Museum of American Art is a renowned institution dedicated to collecting, exhibiting, and interpreting American art from the 20th and 21st centuries.

Founded by sculptor Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, the museum has played a pivotal role in showcasing the diverse and evolving landscape of American art, emphasizing the works of living artists.

With a focus on contemporary and modern art, the Whitney Museum features an extensive collection of paintings, sculptures, photographs, and multimedia installations, providing a comprehensive and dynamic exploration of the rich tapestry of American artistic expression.

The museum’s commitment to fostering a deeper understanding of American art and culture is evident through its engaging exhibitions, educational programs, and commitment to supporting emerging and established artists alike.

History of the Whitney Museum of American Art

At its founding, the Whitney Museum of American Art aimed to support and exhibit American artists, particularly those whose works were considered unconventional or overlooked by mainstream art institutions.

Here is a brief timeline outlining key events in the history of the Whitney Museum of American Art:

• 1930: Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney founds the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York City with the goal of supporting and exhibiting American artists.
• 1931: The museum is initially established as the Whitney Studio Club in Greenwich Village.
• 1931: The museum moves to a townhouse on West 8th Street, expanding its focus on contemporary American art.
• 1966: The Whitney relocates to a larger space on Madison Avenue and East 75th Street, designed by architect Marcel Breuer, allowing for the expansion of its collection and exhibition space.
• 1981: The Whitney Biennial, a major exhibition of contemporary American art, becomes a regular feature, showcasing the diversity and innovation in the country’s art scene.
• 2015: The museum moves to its current location in the Meatpacking District, designed by architect Renzo Piano, providing a modern and spacious facility to continue its mission of promoting and presenting American art.

Throughout its history, the Whitney Museum has been committed to supporting living artists and offering a comprehensive view of American art.

The museum’s relocations and architectural developments reflect its growth and dedication to evolving with the dynamic landscape of American artistic expression.

What To Expect When Visiting The Whitney Museum

Visiting the Whitney Museum of American Art promises an immersive and dynamic experience in the vibrant world of American creativity.

What can you expect on your visit to the Whitney Museum of American Art?

1. Diverse Collection: Explore a comprehensive collection of American art from the 20th and 21st centuries, including paintings, sculptures, photographs, and multimedia installations.
2. Architectural Marvel: Experience the striking architecture of the museum’s building designed by Renzo Piano, providing a modern and inviting space for artistic engagement.
3. Changing Exhibitions: Encounter a dynamic array of temporary exhibitions, ranging from retrospectives of iconic artists to contemporary installations, ensuring a fresh and evolving experience with each visit.
4. Whitney Biennial: Don’t miss the Whitney Biennial, a prominent exhibition held every two years, showcasing the latest trends and innovations in American art.
5. Engaging Programs: Participate in educational programs, lectures, and events organized by the museum, offering deeper insights into the featured artworks and the broader American art scene.
6. Support for Living Artists: Witness the Whitney’s commitment to living artists through its emphasis on contemporary works, supporting emerging talents, and fostering a connection between artists and audiences.
7. Cultural Context: Gain a deeper understanding of American culture and history through the lens of art, as the museum’s collection reflects the social and political dynamics of the country.
8. Spectacular Views: Enjoy panoramic views of the Meatpacking District and the High Line from the museum’s outdoor terraces, providing a unique perspective on both art and the city.
9. Interactive Installations: Encounter interactive and immersive art installations that invite visitors to actively engage with the artworks, creating a more participatory museum experience.
10. Artistic Community: Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of the American artistic community, appreciating the diversity of styles, themes, and voices that contribute to the nation’s cultural identity.

To summarize your expected experience, the museum offers a journey through the diverse landscape of 20th and 21st-century American art.

Location The Whitney Museum

The Whitney Museum of American Art is located at:

99 Ganesvoort Street, New York, NY 10014

The museum is located in the Meatpacking District, a vibrant and historic neighborhood located on Manhattan’s west side…once known for its meatpacking warehouses and industrial character, it has evolved into a fashionable and trendy area.

The Whitney Museum Exhibition Times & Tickets

Free Friday Nights & Second Sundays

You guessed it!

Admission to the Whitney is free on Friday evenings from 5:00 – 10:00p.

But the fun doesn’t stop there…on the 2nd Sunday of each month, you get free admission all day long.

Whitney Museum Membership

The Whitney offers memberships at 9 different levels ranging from $90/year to $5,000/year.

Memberships don’t even have to be paid up-front, and can be paid monthly with no additional fee or up-charge…you just have to commit to a 12-month minimum membership when paying monthly.

When you select the auto-renew option on most of the membership levels, you also get a discounted price.

Here are some of the general features of a Whitney Museum membership:

• Unlimited free admission
• 50% off general admission tickets for your guests
• Early admission on select weekend mornings
• Celebratory Member Nights throughout the year
• 10% off at the Museum Shop & Frenchette Bakery
• Special Museum Shop shopping days
• Special offers at local dining favorites in the Meatpacking District
• Free admission to top modern and contemporary art museums around the world through the Reciprocal Admission Program (Dual level and above)

Each higher-priced membership level adds more benefits and special offers in addition to those listed above.