August 7, 2015

NYC: Whitney Museum of American Art; things to do

Whitney Museum of American Art  

99 Gansevoort St., Meatpacking District, (212) 570-3600.  M&W 10:30am-6pm, Thur-Sat 10-30-10, Sun 10:30-6, closed Tu.  $22, seniors/students $18, under 18 free. 

This major museum specializing in American art has closed its Madison Avenue location and moved into the trendy Meatpacking area by the southern tip of the High Line.  The new building housing the Whitney Museum of American Art is sharply angled, with polished gray stone and plenty of glass.

exterior of new Whitney Museum of American Art in NYC
exterior of new Whitney Museum of American Art in NYC


The recommended way to view exhibits is to take the elevator to Floor Eight, where 1910-1940 is represented by colorful Georgia O’Keeffes, streamlined Machine Age works, and more.  On Floor Seven, 1925-1960 covers Surrealism and Abstract Expressionism, my favorite being Alexander Calder’s large three-dimensional Circus and an accompanying video that shows some of the pieces in action.  I joined one of the popular free tours here, but it was so crowded that I dropped out part-way through.

Floor 7 of new Whitney Museum of American Art in NYC
Floor 7 of new Whitney Museum of American Art in NYC


Floor Six covers 1950-1975 and Pop Art,

Floor 6 of new Whitney Museum of American Art in NYC
Floor 6 of new Whitney Museum of American Art in NYC


and Floor Five covers 1965-Present.  Each floor has an outdoor space with stairways, sculpture, and city views that are themselves worth the price of admission.

view from balcony at new Whitney Museum of American Art in NYC
view from balcony at new Whitney Museum of American Art in NYC


view from balcony at new Whitney Museum of American Art in NYC
view from balcony at new Whitney Museum of American Art in NYC


Both museum restaurants are operated by Danny Meyer’s Union Square Hospitality Group.  On Floor One, Untitled at the Whitney Museum of American Art provides fine dining, and on Floor Eight, Studio Cafe provides light snacks and meals with inside and outdoor seating and great views.

Studio Cafe at new Whitney Museum of American Art in NYC
Studio Cafe at new Whitney Museum of American Art in NYC



More NYC attractions.

More NYC restaurants.

images ©2015 Carole Terwilliger Meyers


6 comments:

  1. Love the outdoor space and restaurants/cafes at museum's - for some reason both seem more interesting if they are part of a museum as opposed to some other public building. Interesting post, Carole!

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  2. The new Whitney looks gorgeous. Since I live in downtown NYC I have no excuse NOT to go...I could use some cult-cha

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  3. Since I am still kicking myself for missing the Georgia O'Keefe Museum in Santa Fe, New Mexico, I'm glad to learn there are some at the Whitney Museum since I live 100 miles south of New York in Philadelphia, so that's infinitely more doable. No airfare.

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  4. Yet another of the myriad of museums in New York that we have yet to visit. Thanks for the info.

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  5. I can't wait to visit the new Whitney. Your post sure made me feel even more eager than before!

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  6. I like pop art so will seek this floor out particularly

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