Guggenheim Museum

5/25/2014

Expensive but well worth it. Just approaching the architecture by Frank Lloyd Wright makes it worth it. This building is big ... and larger than life. The exhibits were diverse and quite interesting. Do not bring big bags or anything metal with you. The gift shop prices are astronomical, but I had to succumb!

2/6/2013

I had such high hopes for the Guggenheim but it failed me miserably. Let me preface this review with the following: I think I chose a horrible day to visit this museum as the ramps were closed for installation and only about 3 annexes were open. Honestly it was truly underwhelming. I visit a lot of museums and would like to think I have an appreciation of most all art but the art at the Guggenheim just didn't do it for me.

Although the building itself is really unique, the annexes are cramped and feel crowded no matter how many people are there. The restrooms also really put me off as well, they are one stall broom closets pretty much that were filthy. I felt like I was using a gas station restroom!

I really wish I could have experienced the spiral ramp, maybe another time if I make it back. Compared to the other fantastic museums in New York the Guggenheim just falls a little flat.

9/15/2013

Came here for a party, which was well executed and super cool.  Definitely a great space to throw a party.  Must come back and actually see the art!  The building itself is an amazing work of art itself.

9/7/2012

So whenever someone asks, or if I have to put into my online dating profile, if I like art, my go-to response is "YES! I SHIT my pants when I went to the Guggenheim in New York."

I do, I like art. Unfortunately I don't know much about it, save for the lackadaisical effort I put into Googling them, if I could remember the spelling of their names. But after visiting the Guggenheim I took myself more seriously and acquired a profound respect for visual craft...

didn't think I'd turn this asshole of a review around did you? WhAAAAAAtever.

Anyways the amazing architecture of the building inside and out blew me away. The spiraling walk way made the journey through the exhibits a seamless journey. For a place that was packed with visitors, I was still able to enjoy the experience compared to other packed museums in the NYC.

The exhibits were great, I was glad to have my eyes opened to art and noted a few painters and sculptors to look up later. I never understood the hype about seeing a Manet, Monet, or Picasso until I experienced it myself. Liquid coolness, its the closest I can come to describing it all.

What adds to the experience was the audio tour provided. Amazingly informative narration that deployed several sexy-voiced curators, real artists, and I SWORE Liam Neeson spoke to me about Jackson Pollock.

5/2/2014

One of my favorite museums in the city with an outstanding collection. The architectural lay out of the collections make it an enjoyable experience to wander each hall. Be sure to plan to spend the day to enjoy each nook and cranny.

11/12/2013

Catching up on my yelp reviews. Here is one for the Guggenheim museum that I went here for called the Maurizio Cattelan exhibit.You know the one with the hanging horse exhibit. It was my first time there last year and I just happened to be around for it. And I was like WoW! I don't  know if hanging displays are common by artists at the Guggenheim museum or not because I haven't been back since but it was extremely interesting way to display and view someone's exhibit! Very modern art. His work was just spectacular. I can't wait to get another chance to go back there and see other artists! The spiral building is very unique ad I would recommend for anyone who wants to try something different. I've never been one but this exposure turned me into a museum lover. I hope you love it as much as i did. winter; 2012. Here is a link of what I'm talking about:

google.com/search?q=gugg…

6/8/2013

First, if you do go, get the CityPASS, which allows you to skip the lines - otherwise you may be in line forever.  And the wait doesn't pay off.

The only reason we would recommend visiting is for the novelty of walking up through the museum, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.  Beyond that - meh.  Pure meh.  

MoMA has better modern art.  

The staff here are also mean - flat out mean.  There is nothing inviting.  You feel like they hate all tourists.  (Maybe they do.)  You can't take pictures (you can at MoMA).  There's very little interpretive signage to explain the art.  We saw one docent during our entire visit.  

Go to MoMA or go to the Met.  You can skip this place.

8/29/2013

Went there as much for the building as for the art. The museum is smaller than the MOMA. I was able to go through the entire museum in about an hour. We also came when it was free on Saturday evening, so we only had an hour before close haha. Overall, we were able to see everything and admire the architecture.

9/27/2013

I have never really been the type of person to appreciate art, but I guess things can change. I visited this past Tuesday as a trip for my explorations into the arts class. I was amazed by the architecture of the building--props to Frank Lloyd Wright for creating such a masterpiece. The structure of the building worked so well for the James Turrell exhibit, especially the "Aten Reign" piece. I was mesmerized by the shapes and colors that the light created on the ceiling of the rotunda. It's too bad the exhibition ended!!

Surprisingly, it was pretty busy on a Tuesday afternoon...

9/21/2011

As another reviewer stated, the review is contingent upon the exhibit. For me this exhibit was minimalism...aka rocks. Large rocks. It was cool on the first floor, but interest died with each level. I'm glad I didn't have to climb stairs though. The design of the building is what I would want the standard to be for my fantasy society.

Overall, check the exhibit before you go. If it's not rocks, then go. If it is, go to The Met or MoMa.

Also, photography of the work is limited. That is, on some floors or sections, no photography is allowed.

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12/3/2012

This museum is iconic! The architecture is so unique and original. The art inside is a bit less memorable, but still totally awesome.

Start at the top and work your way down.

I don't think I'd pay full admission to come here, but on Saturday eveningd from 5:45-7:45 pm, it's pay-what-you-wish admission! Woo! And for that price, it's absolutely totally worth it. There was a queue, but it moved quickly. Either wait it or, or come closer to closing. People don't stay in there that long, so you'll get in.

FYI, it doesn't take long to see the exhibits, definitely less than an hour.

4/16/2014

Awesome place. Very interesting artwork and design/layout of the building. Be advised though if you show up a bit before closing walk up to the top and start viewing artwork on your way down. Security is pretty serious about not letting people continue forward when closing time comes close.

7/16/2014

If you've been here once and seen the architectural splendor then I'd say you never need to return unless there is something you absolutely must see. The staff are so rude here it is shocking to me. It's happened to me alone, to friends, and most recently when I visited with my parents. We ended up leaving because they are so unnecessarily unpleasant. There are museums that eclipse the Guggenheim all over the world, not to mention right here in New York! Get off your high horse Guggenheim and treat your visitors with respect. This is not the end All be all of artistic institutions... I have seen the Sistine chapel, the Mona Lisa, and other legendary works, at institutions across the country and the world and have never been treated so poorly. The fact that it's a pattern is disappointing and is enough to keep me from going back.

1/17/2012

Because I had to pay homage to Frank Loyd Wright, I had to visit the Guggenheim when I went to Manhattan.  It was the first thing my husband and I did after we dropped our stuff off at my Aunt's place in the Bronx.  

We took the 5 train down to the 85th station (I think) and arrived a couple of blocks later to the Gug.  When I first caught glimpse of her white modern form, angels began singing in my head -  Aaaaaaaaamen.  

She was a better beauty inside then she was out.  Upon entry, you step into a vast open furor that immediately draws your attention upward because of the spiraling form and beaming daylight.  And when your head is finally tilted back after following the spiral to the top, you see a beautiful roof taking advantage of natural daylight to enhance the user's experience inside.  Breathtaking.  

And if you're here to see art, they house a few Van Goghs.  Unfortunately when we came, not too many exhibits were out, especially around the spiraling ramp due to construction.  It didn't matter so much to me because I was too busy looking at the architecture and experiencing the space.

1/16/2013

Beautiful museum! I've only been twice - once for the Frank Lloyd Wright exhibit and then recently for the Picasso Black and White exhibit. Both were excellent.

The price is pretty steap - $20, although you have the pay as you wish option on Sat nights. However, unless you have a couple extra hours to wait in line to get in with that discount, you're going to end up paying full price or going to another museum with a more moderate pricing structure.

1/14/2013

Someone please explain to me why this museum has only 3.5 stars.
HA.. is it because it's not pay-as-you-wish all the time? Because otherwise, that makes no sense. ANYWAY
Tips!
1. Admission is normally $20, but if you come on Sat it's suggested admission after 5:45pm until 7:45. This is all well and good, but the line is always pretty ROUGH since basically everyone likes free museum nights in NYC.

2. So, if you have a Bank of America debit or credit card, go on Sat or Sun the first weekend of every month. With your BOA card, it's FREE if you enter Sat btw 10am and 5pm (though I'd go early and avoid the people going for FREE night) or Sun btw 1pm and 5pm. This is basically the best deal ever, since it's FREE and you don't have to worry about throngs of people.

3. Always check the exhibits before you go so you won't be too upset if you miss something by a day or two.

4. Gift store is AWESOMEEEEE.

5. The architects of the building built it so you'd go to the top first and then walk your way down checking out the exhibitions. Not really sure why the recent curators position their art so you walk up. Maybe it has something to do with a bottleneck that could happen at the top? Either way, if you don't mind being different from everyone else and maybe going backwards, take the elevator to the top and walk on down.

11/28/2013

Christopher Wool is such a waste of space, I regret going during that exhibit. At least the building is worth looking at.

4/24/2013

When I was a kid, my parents would take me and my sister to the museums in NYC all the time plus we made the SoHo gallery circuit--of course that was when SoHo still had a thriving gallery scene rather than being the ultimate shopping area that it has turned into.  Thanks to the Bank of America Museums on Us promotion, we've had the opportunity to revisit a handful of museums absolutely free of charge the first wkend of every month.  

We made it to the Guggenheim a couple wks ago and here is my take on it:
I love the architecture of the building whether it's the way it looks from the outside, walking up and down the spiral halls as I gaze at iconic artwork, and that stomach-flip I get when looking down from the higher floors to the ground floor.  There were certainly some interesting pieces on my last visit but the Gutai exhibit was repetitive and lasted a bit too long.  It dominated much of the museum and could have been more educational and eye-catching.  I'm sure I will return though, and perhaps a more interesting exhibit will earn this museum another star or two.

3/25/2014

no picture from the first floor.... but the structure is really amazing. No steps to go or down. it is very easy to brose around.

2/20/2014

Partly closed to install a new exhibit.  Will have to go back.

6/27/2013

Didn't really enjoy the experience here as much as the other museums in NYC. First of all, the Guggenheim really seems to just be a famous name, because there arent as many paintings and sculptures as you may think at first. The museum is also very hard to navigate through, and even worse they don't really put up any signs to help the visitors. The staff even though some are great, there are still a good number whom I saw, weren't at all nice or helpful.

I didn't really think it was worth waiting in the lines and paying the money... sorry

7/26/2013

Architecturally, the Guggenheim is exquisite. With that said, I really only care for the actual building itself. I went there during the museum's free night sometime in the winter and since the building is just phenomenal, I had high expectations.

But I felt that the exhibits I saw weren't really up to par or even worthy of being shown there.. perhaps at MoMA. There was an exhibit of a couple who were in the middle of foreplay- and this was happening on loop by the way.

So I guess I'm really giving the building 4 stars.

7/15/2012

I went to an "Art After Dark" event at the Guggenheim this past Friday.  I heard it was going to be crowded.  I heard it was a pick-up scene.  I heard there was a VIP section for members.  Only two out of those three statements wound up to be true.

The minute I walked in with my sister, two men approached us with the "don't you just love the space" line.  Pick-up scene: check.  It soon became a little packed on the main floor by the bar.  Crowded: yes.  Was there a VIP section for members?  Well, I didn't see it.  There was a cash bar available to everyone that served the basics in plastic cups:  red and white wine, beer, water and soda.  The theme of the event was the opening of Rineke Dijstra's photography exhibit.  The museum tried to personalize the experience by featuring music hand selected by the artist.  

I had never been to the Guggenheim before, and I was somewhat surprised by its small size.  I am more used to the "mega" museums such as the Met and the Museum of Natural History.  It was a wonderful size for an event like this, but I do not think I will frequent it regularly since it lacks the breadth and depth of exhibits like the larger museums.  Also, I know the Frank Lloyd Wright architecture is the selling point of the space, but I found the acoustics to be quite loud.  I think a large event with a boisterous crowd, along with music, didn't help matters.  At times, it was difficult to hear what people were saying. The attendees were somewhat of a dichotomy: some were dressed up to the nines, others wore (very casual) jeans.  Most people were in their 30's.  Yes, there was the "trashed" 20-something-year old (isn't there always?).

Overall, I will not become a "regular" at the Guggenheim, but I will consider going to another "Art After Dark" event when a new exhibit is showcased.

7/4/2013

I enjoyed both the current exhibition (James Turrell) and pieces from the collection (Mondrian, Picasso, Matisse). The layout was intriguing, and very conducive to Turrell's artwork. As a museum lover but someone who doesn't linger very long in front of paintings, I felt that the space really worked for my type of viewing, and that the museum itself was perfect but not overwhelming for an afternoon of art. I did find the admission a little steep for a museum this size, but that was my only real qualm.

8/28/2013

Interesting but rather limited selection of art.

Re: James Turrell's exhibition.  The first floor installation is really beautiful. You need to wait for quite some time if you want to lie on the floor for a special experience. The area is pretty small and there are tons of people. I waited for a very long time and finally gave up. The installations on the other two floors are less exciting. Had to wait for about 30 min to get into a room that had a rectangular shape projected on one wall. Didn't get that part and by the overheard conversations, others in the room didn't quite get it either.  On the positive side, lot's of bathrooms on every floor.

6/12/2012

Maybe I don't know how to appreciate art or does it seem like Guggenheim is a waste of money for mostly paintings and artwork that is not really appealing to an urban guy like myself? I usually enjoy Museums (I love Met and MoMa) but didn't really enjoy Guggenheim and I am glad I came today for the Museum Mile Festival and didn't pay a penny to enter this museum which normally costs $22 for an Adult Admissions ticket.

After waiting in line on a rainy ass day for about 45 minutes, finally made it in. Don't get me wrong, the architecture is impressive but the paintings and artwork not so worth it. I was constantly flagged down by museum staff that we are NOT allowed to take pictures. Funny thing is that this museum has TONS of restrooms on each floor...I mean I thought this was Museum of Restrooms or something by the number of restrooms I saw on each floor. Kept browsing different artwork on different floors but really NOTHING seems to interest me. I mean come on, at least one piece no? NOPE.

It wasn't worth waiting in line nor trekking all the way up here to the Upper East Side from my workplace in Flatiron District...Well at least now I can say that I've done Guggenheim Museum and can tell others about it.

***NOTE***

DO NOT take pictures of the artwork or the architecture itself because the staff will flag you down like if there's no tomorrow (there's this Russian/Ukrainian old lady that kept speaking to me in thick accent not to take photos). That didn't stop my Yelping New Yorker self. I took a couple lol. Oh yeah and you are only allowed to take pictures in the Ground Floor which is ridiculous. If you've got a Citypass and have a choice between Guggenheim Museum and Top of the Rock, Top of the Rock is much much more worth it!

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8/23/2014

Amazing building, both from the outside and the inside.  It is truly awe inspiring with its spiraling structure.   A pity about the food carts lining the street outside.  They completely detract from the external view of the building and also obscure a pretty incredible sidewalk. Not to mention, they stink and serve dirty food.

7/17/2014

The Guggenheim is absolutely beautiful. I wasn't a fan of the Italian Futurism exhibit but I loved the layout of the museum so much. It doesn't seem that big but there is actually quite a lot of art jammed packed into every level. It was so fun wandering in different rooms and hallways. Its also nice to just enjoy the view from the highest level and people watch. Theres also a cafe tucked away on one of the lower floors with free wi-fi. I should warn you, however, that there is very little seating.

8/26/2013

The James Turrell exhibit is breathtaking. It transforms the already interesting architecture into an art experience that transcends the traditional notion of space and perception. A truly inspired work that is a must-see for anyone who believes that art can be transcendent, and perhaps particularly for skeptics, because this installation defies cynicism.

One of the best and most moving things I have seen in many years.

6/15/2013

Lots of construction and areas shut down.  Staff is good. Just ok.  You can skip and still do well in the city.

9/6/2012

I've been to Falling Water before, so I wasn't surprised by the building architecture here - it's typical FLW, with oddball shapes and clean-cut design.  I was surprised by the range of modern art work that could be found in here, however, and it actually didn't disappoint.  

I'm not usually a fan of modern art - my tastes lean more toward the classics - but there were some pretty impressive pieces in here.  The Dijkstra exhibit, for me, didn't do much, though - I'm sorry, but I can see white teenagers dancing at a club right down the street from my house.  I know, the dance is a form of modern art and all of that, but it just didn't impress me.  So sorry.

I was much happier with the pieces from Kandinsky, though.  Very bright, colorful, something that I think I might actually want on my walls here at home.  I'm very much into the expression of one's "inner world", so his style appeals.  

I was really disappointed to miss the Thannhauser collection, but that particular exhibit was closed during the weekend we went due to construction.

The audio broadcasts were VERY helpful and added to my experience here.  When they offer you headphones and the audio selector, take them!  They're free and they will definitely help with your understanding of the artist(s) and their works.

Definitely start at the top of the building and work your way down - it makes a difference.

No photographs permitted but for on the first floor.  A bit disappointing, but perfectly understandable.  Of course, you had the usual self-entitled idiots deciding to ignore that, but they DID get caught and were told by security to cease - much appreciated.  

We were admitted on the New York Pass, so we weren't sure of how much admission was - but I think it would probably have been worth the full price.  This was a surprisingly nice museum and I'm glad we visited.  We'd return.

12/31/2013

Superb.  Breathtaking.  Spectacular.  The Christopher Wool exhibit is simply unbelievable.  Such beautiful art.

11/13/2013

I have never been treated so rudely in my life! The cashier at the gift shop was a horrible, (racist?) lady who seemed bothered by my mere presence.

I am a supporter of the arts and I have traveled and visited museums and opera houses around the world ( NY, London, Paris, Rome, Berlin...); sadly, I am often the only brown patron in site...but I have never been treated with such disrespect.

Apparently, I swiped my credit card too early (even though the credit card machine showed: please swipe card). She yelled, "you weren't suppose to swipe yet!" I stated what I read on the machine. She huffed, mumbled something, and finally finished my transaction. As she threw my items and the receipt in the bag, she didn't have the courtesy to say thank you. I thanked her and left the museum.

I sent a complaint to the customer service department and received a prompt apology.

4/17/2012

We only made it to one museum during our stay in NYC (too much to do and so little time!), and that museum was the Guggenheim.

Very interesting layout. The museum is in the shape of a circle, and it winds up like a corkscrew until it's around 6 floors high. The main exhibition is on the gentle 'curves' of the circle, and tinier exhibitions are kept in rooms that are outside the circle.

$36 for two adults. Headphones are complimentary. Currently, the main exhibit is John Chamberlain: Choices. It's running from February 24-May 13, 2012. He mainly specialized in crushing pieces of scrap metal into sculptures and did so during the pop art era. It was a really great and comprehensive exhibition (the narration helped a lot) and we really enjoyed it.

The other, smaller galleries included Kandinsky, Francesca Woodman and The Thannhauser Collection. All of them were interesting and engaging.

I really liked the flow of this museum - we will definitely return.

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8/4/2014

This is a very small museum and is too expensive at $22/adult!  No photo rule makes it worse!

2/26/2012

I love museums and I love learning things. Another perk on living in NYC is all the great Museums. This is definitely one of them. The Guggenheim was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. It's a one of a kind building in NYC and it really stands out. From the outside it looks like a building from the future. It was really ahead of it's time.

Once inside you would think that that it would be normal, but just as rounded as the outside is. The inside is as well. You walk into an open space and the entrance is to your left. You have the choice to use the elevator or walk up the winding staircase or ramps.

So far I have been here twice. The first time was for the Maurizio Catellan Exhibit. Just the other day I saw the John Chamberlain Exhibit. Unlike Catellan, where his work was all hanging from the ceiling. Chamberlains work can be seen all along the sides of the Guggenheim.

I do love how open the Guggenheim is. You have a great view of the works and you know where they are just by looking across. The museum isn't big, but does have some great works of art.

F-R-E-E (well not really) on Saturdays between the hours of 5:45-7:45pm. It is pay as you wish. As it says, you can pay whatever you want to see the exhibits. Since it's pay as you wish or practically FREE. Be prepared to wait in line or do come early. Real early!

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3/15/2012

As one of Frank Lloyd Wright's most recognizable architectural masterpieces, the Guggenheim might be considered a "boutique" museum relative to its brothers and sisters such as the The Met, NYMOMA, and Natural History museums.

Although Wright's original intent on the design was to enable patrons to approach the exhibits from the top and then proceed down the spiralling walkways, the curators have instead designed their exhibits to be viewed from the bottom up; either way, I found it very enjoyable and easy to navigate through the collections.

One of the most impressive collections in my opinion is from the bequest of Thannhauser.  I spent a significant amount of time in this section checking out the works of art from van Gogh, Manet, and Pissarro, just to name a few. The audio tour was included in the entry fee and was very entertaining and informative.

I stopped by the cafe located somewhere in the middle levels of the museum.  It was a great place to give my eyes a rest and grab a quick refreshment.  There are a few small exhibits around here as well.

The special exhibit during my visit was from Korean artist Lee Ufan.  It was abstract art consisting of a lot of carefully placed rocks and sheet metal but the way the exhibit was designed to tell the story was very effective and intriguing.  Obviously, the museum's unique architectural design was key to its ability to do just that.

The gift shop is located on the ground level to the left of the entrance.  I ended up picking up a nice art book for a buddy and a calendar showcasing FLW's work.

I would definitely keep the Guggenheim on the radar for any upcoming exhibits whenever I find myself in the area.

1/23/2012

Take me on a date here please. Indulge me. Wow me with your intellect. Dazzle me with your physical strength as you stroll from the bottom up with ease. Tell me that the Cattelan installation is closing, but make it a point to take me here on the last night of the exhibition and hang out with me here until late in the night (11pm) and I will melt in your hand and maybe in your mouth too.

The museum is absolutely breathless to look at. I love that it reminds me of an alien spacecraft, with spirals and lights. The inside is spacious and the spiral shape allows for the floors to wind up. Kind of like a spiral staircase only bigger and better.

We came here on the last night of the Cattelan installation exhibit. The museum had special hours that night from 6pm until 1am. It is just so cool to hang out in museums after hours.

Now granted, the Cattelan installation was way weird, but weird is usually down my alley. I mean, serisously, there were countless body bag installations, and also a grandma inside a fridge installation, a fuseball table (random) installation, many many animals of the equine sort, pigeons hanging out on the installations, Adolf Hitler, elephant draped with a sheet, and the weirdness just continues...

It was a really fun exhibit and since we saw repeat installations while going up, we decided to count everything. I think I counted 14 canine installations. And of course, 8 body bags.

A beautiful museum with excellent exhibitions. A great date spot for that intellectual artsy lover in your life.

4/15/2013

Not impressed with the current exhibit. Gutai -Mid century Japanese modernists with avant Garde aspirations.

8/21/2012

I love the Goog.. I haven't been in eons, and took a buddy there for his first time.  I've always loved this Wright building, and enjoy the architecture as much as the art it holds.

The big plus is the complimentary Audio tour which is a must.

As the tour stated, Wright had always intended for everyone to start from the top and work their way down. so I'll have to do that next time I'm back.