• 15.6 Miles away from Guggenheim Museum

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Recommended Reviews

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  • 4.0 star rating
    5/29/2012

    i admit that i have a nostalgic attachment to this building, but it's a must visit every time i go to nyc

    an iconic frank gehry architecture sitting on 5th avenue: the museum itself is as much a modern piece as the exhibits it displays

    the displays vary: my first visit was a very exciting visual of cai guo qiang that blew me away...they had integrated the car sequence into the architecture of the building

    whereas subsequent visits had much calmer exhibits like photography, so it sort of depends on what is being curated at the time

    their selection is a more fine arts in terms of modern art whereas MOMA has a bigger integration of interior design elements

  • 4.0 star rating
    5/27/2011

    "Don't go to the Guggenheim, because you're going to be disappointed"...

    A common refrain, and I have to disagree. Maybe it's because I came with lowered expectations, but I liked the Guggenheim. The collection isn't as epic as those belonging to its more prestigous neighbors, but there's plenty of fine modernist art to see here. Frank Lloyd Wright's architecture is cool, but a bit monolithic, and the availability and layout of bathrooms is (being charitable) ill-conceived. However, I recommend a visit to the Guggenheim, preferably on an off-day.

  • 5.0 star rating
    10/17/2010
    3 check-ins

    Peggy Guggenheim hated this museum, but it has so much history and such a good collection, you have to go.  Designed by frank Loyd wright and with a recently new director.  I saw a show on art between the world wars, which was well thought out and perfectly curated but contained a show stopping heavenly room of geometric Kandinskys.
    Why would I want to seek transendence when it's available immediately?

  • 2.0 star rating
    9/3/2012

    This place is somewhat cool, but it's also a waste of time, there are far better museums in NY. Yeah you can come here once to check it out, then after that don't come back.
    2/5 because it's Expensive and a Waste of Time

  • 3.0 star rating
    5/12/2011

    Last week was my 2nd visit to the Guggenheim and it feels like it has lost some of its luster.

    The architecture will always be eye gazing and a marvel to see. The galleries inside just didn't feel like some of the unique and creative works that were here previously.

    The gift shop needs some new items. I was 1 of 3 customers complaining about the lack of coasters, salt and pepper shakers etc that exhibit the Guggenheim. I recall seeing great coasters a few years ago and now, the quality and uniqueness of the coaster is not existant.

    The staff for the most part are great.

  • 1.0 star rating
    5/19/2013

    Cool building but... Weird exhibit.  It was a Japanese Impressionism exhibit.  I was way underwhelmed.  Also, can the bathrooms in this museum be any worse!?  Terrible positioning of the toilet, and they have 2 unisex per floor.  Could we not make one female and one male!?

  • 3.0 star rating
    11/9/2010

    The Guggenheim Museum is free for children under 12 years old with a
    paying adult. There are art programs for
    children and if you are  a member there is a savings of $50.00
    When I was there last the Wafels & Dinges. truck was there but the
    line was seriously long.
    The museum makes the most of it's space with concerts.
    guggenheim.org/new-york/…
    eatsleepbreathemusic.com…
    In my opinion The Guggenheim is best for New Yorkers because of it's
    programs and classes. Just walking through it is not as impressive as some of the other museums.
    But for art  students and New Yorkers you get the most out if it if
    you take advantage of the programs and classes.

  • 3.0 star rating
    12/21/2011
    2 check-ins

    I enjoyed the Wright structure the most from my visit to the guggenheim. I've seen it in movies and shows my whole life and have wanted to go for as long as I can count dollar bills. So, I was a little sad to find the museum smaller than I had imagined. Mostly fault of my misconceptions. I think that with the Maurizio Cattelan exhibit it brought more attention to the museum. With the other reviews you can see that the exhibit really brings you in. The other exhibits were compelling and I love "pop" art so seeing Lichtenstein and Warhol work up close was the cherry of my sundae.
    So, this place was nice to visit, but I was able to see everything within an hour or so. I wasn't upset by it either. It's a place to see but a return visit is not required to see everything.

  • 2.0 star rating
    3/16/2011
    1 check-in

    They don't allow you to take photos. The atrium is fun but the whole museum felt a little boring.

    I can see why the admission is only $10. You only need at least an hour to see all the arts. There were no printed captions on the art works, you have to listen to some audio.

  • 3.0 star rating
    2/17/2012

    I only got to see 2 exhibits here because over half the museum is closed. But I appreciate that the prices were adjusted accordingly. I only had to pay $4 because I lied and said I was a student.

    Love the impressionist and post-impressionist paintings, they have a great collection. I wish I appreciated modern art more so I could say that I enjoyed the Kandinsky collection...

  • 4.0 star rating
    7/9/2010
    Listed in I Heart New York

    4 stars for just the architecture alone. I loved taking pictures of the curved, white structure more so than checking out the modern art work. There were works from noteworthy artists, but the majority of the stuff there (atleast when I went) was modern art.

    You're not allowed to take pictures once you start walking up the ramp from the street level to the first floor and yes, the guards standing around will try to stop you but they can't do anything if you've just snapped a picture.

    Other than that, there's not much else to see. I got in for free and I don't know if I would necessary pay to walk around the place. If you're just interested in the architecture, just go inside and take a few snapshots then exit. I guess when you pay for your entry ticket, it includes a free audio guide. I was in a rush so skipped that but maybe if I did that, I'd feel it's more worth it to pay the entry fee?

  • 1.0 star rating
    8/21/2013

    I went to the Guggenheim last week extremely excited to check it out only to come and be extremely disappointed. We went there when James Turrels exhibition was being displayed and it was horrible. Most of the art work was taken down because of his exhibitions so it felt like we were practically visiting an empty building. I'm sorry but 2 light bulbs in a dark room is not art. I felt like it was such a waste of money I spent an hour checking out the entire museum. I would recommend going to the MoMa or the Metropolitan instead.

  • 4.0 star rating
    2/13/2013
    Listed in Culture Vultures

    This museum is not for everyone. It is the place much like your palette for spicy dishes you have to grow into. I have children and I would wait  for them to be more mature . I would say from fifteen and beyond. However, that is a parents choice. Nonetheless, it is beautiful and fun to walk into and you need patience to study each piece of art to get the real understanding of the museum.

  • 4.0 star rating
    11/14/2011

    The current Cattelan is the most complex, largest, and confusing work of art I have seen to date. It spans all five stories, dangling his life's work at various intervals.

    I found myself walking slowly up the floors, bemused from the display and the different vantage points that reveal more and more of the individual pieces of art. Thoroughly captivating, it draws you in and makes you think about what you're seeing rather than other "displays" of modern art.

    I was so taken in, I perused his book in the gift shop which made the entirety of the piece make a whole lot more sense. If you visit before the new year, read this book in the gift shop and everything will make a lot more sense.

    Aside from the Cattelan exhibit, the current Kandinsky exhibit is the most extensive I have seen from his earlier years at the Bauhaus, beating out even the Hermitage's collection (that was on display, god knows what they have in storage there).

    Really interesting, intellectually challenging, and as a whole, one of the foremost avant-garde collections

  • 5.0 star rating
    1/30/2012
    1 check-in
    Listed in Instead of Eating!

    Lovely museum! I went on the day where they were still doing construction and we were only allowed to see three exhibits but I had a wonderful time. The place is very accommodating with free coat checks and head sets! Since we were only seeing three exhibits it costs us $8 (student)! Better than the $16 since we were on a budget that day too.

    My new favorite museum! I will definitely go back to see everything :]

  • 3.0 star rating
    7/3/2012

    The spiral design of the building is quite a spectacle. The staff are friendly and courteous, there are numerous bathrooms and few cafes. The audio tour is complementary and a must if you don't know anything about art  (like me). It is across the street from Central Park, close to subway, and blocks away from the MET - so really it is an ideal location.

    Biggest thing is that you must really be a fan of modern art to fully appreciate this place, otherwise it is probably a waste of your time. Unlike contemporary experimental music art made these days, you at least see and hear a piano playing something and you understand the rawness of what is happening. Whereas the art at the Guggenheim is almost incomprehensible if you have no background or at least an innate/intrinsic appreciation for art.

    The audio tour also does not help in this regard - often times the narrator would say " What I love...about this work...is how it fits into post-modern blah blah balh...This paint ing was bought by so and so...and then displayed in 1954 during the so and so era" - basically they don't even explain the painting half the time, and just ramble on about its historical significance. ....Why should I care about orange canvas next to red canvas? What does it mean? Having a strong music background I understand the history can be important, but art itself is meant to transcend time and can be explained to anyone anywhere, right? So why not explain it, Guggenheimians?

    Overall: For City Pass holders who can choose between this and "Top of the Rock," I would go for the latter unless you are a true fan of art.

  • 4.0 star rating
    2/12/2013
    1 check-in

    what's the logic behind not letting visitors take pics inside the museum but letting them stare at the art and actually letting them take their time to draw paintings? don't they know these ppl might try to sell those arts and play it off as if they are the originals!? capitalists disguised as hipsters!! no one woulda ever suspected. maybe there should be a 5 min time limit! lol only real badas$es will take that risk and snap a few pics, gluck!

    this place is really cool. i love the architecture. and the ceiling is effin beautiful!! take advantage of the discounts for students. :)

  • 5.0 star rating
    3/24/2009

    I absolutely love the Guggenheim. Out of all the trips I've taken to New York, I can't believe I didn't seen it sooner.

    A lot of reviews talk about the design of the building. My two cents: It works so well for a museum. You don't have to wind in and out of a bunch of different rooms. This is my kind of viewing: you can stop at the ones you want or keep moving straight on to the next exhibit.

    I prefer to take the elevator to the top and work my way down so that when I'm done, I can just walk out the front door. There are a few rooms tucked away on different floors for special exhibits, so keep your eyes peeled or you just might miss a little nugget of brilliance.

    This museum is another reason I would love to live in the city.

  • 1.0 star rating
    1/24/2013
    1 check-in

    9 floors of smashed cars. Not impressed.

  • 5.0 star rating
    3/31/2010
    Listed in New York City

    I have fantasies about the man who built the Guggenheim. No, not Frank Lloyd Wright. Instead, a red-haired man of integrity and independent thought that cares nothing about facades, false altruism or the tedious obligations demanded of society. He is the only man I would gladly leave my husband for. It's a shame he isn't real (though my husband disagrees).

    I have always admired the work of two architects: Frank Lloyd Wright and John Lautner. Each time I read the Fountainhead, I imagine my fictional lover's structures looking very similar to theirs.

    I was lucky to be going to New York City during the exhibit "Frank Lloyd Wright: From Within Outward" at the Guggenheim - a celebration of his 50th year anniversary.

    Every moment I spent both in front of and inside the Guggenheim.. I was on a euphoric high that left me tuning out everything around me with the exception of the building (including all of its intricacies) and the models and blueprints of Frank Lloyd Wright's work.... so many of them never built or no longer standing.

    The Illinois would have been interesting to see built. I will visit the Burj Khalifa one day... and if I ever make enough money, find investors to help me actualize the dreams of one of the greatest men in the history of architecture.

  • 4.0 star rating
    11/10/2011
    Listed in The Big Apple

    This museum is not for everyone especially if you're used to the traditional, four-wall, art hanging types.

    The architecture is striking. What else do you expect from Frank Lloyd Wright? This building breathes like it's alive. From the outside of the building all the way up to the top floor inside, you're on an unfolding adventure.

    I saw the Lee U-Fan exhibit. I was a bit perplexed at first. There were big rocks and metal sheets on the first floor. I had to go into the room that had classic paintings so I can get my bearings straight.

    As I progressed up the circular floors, I started to get it. The artist's work began to take shape as time passed. I saw the experimentation in his earlier works that lead to the simple one stroke paintings. The Guggenheim is the perfect place to showcase this type of art. It's a story that builds up through each successive floor until you end up in the solitary room. I was quite inspired by the end of the journey.

    The only concern I had was the edge on each floor. It's barely up to my hip. And it's a long way down. I don't do well with heights! So if you're like me, stick to the inner walls when coming back down.

  • 4.0 star rating
    11/15/2009

    The Guggenheim's permanent collection may seem like mouse testicles compared to the elephant-ball troves of the Met and the MoMa but I enjoy coming back for its special exhibits which in and of themselves are worth the price of admission ($18). The Kandinsky retrospective is wow wow wow and is on till Jan. 13, 2010.

    (Or if you're a starving artist[1], wait till Saturday night and you can pay what you wish for a ticket. Don't be deterred by the line around the block on PWYW nights; it moves fairly quickly.[2])

    Make sure to get the free audio guide. The one for the Kandinsky special exhibit is especially good. They managed to hire a voice actress with a very convincing Russian accent that doesn't sound like Natasha from Rocky & Bullwinkle. (If only my Art History 101 prof were this engaging, I wouldn't have snoozed through all those slideshows.)

    I like the logical progression of the pieces as you ascend the spiraling ramps of the Guggenheim. Even if you don't like the art on the walls, Frank Lloyd Wright's iconic architectural design is a must-see.

    Museums are wonderful places to ponder art; think about it critically or enjoy it for what it is...but on my recent visit some flatulent philistine momentarily ruined it for me by giving an anal salute[3] on Rotunda level 2. Thanks, asshole.
    ===========================
    [1] or well-fed cheapskate
    [2] 5:45 pm to 7:45 pm; if you're walking west towards Fifth Ave. come up 88th St. to join the end of the line.
    [3] gave a whole new meaning to the term, "artsy-fartsy"

  • 2.0 star rating
    11/16/2009

    Art is intended to provoke.  To push buttons and boundaries.  It is also highly subjective, so I won't dwell too long on whether the collection and special exhibit (Kandinsky) were worth the price of admission.

    But as I walked in the door, I was immediately hit by a wave of déjà vu.  I've been here before.  After all, the building is hard to forget.  And a sense of dread encompassed me.  
    To put this in context, I visited the Met and MoMA the same weekend.  Clearly I can enjoy and appreciate a wide range of artistic endeavors, but this pushed me well over to the annoyed and irritated side of the spectrum.

    The building is beautiful and unique, but it makes viewing the collections a challenge. Art and beauty aren't always functional. The six floor rotunda with art hanging on the exterior walls reminds me of a bleak shopping mall. Since the interior of the rotunda is open, it means you see, hear and feel everyone. It is an assault on the senses. The volume is loud, the temperature can be stifling and the flow of people is ridiculous.  

    The only part of the museum where I felt engaged and comfortable was the second floor, Thannhauser Gallery.  There are so many choices in New York in addition to the two above, so hopefully my memory will kick in before I return to Guggenheim.

  • 4.0 star rating
    3/10/2011
    1 check-in
    Listed in NY State of Mind

    Great mid-size museum. The collections here are magnificently curated and the size of the place makes it manageable in a couple of hours. These days who really has time to spend a week trying to navigate rooms and rooms of collections?!?!  Whilst museums like the Prado and the Louvre will always be icons, sometimes it is nice to experience art on a smaller scale and the Guggenheim offers up the opportunity.

    The building itself is a legendary example of F.L. Wright architecture and they have some great Kandinsky pieces so if you are a fan this museum is a must when they are showing them.

    All in all a pleasant afternoon.

  • 3.0 star rating
    1/12/2010
    1 check-in

    Obviously the Guggenheim Museum has its architecture going for it. It is so unique and makes for an interesting art viewing experience. As Emma H. explained, it's the only time we've been able to see the art truly from afar - in this case, from across the rotunda - than merely a few steps away.

    I came on the last day of the Kandinsky exhibit, so no wonder it was crowded, but at times, I was worried I would be pushed off the edge because there were so many people.

    I like the little coves, which are separate from the main show in the rotunda, but they can be easily passed if not on the look out for them. (The extra rooms hold additional collections that were not part of Kandinsky.)

    One big complaint I had - at least about the Kandinsky exhibit - was that the titles of the pieces were on one side of a viewing space when it could have easily been printed on both sides. Instead, half the time, I was looking at the wrong side and had to fight to the other side to find out the name. Also, I would have liked a bit more description on some of the pieces, as is usually the case in other museums. Lastly - and probably mostly true to this exhibit specifically - information about Kandinsky's motifs were displayed in awkward corners after the pieces they referred to. Not only was there major crowding around these blurbs, but it was easy to forget what had just been seen.

    I'd probably give this museum 2 stars if it weren't for its amazing collection and often amazing special exhibits. And, for the love of g-d, bring your student ID!

  • 4.0 star rating
    10/12/2013

    Great museum. Amazing building. The people that work here though are rude however and need a lesson in manners.

  • 4.0 star rating
    10/22/2012
    1 check-in

    I enjoyed walking through the Guggenheim. There was a Picasso exhibit.  It was pretty crowded but I like that it only takes about 1.5 hours to go through the entire thing. The spiral design ensures you that you are seeing everything and you won't get lost in a wing.  The free audio tour is helpful if you are curious about a specific piece of art.  I think the admission price though is kind of high for a small museum compared to the admission prices for the larger museums.

  • 2.0 star rating
    1/18/2013
    1 check-in

    If you're deciding to choose: MoMA, Natural History, or Modern Art Museum's or Guffenheim, choose any of the first ones. Over priced if paying regular admission prices. Rude staff.

  • 4.0 star rating
    10/22/2012
    1 check-in

    I went to see the Picasso exhibit. I was not a fan of much of the work, but still thoroughly enjoyed my time here. They give you a headset and have tons of stuff to listen to about the artist and history and the paintings.

  • 5.0 star rating
    1/11/2012
    1 check-in

    In an attempt to pretend I'm more than an aging drunkard/overgrown manchild, I've been taking my wife to art museums and other cultural attractions. Of all the art I looked at and didn't understand, the stuff in the Gugenheim is absolutely my favorite.

    Lets face it, to a layperson like me a good chunk of contemporary art feels like it was thrown together at the last minute after an all-night bender like a forgotten college midterm project. In these cases, more effort seems to be put into the jargon-filled psudeointellectual artist statement explaining the art than the actual artwork itself. I usually walk away feeling like either I'm way too stupid to "get" art, or the entire art world is some kind of con-game.

    Not so with the Guggenheim. I may not have loved every piece of art I saw, but I felt like I had a decent sense of it. There was a wide range of more well known modern artists combined with some folks I'd never heard of doing some interesting stuff. The supplemental materials giving context to the art were helpful and interesting - which you may be able to tell by my review that I do not always find to be the case.

    The current centerpiece of the museum is an installation by Maurizio Cattelan called "all" that is literally everything he's ever done suspended from the cieling. The Guggenheim has a famous ramp that spirals around the wide open lobby up the five floors of exhibits. Because "all" is hung in the middle of this spiral ramp, it means as you go up you keep getting to see different pieces, or get new perspectives (literally) on pieces you've already seen. As Cattelan uses the same themes and subjects over and over, it makes for a fun experience, walking around and as you get higher making new discoveries that change your perspective (figuratively) on what you'd already seen below.

    From a simple logistical standpoint, the Guggenheim is also great because it can easily be done in a few hours. Like many naive tourists, my wife and I completely overscheduled our trip to New York, and were just overwhelmed by the size of the Met and MoMA. We made it through all of MoMA, but were burnt out by the third floor and really didn't enjoy the 4th and 5th floor. The Met we literally gave up on before entering. However, The Guggenheim is much smaller and much easier to tackle in a few hours. All three museums are great, but the other two seem to require multiple days to take in everything.

  • 4.0 star rating
    10/26/2010
    Listed in Why I Love NYC

    It is architecturally beautiful and modern. The eye of ceiling provides great lighting. The circular movement of the floors provides fluidity to move from one piece to the next without missing anything.

    I do love the Kandinsky and enjoyed seeing his pieces. He is known as the patron saint of the Guggenheim. It is much smaller than the Met and MoMA, which is why it may be overlooked. It is worth the trip, and I'm glad I visited it.

    I usually do not like wearing the head set for the audio tour even if it is included in the admission. For some reason, I made an exception at the Guggenheim. These audio descriptions in particular were informative, concise, and not very lengthy.

  • 4.0 star rating
    1/30/2013
    1 check-in

    Such a cool space.  It's like walking in smack dab in the middle of an onion (minus the smell).  Some really interesesting pieces scattered through a really interesting space.  Now if only they'd let me wear some rollerskates in here!

  • 5.0 star rating
    2/3/2010

    I thought this was a very well done museum, though I only did the rotunda (not the side rooms). I loved that with my NY City Pass my friend and I were able to just walk right in and avoid the huge line that was forming outside in the 20 degree weather. If you are going to do the museums in NY, definitely get this pass!

    The impressive thing about this place was the awesome free audio guide tour that allowed you to pace yourself through the story it told at every few frames along the way. We were there for the Kandinsky exhibit, and though I didn't know much about his work going in, I feel like an educated fan now, thanks to the plentiful amount of info the guided tour and poster boards provided. I really liked that the stories went into detail about specific paintings and interesting phases of Kandinsky's life as well.

    I'm excited to go back for the next big exhibit the Guggenheim will host (sometime when I make it back to NY...)

  • 4.0 star rating
    5/24/2011

    A charming museum with just right amount of artworks for a quick visit. I visited Guggenheim again last weekend and as always, it has exceeded my expecation. If you're in Central Park and want to do something artsy... Guggenheim is the place.

    And it's very child-friendly and too small to lose children. Scream in the middle (not recommended) and everyone will hear - even those who are in the washroom (unconfirmed).

    The only drawback is that you're not allowed to take pictures which makes is less attractive to tourists but good for art lovers - not a lot of people pose for photos.

    Will I recommend this place? Absolutely!

  • 2.0 star rating
    5/24/2012

    The Guggenheim Museum, where "Galleries Currently Closed" is a permanent exhibition.

  • 2.0 star rating
    9/21/2011

    The architecture of the Guggenheim Museum inside and out is amazing!! The contrast of the spiral walk, the light and shade and the pillars was brilliant. If for nothing else, come, pay your $18/pp and enjoy.

    If you expect to see amazing artwork.....well... get a blank piece of paper, a brush and draw one straight line. There.... you have accomplished the vitally important breakthrough of deconstructed art. Better still,grab a blank piece of paper and.... well that is it... You have mastered the deconstruction to such an extent that you are highlighting what is there and not there, what is visible and invisible, what is bullshit and ... well... no..it is just bullshit.

    Perhaps you could lay a rock on the ground...? Too boring? Well... put a plank of wood over it... maybe some cotton wool.... Now that (apparently) is art.....

    I am sure to go to art hell for this, but.... in the positive side, at least I loved the building .... right...?? That counts for something .....?? *sigh*

  • 5.0 star rating
    12/18/2012
    2 check-ins

    Came here for a holiday concert which was in the main atrium under the dome and the acoustics were amazing. They gave out free wine, cider and water, as well as tons and tons of yummy holiday cookies (the cutest gingerbread men ever!) Music was wonderful and really got us into the holiday spirit. I didn't walk around to see the art, but I would definitely come back for another concert in the future!

  • 4.0 star rating
    9/20/2011

    The museum itself is absolutely gorgeous. Definitely a treat and worth the admission fee solely for that. I think for adults it was $18, and students $15.

    I usually love Modern art museums, but the Lee Ufan exhibit they currently have going on.. soooo not my thing. I couldn't help but laugh at it (rocks are not really my thing, so sue me).
    The annexes with the 'regular' art (or, the art that stays within the museum) was really beautiful. Lots of famous paintings/painters and I enjoyed my time there very much.

    You also get the free audio tour which is actually quite nice. You can pick the number you want and hit play - and you get a nice minute or so blurb on the piece/artist. You're free to walk around the museum however you want, which I like.

    If you're in the NYC area, (Or anywhere that has a Guggenheim), you really should go and check it out.

  • 2.0 star rating
    3/4/2013

    Tight-ass security and high price put a real damper on the experience. Every 5 seconds someone was taking a flash photo from the top towards the bottom. But when I decided to take a snap, suddenly I'm stopped and told NO. Being 6-3 and a big guy just made me a target. And while they were wasting their time harassing me, there were people right beside us taking photos! When I asked if they were going to be stopped, I was told not to worry about them. Bunch of pr----. Exhibit wasn't bad, but these jerks ruined the whole show for me.

    Highly suggest you go to the REAL art exhibit just a few blocks south which survives completely off donations.

    These jokers pissed me off so much, I just signed up to yelp to blog about them.

  • 5.0 star rating
    12/29/2012
    1 check-in

    How can you not love this place? I'm surprised there isn't at least 4stars. They usually have new exibits every few months so like many other museums, it's a place to return to a few times a year. The layout and structure of the museum is original and they definitely bring some of the best exhibits in the world. Definitely check this place out!