Guggenheim Museum

6/12/2012

It was a great museum!

5/8/2011

Great Museum, Great Building, Great Artwork.

Not my favorite Museum in NYC, however recommended.

Find out when the "specials" are going on, unlike some museums where you pay what you wish.... you must plan ahead at this place!

1/30/2011

Would you believe that I had never been to this museum after I moved to NYC 5 years ago? I heard of it, saw it in movies and on TV, and today finally I made it!

Admission was $10 for adult(cheaper than usual because most of the galleries were closed for upcoming exhibitions.) Only 2nd and 3rd floor were open today. What I liked about this museum was the recorded guide device. I didn't really think how paintings were painted, but the guide device explained details well.

I would come back when the museum has more exhibitions.

p.s: Pay attention to the street booths with paintings/pictures. They have some good items.

1/9/2009

A museum of modern art designed with the continual spiral downwards, galleries jutting outwards at various intervals, and what was most irritating - no photography allowed.

It allows for a very predictable and serviceable flow of people down the single path, and some very interesting exhibits that take advantage of the space.

But feels altogether too small at times. The architectural design of the building was still what has best caught my eye. One of those places to go at least once, and maybe again if they have a good exhibit, but not really a place to sit down and ponder the meaning of art, unlike the Met.

1/8/2009

Wasn't thrilled with the idea of waiting outside in the cold after walking 40 blocks, but they kept it moving.  It was much better to wait inside and stare at the installation on the ceiling.  I like the open air feel and the fact that the audioguide is included in the price.  Some of the talks on the audioguide were a little too long considering how crowded it was, and how you couldn't really linger because you were being controlled by the crowd.  It did have a lot of open white space, but that seems to be the case with most of the modern art museums that I've visited.  Make sure you're ready to leave the museum before you turn in your audioguide, because once mine was taken, they wouldn't let me back through to go to the bathroom, and the lines at the café were crazy!

Mainly, I loved that when I saw it in the opening shot of Gossip Girl, I could say I'd just been there.

1/3/2009

Architecture of museum = 5
Actual museum and use of space = 1

Really, a fucking joke for $18.00.  As the previous reviewer said, the art is in the annexes and the main space is empty. EMPTY!

One of the reviewers said he didn't know why there were so many haters... I'll tell you why: you feel like you are getting ripped off every time you spiral down the beautiful museum to blank walls, asking yourself "what the hell is going on?"  I've been to the Met and Whitney in the past few months, and unless you are seriously aching to see the Catherine Opie photographs, move on and get your money's worth.

11/22/2010

The good thing: you can appreciate each piece of art in unique way. They are so isolated from each other that gives you time and space to really observe them.

The bad: one unisex bathroom per floor???? oh no! what a torture!

6/23/2012

I originally wanted to go to the Guggenheim, but a friend convinced me to go to the MoMA instead.........on a Tuesday.  Oops!  It was closed, so I got another cab and headed to the Guggenheim.  Sometimes things just have a way of working out and I was so happy they did.  The endless spiral staircase, alone, is something to take in.  I think I spent about 4 hrs there and could have stayed even longer.  By the end of the day I wanted to head to the post office to change my mailing address and take up residence at  1071 5th Avenue, New York, NY 10128.

1/8/2012

Apparently certain corporations pay for admission, so if you're an employee at Estee Lauder or any other corporation that applies, you'll get in for FREE :) Otherwise, you can wait on line every Saturday after 4:45pm for free admission. Saw an AWESOME hanging exhibit by Maurizo Catellan.  There were also great pieces by Kandinsky, Warhol, Lichtenstein to name a few.  The place is crowded, but definitely not as packed as the MET, so you actually have an opportunity of standing in front of a painting without an obstructing onlooker :)

7/18/2009

The current Frank Lloyd Wright exhibit isn't very exciting. The models of Wright's unrealized projects are interesting, and the many original drawings are impressive, but they become repetitive as one walked through the 64 featured works. The part of the exhibit on the Guggenheim building is at the end (all the way at the top of the spiral).

FYI, pay-what-you-wish admission is now on Saturday evenings.

3/25/2011

I loved this museum, everything is gorgeous from the artwork to the building housing it all.  The only reason I gave it four stars is because the damn floor is SO slippery!  I almost fell so many times and I saw a bunch of other people slip as well.  I don't know why they don't just put a coat of something on the floor to make it less slippery cause seriously, isn't that a safety hazard?  Slippery floor plus slope seems like a bad idea

I guess just wear good solid shoes with traction and you won't notice the problem as much as I did.

4/15/2012

A must see beautiful architectural masterpiece of Frank Lloyd Wright. If you're not into art or walking around just looking at abstract pictures framed articulaty on the walls then i advise you to continue walking down central park till you reach the other museums because that is what you will expect from this museum.  Plan ahead and go on their website to check out which exhibits they will have in store for the week so you know what you're getting into. Photography is limited, Photos permitted mainly on the ground floor only. But it's a must see!!!

1/4/2012

The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum is at least worth the visit for the iconic status alone.  Perhaps one of the best visually designed museums in NYC is currently hosting the Maurizio Cattelan exhibit and it is pretty awesome and profound.  The first thing you notice upon arriving is the large horse hanging in the middle of the rotunda (as if it is being hoisted onto or off a shipping vessel) and as you ascend the exhibit becomes more intriguing and alarming especially for the tame at heart.  This exhibit is worth checking out.  The museum itself host various paintings and some thought provoking pieces, however its best to visit when they are hosting an exhibit.  They have guided tours and free cost check, which is always useful.  The store is always interesting, however the food offerings are mediocre I suggest having a locale in mind and do not go on an empty stomach or you'll be hitting up the vendors located in the front.

4/13/2011

One of my favorite museums in NYC. I love the architecture and floor plan of this museum. Unlike the Met, where you are sure to miss rooms if you make a wrong turn, the Guggenheim is set up in spiral format with a few annexes to supplement.

I visited during the Modern Art exhibit (which is running until June 2011) and was blown away by the variety in their early 20th century selection. All 1900's and 1910's, there were gorgeous Picassos, Monets, Gauguins, Boccionis, Brancusis, and ..you know, a jillion more. As an art major, I felt both cool that I recognized so many artists by their style, and pleased at the focused selection (rather than being overwhelmed by too broad a range).

11/9/2009

The space and achitectural aspects of this museum deserves a standing ovation alone. I love the rotunda, it's a little fasciniating viewing exhibits at a slant and then having to use a little bit of your leg muscles to get you up the circular inclined walkway.

I'm definitely a fan of The Guggenheim...but sometimes the exhibits can be a little....how should I put it....dry? I hope that doesn't offend the curator...but I was Wowed last year at the Cai Go Ciang exhibition and this year, the Kandinskys are undeniably magnificent.

I came here with two handfulls of my friends for the First Fridays After Dark this past weekend and I've never seen so many people lined up outside the Guggenheim to get inside. There was the members with guest line and the regular line. I'm so glad I decided to become a member a few days before this event or else I'd be freezing my ASS off in the cold for an hour or so. The member line was pretty long too....I had to wait for about 30 mins before we all got in safe and sound. ...Then it was still 25$ entrance for non-members.

Haha those little rivets on the floor the the museum near the entrance caught my shoe...my beautiful red shoes :O....now that's a good way to start the night with friends helping me pry my shoe out of the hole! @_^

The drinks were limited and tickets need to be bought from a line then you go redeem your drinks...members get 2 free drinks :) yay!

The DJ Holy Ghost was great, but I was busy immersing myself into conversation with friends and seeing the masterpieces around this wondrous space! ^_^

2/25/2012

ok you can't beat this space.  whether they are hanging a huge installation in the center or having dancers run around the twirling space, there's no other space like it thanks to frank gehry.  i popped in last night for member night for the john chamberlain's choices exhibit on a dreary wet evening.  i had been a member, but for some reason am still getting invites to the member nights.  i hope they don't figure it out.  i docked them stars because i didn't have a great first impression when signing up to be a member, though i was quickly attended to when i wrote them a complaint email.  

on the membership, i mainly got it because i knew i would be in europe and took advantage of the admissions to their outposts in berlin, bilbao and venice.  that's totally worth the membership.  i did appreciate the member nights.  it allowed me to see exhibits with mobs of people around (most notably the maurizo cattelan).  it's definitely a spot to bring your visitors.

1/4/2010

I came to the Guggenheim recently to catch the Kadinsky exhibit before it closes in Jan 2010. It was an amazing exhibit by the way! Architecturally speaking, it's quite cool and unlike any other museum I've ever been to (and I know my fair share of museums).  Functionally, there is a vast amount of unused space and if built differently, the Guggenheim could house more artwork. However, the structure is quite an icon and looking down and up from various angles is in itself an art, so it's form over function on this point.

I have yet to visit First Fridays at the Guggenheim but I can definitely see it being a hopping place for parties.  I'm in for 2010.  

Overall, 3 stars.

3/15/2011

Museums are the best way to spend a gloomy day and the Gugg is no exception. Went yesterday with visiting friends and thought it was 3 hours well spend despite my feet hurting and the freakishly low walls that are a serious safety hazard for people as clumsy as me.

1/27/2008

Take the lift up, and work your way down.
That's the way we do it, when you go 'round and 'round.

Always a nice way to spend the afternoon if you have nothing else to do, and it's cold outside. Especially if you work for a corporate partner and get in free. Awww right. It's a spiral delight for architectural enthusiasts by day, and a supercoolconcertvenue on First Fridays.

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  richard prince exhibition

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3/11/2010

I value aesthetics more than the "deep abstract-hermetic message" shtick used to justify putting a junkyard in a museum.

Guggenheim disappointed me when I visited. Sure, the spiral gimmick is quirky. The collection, however, is lacking and does not match the hype.

I liked portions of the Thannhauser collection. The actual part where "modern" and "art" are still synonymous with aesthetic pleasure and low brain revs needed to proclaim "This is beautiful!".

Not worth the money unless you specifically grok a particular exhibit and dream of it at night.

Call me a philistine. I'd rather spend the Guggenheim admission money on two pints of beer.

12/14/2010

I came here and was a little disappointed, I just couldn't  appreciate the art that was here. There were a few pieces that were really interesting, but I couldn't justify the $18 to come in. Maybe if they had an exhibit from someone I like I would have a different tune. I'd probably be willing to give it another shot.

11/9/2009

First friday of the month = Guggenheim

Highly recommend get the membership it's worth it if you are planning to attend friday parties

Most ridiculous line i've ever seen but totally worth it if you can get it..

CASH ONLY.. no ATM inside !!

5/13/2010

4 stars for the museum exhibits (sorry, but I cannot justify giving its contents the same rating as the Met's). 5 stars for the building itself. I never tire of walking in and around the Guggenheim when I am visiting New York.

12/1/2010

after watching "when in rome" i have been dying to visit this museum.
when i went, i got to enjoy the chaos and classicism exhibit.
i literally was in this museum for like 4 hours.
i got to see everything!

too bad you can't take pictures inside but for what its worth, i had an awesome time.
take you time strolling around and make sure to visit the cafe and get yourself a cafe latter, they use illy coffee (which is amazing!!!!)

after the museum, walk around the neighborhood of upper east side.
yeah, it's all houses and what not but it's really pretty.

12/11/2011

I completely agree with the reviewer below who stated this is perhaps one of the more disappointing museums in NYC.  Yup, I agree that Frank Lloyd Wright's architecture is the only thing left that's of interest.  It's the shell of a bygone era when museums served to enrich the public and not the interests of their holdings, endowment - essentially, their power.
I am hugely appreciative of modern art and was really upset to see so little of this museum's collection presented.  In reviewing the NYC museum's catalog online, they have a wealth of modern art treasures; however, very few are on the walls in the museum, which seems downright greedy.  The exhibitions of the museum's collection are poorly curated IMO.  Not worth the crazy admission prices.
While museums present themselves as non-profit organizations, don't believe for one minute that they are more interested in educating you than upping the value of their holdings.  I guess I am spoiled in that I was able to see the Barnes Foundation before they f*cked it up.  Now that was a museum!
Suggest watching 'The Art of the Steal' if you want a lesson on how the intentions of days past have gone awry and how museums have essentially become powerful corporate entities.

1/26/2011

The museum has an excellent architectural design and its very fascinating to first see. They only allow pictures in the lobby so take all that you can there and outside. Ticket prices are steep at a mere $20.00.  The layout of the museum is very different from any museum I've ever been to. It's circular so that you see every piece of artwork. They had wonderful exhibits "Cubism, French, and German collections". This place is great for a lover of the arts and architectural design.

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4/11/2008

Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes because many of the art works are on a slow incline ramp that circles the space.  A huge collection of artwork.  It also seems like they don't take themselves as too seriously as their new exhibits tend to be more exciting.

Also, if you're on the top floor looking of for a restroom, be sure you're not in a hurry because they are very hidden.

7/30/2009

I would use the old roller skating joke for the Guggenheim but that would mean I'm stealing from Woody Allen. Hey, I only steal from the best.

The building itself is just genius. I love how it just pops out from every other drab building on Fifth Avenue. Frank Lloyd Wright sure knew what he was doing, didn't he?

The inside however, still fails to impress me. Yes, I do love how you just walk around and around towards the top of the building. What fails to impress me are the exhibits. I've come here and I have yet to be blown away by any exhibit that has been shown here.

But that should not stop anyone from coming. It has to be seen at least once in your lifetime.

7/17/2010

I might sound a bit provincial in admitting that this world famous museum is not my favorite Guggenheim. Instead  I favor Ms Guggenheim's  much smaller gallery that sits on the bank of a lovely Canal. Yet I appreciate the utter uniqueness of the Guggenheim NY in its transplendent nod to everything 20th century.

The art housed inside the Guggenheim... sometimes good sometimes better. I was not an art major in college so there you go.

This is the only museum where I was asked to step back from the art. Ooops.

This was the only museum where a couple of us were squished in an elevator with Jay Leno and his camera crew.

Thank goodness Jay did not pull a "jay walking" segment on me or he would have quickly found out, as now all of you know, my BA is not in art.

1/14/2012

Super cool, cylindrical Frank Lloyd Wright structure. Managed to catch the Maurizio Cattelan exhibit, hanging pieces from the ceiling. An excellent use of space and a well-designed exhibition. Beware, lines can go around the block for pay-as-you-wish Saturday nights, so take heed and try to get in line early enough!

12/2/2010

I enjoy contemporary art and they have some awesome pieces on display. I understand the building is supposed to be modern and in itself a piece of art, but quite honestly, it just made most of the museum feel empty, there were only about 3 exhibits when I went and most of the floors were closed because of a renovation or something of the sort. I really was not impressed by the entire composition of the museum. In addition, they had these 2 actors in the middle of the floor re-enacting sexual intercourse with their clothes on, which was interesting, but there were children there and I suppose it IS the parents choice, but to walk in and not expect it, I would not be too happy about that.

The bathrooms were a hassle, they were single unisex bathrooms and hidden (which was cool the way they were incorporated into the building). One thing I really enjoyed besides looking straight up from the bottom floor and seeing the architecture of the building was the awesome view from the Cafe. They have a balcony there and it was awesome! Also, another downside, you're not allowed to take pictures inside the museum!

12/15/2010

I dashed around the chaos and classicism series for an hour (perfect for a traveling/temporary selection) on a saturday evening during pwyw time.

overall, extremely well put together. i definitely had the audio tour reverberating in my ear drums as i'm all about context and pre-fed generally accepted explanations on top of forming all of my own theories, which may or may not be counter-conceptions. there seemed to be a bit more repetition of concepts and less in-depth discussion (along with what i felt to be a few gaps in transition) than i would've liked in the audio portion if i was to spend more than a couple hours here.

great movement and flow of art pieces, both time-in-history wise and in terms of medium. (compared to a dance choreography analogy, i believe the equivalent would be variations in eye levels and formations, among other ways of mixing-it-up) there were sculptures, objects, fashion interspersed throughout drawings and paintings. i walked away having gained a great deal in historical and interpretive perspective.

3/19/2011

Not my favorite museum in NYC but worth visiting once. If you don't have much time in the city, I'd recommend going to the Met and Moma before you come here.

12/23/2012

The Guggenheim is very similar to MOMA, except maybe the Guggenheim is much smaller in size. When you enter, you will be greeted with a spiral-shape building. Therefore, there are no stairs/elevators available. I think the building is designed like this so that there is no interruption in your art-viewing. I don't exactly remember the price of admission, but the thing I do remember is that the audio guides come free with the admission, unlike most of the other museums in NYC. I must give them extra credit for having such an abundance of toilet facilities and benches for sitting. Those really come in handy when your wife and daughter have spent HOURS in. Like any other museum, the museum guards watch your every move. Do not attempt to even look like that you're going near the art, because they will be running up to you before you even blink. Although the Guggenheim is a good museum, I would still recommend MOMA over this.

1/20/2011

The building has an awesome architecture but the one in Bilbao is more impressive. They had a nice art selection although; they describe their exhibits "French, Italian and German" the location where the artist did their paintings rather than the artist's country such as Spain - Picasso, Russian, etc. they included work by contemporary artists and impressionists from paintings, to photographs, sculptures and fashion which is very similar to current fashion designers.

The ticket price is $18/person and includes the audio guide which was very informative. The store was very pricey and with very limited selection.

10/31/2009

The architechture is nice but the exhibit is overload.  Not interesting after the 50th piece by the same artist.  And the security are jerks about taking pictures! Like really, its not going to ruin the 'piece' [of crap] if a picture is taken.  And most people are trying to take pics of the building not the art!

SKIP IT!

10/14/2009

Beautiful structure.
Modern art.
Saw the Kadinsky exhibit.
Didn't make any sense to me.
If I lived here, probably wouldn't go very often.

11/11/2010

I had to jump off the double decker tour bus to check this out. I had imagined in my head that it would be bigger than it was but I have grown accustomed to miniature realizations when it comes to Frank Llyod Wright creations. He was short.

This spiraling sculpture sits beautifully on the corner next to the park. The hours are screwy like any museum and price for admission is always ridiculous but deals and ways around it abound.

The kicker is the straightforward approach to experience that is missed by 90% of the viewers. Take the elevator up and view the exhibit on your way down. The endless spiral of artwork is moment in time as you walk through the space, dig it as best you can and move on. When you get to the bottom reflect and recollect whatever you can in the center of the vortex at the bottom.

This was a great architecture visit for both history and innovation in design.

7/26/2009

I think the two stars speak for themselves: "Meh, I've experienced better."

Tthe Guggenheim, as stated millions of times before me, is an architectural wonder. Just walking around the curlicue part is an adventure that truly makes you feel like you're reaching up onward (if anybody wants to construct the Tower of Babel, they should do it Wright-style) if you start from the bottom and work your way through.

That being said, I wish they would better utilize their spaces and present their exhibits in a more organized manner. I went here for the 50th anniversary today, and they go bottoms-up in chronological order of Wright's architectural history. That itself was fine. What wasn't fine was the rather cluttered layout within each ramp and room, going which way and that to get through. I remember thinking similarly when my mother and I visited the Gug back in 2005 for another special exhibit, which (to me) indicates the stagnation that's been going on. The same applies to the annex levels. The content always seems to be lacking in history, depth, or both. I understand it is a fairly small museum, but they fall flat with the media they work with anyway.

After I finished the Frank Lloyd Wright exhibit, I was excited to go to the Kandinsky Gallery, only to be sorely disappointed. Perhaps I've been weaned too much on epic, grand-scale projects thanks to the MoMA, the Met, and the Whitney, but the Kandinsky gallery only had twelve paintings, and only two from Kandinsky himself. What makes it the Kandinsky Gallery, then?

I don't want to compare the Guggenheim to other museums, because that's like comparing a mango to a passionfruit: some things are similar, but are still entirely different from their counterparts. On its own, however, I find the Gug to be a bit of an anticlimactic letdown. It's not a terrible place to be, because they do have something, but it's not enough to make me want to go again and again.

Unless it's a matter of life or death (read: a temporary exhibit that I am absolutely DYING to go), I'm not coming back here for a while. I don't hate it, but I'd rather spend my money somewhere else like food, shoes, or even better, another museum.

3/11/2010

Paid $40 to have a discussion with four people whist walking up the museum.  All the art was gone.  This was a "piece" done some people trying to get you to think about life or something.

That's great and all, but I could have the same conversation with a homeless guy walking up the street......... for free.

First floor, two people making out in the center like they were going to make babies.  I guess they were calling this "art" and if you didn't like it, you just don't understand "art".  I guess I don't, cause I didn't go into this place to watch a live porno and I doubt the families that brought their kids in did either.

I wish they had some kind of notice of what exhibit was going on inside, because this was a huge waste of money and time.

Just take pictures outside, cause it's much nicer.  They don't allow cameras inside anyway.

So for $40, my wife and got to look at a little bit of art tucked away in small rooms that we didn't to until they got done with their stupid "performance piece".

To those performers, I commend you for being so excited about it, but I did not pay $40 for that.