Guggenheim Museum

6/5/2010

The special exhibits at the Guggenheim are as good as it gets. I recently visited "Haunted" and was completely caught up in it. I love that you travel up the swirling ramp to see the exhibit -- it lets you really get immersed in the motif rather than the half-hearted wandering that can take place when you have to roam through a maze of narrow hallways to see everything. There are also free headsets, which is a fun bonus.

The permanent collection has some nice pieces, but is definitely not as interesting or vast as that of MOMA or the Met. Once I had seen everything, I was still hungry for a bit more art. But in some ways, that's not terrible -- the visit left me inspired and refreshed rather than overwhelmed and exhausted.

2/10/2011

Honestly, I initially came here to see the architecture of the famed Frank Lloyd Wright. But I was glad I also got to catch the Kandinsky exhibit while it was going on. I must admit the admission ticket is a bit expensive seeing as there's not much to actually see in the museum since it's quite small. I guess for me it was worth it to see a creation of Wright's in the flesh, previously I'd only seen the building in my design textbooks! Do take advantage of the student discount though, beats no discount. I do like how they have rotating exhibits though, so they can get you to visit more than once, though I'm not sure if I'd be 100% down to go again. I only saw the Kandinsky stuff because I'm a major fan of his, so I didn't get a chance to take a peek at the photographs that I heard were downstairs in the basement.

9/22/2008

Definitely not my favorite museum, but it is always fun to see some Frank Lloyd Wright architecture when you can.

The exhibits here are really hit or miss.  Definitely do your research before visiting, or you can be strangely surprised, bored, or perplexed by some of the things they have going on here.

Another tip which I am sure others have mentioned, start at the top of the museum and work your way down.  You will be walking downhill and the opposite way of most of the foot traffic.

9/20/2011

Awesome place...but the exhibition there is hard to understand...

10/5/2009

Best musem architecture in Manhattan designed by Frank Lloyd Wright...must visit for the building itself.  Exhibits change often and are always interesting.  Restaurant is currently closed....it is being remodeled...there is a small...make that tiny cafe though...

10/14/2012

The museum was built by Frank Lloyd Wright and has his signature clean lines and functionality.  The main gallery is simply a long ramp that goes up and around for 6 floors.  I like the way you can view the art by walking right up to it, or view from across the ramp.  There are additional galleries or exhibits along the way up.  The building was the best part of my visit.  The Picasso exhibit in black and white was not my thing.  The Kandinsky exhibit gave me some much needed color, too bad there were only about 13 pieces.  Don't waste your time on the photography exhibit.

2/11/2010

An odd place.

OK, so it's modern art. It's supposed to be odd. And they did have a gallery of some interesting pieces of work. I just wasn't a fan of everything. The design is interesting. I've never had to spiral around a museum before.

Worth a visit.

10/20/2008

OK.  there is a big hype about this place but I was disappointed.

First...lots of the museum was closed...like the cool round part.

2nd...the art on exhibit fell into two categories.  1.  paintings that you've seen before that you're supposed to be impressed by because of the name...Picasso and Monet, etc.  2.  A photography exhibit by Catherine Opie....there was maybe one or two photographs that I was impressed by.  Otherwise they were technically good (i'm told I don't have an artists eye) but seemed to be trying really hard to 'shock' you with pictures of people in drag, tattoos, and with piercings....being from Portland to me its kind of 'eh?'  Now I'm told that because of the dates the relevancy of the pictures (taken between 1993~1997) makes the exhibit signifcant...but I guess to me it begs the question is it high art because it is?  Or is it high art because someone is saying it is?

I don't know.  I just know for the money I was pretty bored by it all.

7/6/2008

Not really my favorite museum in New York, but it deserves props for a few reasons.  

First: The building.  I'm sorry, but it's an icon.  It's an amazing space, and it makes me smile when I stand at the bottom and look up.

Second: First Fridays at the Guggenheim.  DJ, drinks, hotness, all night long, in a museum.  Need I say more?

But other than that the exhibitions here are hit or miss.  Props for the recent Cai Gui-Qiang show - a hanging car in a spiral building?  Amazing!  But portraits of 19th century Russian aristocrats?  No thanks.  The permanent collection has a few bright spots, but it doesn't wow me the way that, say, the Frick does.  Much love to Peggy and the gang for supporting the arts, but this is not usually my first choice on Museum Mile.

4/2/2010

This museum is constructed amazingly.
Awe-inspiring exhibitions and collections of modern/contemporary artwork.

6/14/2011

I went to the Guggenheim on 6/13/11, and only about half of the museum was open. Fortunately, they were very up-front about this as they charged our $10 admission. There were two levels of famous art, and then one level of NYC public school art from kids. I have to say, this was my favorite, but I like kid-stuff. It was a nice quick museum to do, but most of the art didn't inspire me. The children's stuff was pretty great, though. They also had free audio guides, which helped slow us down to enjoy the tiny selection of art available. Beautiful building.

1/29/2010

I saw this museum in a movie called "The International". Immediately, i got the itch to visit. And I did. And i really loved the interiors.
I think I got what I paid for and what I wanted.

The art was great as well. but, i really just went to see the museum itself this time around.

9/23/2012

Currently the museum is in work. But you pay the same price (New york city pass). it's a shame !!!

7/16/2008

Yay! Another Frank-Lloyd Wright building scratched off my "life long to see" list.  

I totally agree with Norman on the "interesting" exhibit of Louise Bourgeois.  If you go you MUST get the audio tour to get the artists perspectives on the pieces---that alone will rock your artistic perspective.

I was sad that the outside is currently under renovation, but the inside was beautiful, and I could see Frank all over it.  

The staff was friendly, and it was a great place for people watching.  

Of course you couldn't take photos inside, but a lot of people were violating this rule in the "lobby" and I didn't see them get reprimanded for it. I am a play by the rules kinda girl and didn't try.

7/24/2011

Maybe I was expecting too much, or the featured exhibit kinda sucked, but compared to the Met or Natural History or MoMA, the Guggenheim was very unimpressive.

4/26/2010

I hate people who say "I have no regrets." What a bunch of liars. I don't trust those sweepingly general cliche jib-jabbers. There are totally things I regret, not many, but definitely enough. Like going on a job interview once wearing black tights the wrong size (that I borrowed) and therefore safety-pinning them to my underwear to prevent them from falling down. I had to wobble, albeit triumphantly because I got the job, out of the room to avoid a potential dropping situation. Naturally, I regret the choice I made that morning. I also regret getting my eyebrows waxed at a discount Vietnamese nail salon in Miami right before my 25th birthday party.  Because of my need to save a buck or two, my right eyebrow was ripped off my skin and I had to draw it in on my FACE for 5 months while it grew back. So if I went jogging, I would be sweating off my eyebrow on the regular. Yeah, I regret that decision too.

But despite the awkwad theme of regrets having to do with beauty and (lack of) fashion, my biggest regret of all in my life is not going to see Frank Lloyd Wright's amazingly breathtaking genius creation sooner.  I deeply regret not experiencing the Guggenheim Museum until now. Absolutely outstanding. I highly recommend the current exhibit "Haunted" if you like weird modern art and bizarre interpretations. Going up the ramp and looking down makes the museum goers look like art itself. I want to shake myself violently silly for not coming here sooner in all the years I've lived here.

5/16/2008

If it weren't for the unfortunate construction preventing me from seeing 2 floors of the permanent collection, this would probably be a 5 star museum for me. My love with all things Guggenheim began in Venice when I visited Peggy's collection there. A beautiful space filled with beautiful stuff.

This NYC flagship is another gorgeous space but that beauty is currently marred by a lot of construction. This poses a dilemma because on one hand, you might want to wait for renovation to be complete before shelling out $20 so you can see it all, get the full experience.

On the other hand, the Cai Guo-Qiang exhibition is a must-see, a tour de force of power, talent, and relevance that truly puts the "modern" in modern art.

With installations, combines, videos, gunpowder paintings, sculptures, this exhibit runs the whole gamut and then some. The way you move through it all, a slow and controlled spiral up the ramping floors of the building, is a testament to the curators as well as the design of the museum. The complimentary (well, you did pay $20 to get in, they should be included!) headphone guided tour is neat as well.

For me the most impressive pieces were the gunpowders. Cai invented and then mastered this powerful synthesis of symbolism and art science. First it fascinates just conceptually, but as you move through the growth of his medium and see his later works you'll be astounding at the precision and technical artistry that he developed over time.

And the videos of his worldwide "explosion events" are just kick ass.

The Cai exhibit is on until May 28, so if you're near NYC, get over there if you can. The museum's website offers some of the exhibit online for free, but is definitely holding back to ensure you come in and pay. I can't help but give a shot out to my beloved Morgan Library whose website gives you the whole enchilada with a side of guacamole.

I got a little taste of the permanent collection that really pumped me up. But then I got so wistful in the museum shop seeing postcards of all the cool shit that I didn't get to see cuz of the renovations. Boo.

So I have to come back next time I'm in NYC, put down another $20.

1/19/2009

Went here for the first time a couple weeks ago and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I believe the worst part of the experience was waiting in line outside while it was very cold. If you have a friend who has a corporate discount hook up, go with them to bypass the long general line.

The design of the museum is fantastic with its spiraling walkway. It's designed in away that you keep moving through the museum rather than the typical white rooms you'd see at the MoMA, Met, or any other museum. You can either going through by starting at the top or bottom. If you're a person who loves going through gift shops, they have two - at the top and bottom - so that no matter what way you go, you can always buys something at the end to remember it.

8/30/2008

The design is really cool- a spiral that takes you to the top. Pretty good eagle-eye view as well as from the bottom. That said, it's kinda small- I felt a little too close for comfort to the other patrons. So much so that it was noticeable and distracting when I saw that the same people were around me as I moved from piece to piece.

Right now the main exhibit features the work of Bourgeois, which was okay,  according to the information about her she was tormented by father issues and also tried to challenge gender roles through her art. It caught my attention initially but after a while I started to get a lil weary. I actually thought some of the side exhibits featuring surrealist and impressionist work were more thought provoking.

Has the potential to be five stars if the main exhibit is awesome. For now, I give it a four.

6/2/2011

This museum is NOT for everyone. Personally I love it, and think that it has a very unique collection, in a very unique space. A lot of people on here criticize the Guggenheim because it is is not the MoMa or the Met. But that is kidna the point. This is one of the many museums on museum mile, it does not try to be any of the other museums, and it really shouldn't. If you are interested in a comprehensive Louvre-like experience and seeing the old European masters and Rodin sculptures, then by all means go across the the street. Likewise, if you want to go see Mexican Folk Art you would go down the street to El Museo del Barrio. But If you are interested in seeing a comprehensive collection of artistic work from early in the 20th century, then the Guggenheim is the place. While this collection is in fact very limited to the first quarter of the 20th century, it represents one of the most significant periods of contemporary art. The collection houses numerous Picasso, Leger, and Kandinsky works. There are also a few Modigliani, Goncherova, and and Braques. This is a must see collection for any fan of that time period.

Not to mention the stunning Frank Lloyd Wright building housing the works.

9/8/2009

Dear Goog,

I like to call you the Goog in front of my friends because I look really hip mentioning this museum. In all honesty I don't know the reason I'm giving you three stars is because you were partially under renovation for a new exhibit hence my lacking interest but apart from the great architecture I wasn't too excited walking around.

This place is definitely a visit for first timers, but if you are looking for something a little more mainstream/modern and interactive go to the Museum of Natural History or the MOA.

-Ed

12/6/2008

The building itself is easily the best part of the museum. Wright really outdid himself with this building. The spiraling ramp is iconic in itself and actually makes seeing the museum a lot simpler. I suggest walking up the stairs to the top floor, and walking down the spiral down to the lobby.

As far the art collection, I wasn't wowed but I wasn't disappointed either. The most interesting things I saw were both in the lobby. There was a drowning Pinocchio in a small pool and on the floor of the lobby was the question "Are we evil?" It is $20 to get into this place so if you are interested in seeing great modern art and have a limited amount of funds, I suggest heading over to the MOMA in Midtown. If money is not an issue, I still recommend going to Guggenheim. The building itself is worth it.

9/27/2009

Hands down, the best looking museum.  It's surprisingly very small.  You don't need to speed your way through this one.  If you listen to the children's audio tour (they're always more interesting) you'll still get done in an hour.  I've seen the traveling exhibit when it came to Phoenix and both of the exhibits in Vegas when it was at The Wynn and the Venetian, but you have to go to the US mother ship.  
There's a structure to this museum.  You start at the top floor and walk around what seems a beehive all the way to the bottom.  I like that, a museum that has a start and finish line.  
BTW: The audio tour comes with price of admission.

5/21/2011

Went to the Guggenheim on Friday to check out The Great Upheaval: Modern Art from the Guggenheim Collection, 1910-1918.  What an incredible collection of modern art.  It ends June 1, so check it out, especially if you like Kandinsky.  Well worth the price of admission.  Oh, the new Hans-Peter Feldmann installation is really cool.

6/15/2011

The Frank Lloyd Wright architecture of the Guggenheim museum is by far the most compelling exhibit.  That being said, the entire ramp was art-less and closed due to an exhibit rotation, so my experience was very much compromised.  The idea of being able to view art pieces from a variety of different angles and distances remains unique.

12/10/2008

The building itself is a landmark not to be missed.  Plus it's a fabulous museum in a vibrant exciting neighborhood.

6/10/2008

I went to the Guggenheim today, knowing that a lot of their exhibits were going to be closed because of their remodel. What an understatement! They actually only had 2 galleries open (yes, this means two rooms). Because of this they were only taking donations. I tried to give the woman $5 and she gave me $4 back, saying "$1 is fine. $5 is too much."

Although I was sad that there was so much closed, it was interesting to be able to see the renovations taking place. (For those who haven't been there, it has a spiral walkway with an open center that winds up for several floors.)

I would recommend waiting until at least the end of the month to visit, as that is when the Louise Bourgeois exhibit opens. I'm not sure how long the permanent collection is closed, but I would suggest calling or checking their website. My four star rating is based on past experiences at this great museum. I'm excited to come back once all of the renovations are complete.

11/1/2008

The Guggenheim is on my list of the top 3 museums you must visit while you're in NYC and if you're around during a First Friday party you should absolutely go.  
The downside about this museum is that it's pricey, but the upside is that you can view pieces of eclectic artwork.  I'm a big fan of the museum's First Friday parties because I can drink, check out the new exhibits and dance simultaneously (what can I say I'm a multi-tasker), but unfortunately these parties become so packed that it's often claustrophobic on the main floor.  
In any case, I recommend that you check it out at least once because it's a unique NYC experience.

3/28/2009

Not nearly as good as the Moma or the Met. The architecture is by far the most interesting things about this museum. It overshadows everything else inside.

8/2/2008

The building is very cool but the special exhibit on Louis Bourgeois was not very interesting.  Everything made me say to myself "Not only could I have done that, but I wouldn't have wanted to."

The permanent collection was mostly uninteresting.

I am glad I got in for free because the only thing worth seeing at all is the spider sculpture they have in the main lobby (but even that is kind of creepy).

7/26/2008

Since Yelp ratings indeed ARE based on personal preference, I have to say I am satisfied with my visit to the Guggenheim but not overly wowed.  Went during the Louis Bourgeois exhibit and found it quite intense, exposed, honest, and interesting.  However, I'm not really into abstract or dark/depressing art, so I didn't love it or feel moved by it.  The two permanent displays that were open were so-so.  Cool to have a couple Picaso's but nothing special.  

As others have mentioned, the design and layout of the building is incredibly unique and fairly impressive.  At the top spiral level looking down to the lobby, I got those prickly feelings in my fingers and toes because I'm afraid of heights.

Interesting but not a must-see.

12/8/2007

You spin me right 'round, baby, right 'round, like a record, baby, right 'round, round round.

Yup. With an intensely unique architectural structure that pretty much stopped me in my tracks when I first laid eyes on it, the Guggenheim spun me right 'round, baby, right 'round, like a record, baby, right 'round, round round. It is, simply put, a stunner. Wow.

That being said...it IS a museum, and you're ostensibly there for the art. Thus, four stars (and not five).  The rotating exhibitions are kinda hit or miss. Eh.

But what is always a hit? The amazing space. Kudos. Major kudos.

Yes, this review is brief. Let's just say I'm struck speechless.

6/4/2012

If I were reviewing the building it'd be 5 stars. Sadly, while under construction the museum is lacking. With other options like the Frick, MET, and MOMA you'll be wasting your time seeing the paired down exhibits here. Come for the building-not the art.

4/17/2008

It's my favorite museum in New York. I'm not 100% sure why but I love this place. I think it has something to do with the current exhibition or the fact that the building is beautiful even if it has 2 bathrooms.

Everyone should make a journey to see the Cai Guo-Qiang exhibit and to just experience the museum.

9/9/2008

I truly enjoyed the Louise Bourgeois exhibit; most of her pieces had a haunting beauty to them. My first introduction to her work was at her giant spider installation at The Tate Modern in London eight months ago.

While I much appreciated the aesthetics of the Guggenheim, I felt a little stalkerish when I realized I was following the same few people as we wound our way up the building. The free audio tour was helpful, though and helped me feel like I was in more of a bubble.

Taking in all that art whet my appetite, so I headed to the cafe for some veggie quiche and pain au chocolat for dessert. The quiche was rather large and came with a salad and freshly-sliced cherry tomatoes; I wound up taking half home. And the chocolate croissant simply melted in my mouth.

Go for Louise Bourgeois and make sure to stick around for a post-museum snack.

8/28/2009

I am just not into these things. The building itself looked pretty cool. I'm sure other people who are into architectural stuff would love the Guggenheim but I honestly left after 10 minutes. I got in free because it was part of the New York City Pass but I would never go in if I had to pay.Other than a few really cool paintings... there's really nothing else to see here.

I liked the location though. Close to Central Park.

Warning: The guards said absolutely no photos allowed inside.

5/27/2008

Let's see. The Guggenheim was the first museum I got a chance to go to when I was in NYC. The exhibits were definitely avant-garde which is not really to my taste. None the less it is a place that one needs to see and experience while in NYC.

4/25/2008

I don't always like the installation, especially on Cai's retrospective, but the Guggenheim is a wonderful museum that shows and supports strong art. Event he investment artists that are shown here are at least the good investment artists (Barney and Cai for example).

Like many the gallery in New York, the actual building may hinder the exhibiting of art. I can never stop looking at the architecture... in fact I may go this weekend just to see the architecture.

3/25/2011

Nice museum if you want a manageable museum to visit on a Saturday afternoon.  I go to the top and then walk down which is better way to view art work at Guggenheim in my opinion than walking up and looking at art work at Guggenheim.

3/26/2008

The Goog is rock.  The current exhibition is NUT(Cai Guo-Qiang). Damn China man, you are crazy!!!  Absolutely out of his man.  Now people know Chinaman, not only good in math, Yao Ming, love eating rice, drive crazy, love taking picture.....and crazy modern art too!  

Renovation of the building takes forever.  Otherwise, it is a cool place to go.  I love the spiral hallway which is also the exhibition area.

If you dig architecture alone, Franky (Frank Loyd Wright) is your man. You will love the goog.  Ticket is pricy.  Just don't go to see the crazy China man's work. He obviously pup too much magic dragon !!