Guggenheim Museum

4/13/2008

If you haven't been to the Guggenheim before, now is the best time to go.  There's an excellent exhibition by Cai Guo-Qiang titled "I want to believe" that really ANYONE would enjoy.  You don't really have to be an art enthusiast.  Actually boys in particular will love this exhibition because every piece is surrounded by a theme of "explosion".  Literally a series of his works are created with gunpowder!  How cool is that!  Check it out... It'll  be up until May 28!  Don't miss it!  For $18/ticket it's absolutely worth it.

9/28/2008

It's a pretty nice small museum, when compared to others like the Met. Although it can't house as many exhibits, the design of the place makes it easy to see everything they have. Like others have said it's best to go up and work your way down. The exhibits really do make or break the museum, so definitely go inside if it's something you're going to be uber excited about. Otherwise just stop by and take a picture in front of the iconic exterior. They allow pictures inside the lobby only.

11/22/2005

I've seen a few very memorable shows here, including a Kandinsky exhibit in the not-too-distant past.  I wasn't a fan of the artist before entering the museum, where the erudite (but not overtly interpretive) curators and the architecture conspired to trick me into loving the work that I saw, which is exactly what a good musem should do.

I've always found the Guggenheim's curves to be inviting and approachable.  They dare you to make it all the way up to the top, and help you feel aware of the totality of the museum at all points.  If you're anything like me, the Guggenheim's architecture will remind you while you're paint-gazing that you're not just looking at a discrete painting which you may or may not like, you're looking at one fragment of a beatiful, complex conversation among artists across modernity.

12/13/2009

What a terrible fate the Guggenheim museum has suffered.  Designed by the brilliant Frank Lloyd Wright, the museum itself is a masterpiece.  Unfortunately what is often found inside of the museum is not.  Often cluttered with second billing quality exhibitions, there is little to recommend paying the full entrance fee.  As such, it is often best to just visit on Saturday evenings since one can then have the option of paying whatever entrance fee they would like.  While this helps balance out matters, everyone in New York is wise to this very idea.  So do not be surprised by a long line out the door, down the block, and around the corner on Saturday night -- even if it is raining and the temperatures are frigid.  As I said, an unfortunate fate.  But there is some hope.  Currently they are exhibiting a collection of Kandinsky's work.  Many of the featured paintings are extraordinary and are worth a visit to see.  Audio guides were freely presented during my visit, but they failed to add much.  This was shocking.  I learned more about Kandinsky's life, but less than a handful of paintings were addressed directly.  Yes, I am aware of the motifs he generally employs, but some of the paintings are fairly abstract and require context to be properly understood.  Not being a student of art history, I miss a lot when I marvel at his work.  At the very least, the audio guide should increase one's knowledge about specific paintings, but, alas, that was not the case.  So brush up on your knowledge of some of his key paintings before going, or just wait for a better museum to showcase his work in the future.

4/1/2011

Love the building, like the museum.  I've been to many of their exhibits over the years, and even when they focus on artists I enjoy, it just feels like something is missing.  I think the building is almost too impressive to the point that it overshadows the art and makes works that should feel significant feel somewhat small.  It's free (well, pay what you wish, but that can be free) on Saturday afternoons, and although the line always seems huge during the free time, it moves quickly and the building is large enough so that it doesn't feel crowded.

8/11/2008

The building itself was very cool.  At the top I only wished I had some roller blades so I could put 'em on and gleefully spiral to the bottom.

The Louise Bourgeois exhibit was not my favorite.  Nor was it a favorite of some young woman who brusquely walked by some... "art" with red lights coming out it.. and who, visibly annoyed, announced to her date, "HOW is that AT ALL inspiring?"  Haha, hopefully the future will hold something more "inspiring" at the Guggenheim.

5/1/2008

I'm probably going to be tarred and feathered for this, but I really didnt like the Guggenheim that much.  It's not that I dont have an appreciation for art.  For instance, I've been to the Metropolitan MOA, the Louvre, and the Musee des Beaux-Arts de Montreal and I liked them all very much.  It's just that I dont think the Guggenheim can hold a candle to any of those great museums.  I was pretty much done with it in a hour and left rather unimpressed.  It also contained some bizarre things that on a personal level I frankly dont consider art, and in general it just feels like an "also-ran" and I was left disappointed.

4/8/2009

Like MOMA, the Guggenheim has some stunning pieces but this museum is simply stunning for it's design. Inside and out it is an architerctural treat. Sloping curly-whirly walls make it one of the most incredible buildings I have ever seen. Super.

10/12/2007

I'm not huge into modern art.  I don't appreciate a blank canvas or squiggles painted in different colors.  I just don't get it.  But that's not the reason they are getting low stars.  Almost the entire museum was closed.  We were only able to see 3 exhibits because they were changing things out.  Do they need to do it all at once?  Good thing we had a 2/1 coupon (entertainment book again), the admittance was discounted because of everything being closed, plus student discount-we paid $3 per person.  That's all it was worth.  I felt bad for the people paying full price.

1/1/2006

Go here for the beautiful architecture, there's not much to say about the exhibits.

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• See all photos from Linda S. for Guggenheim Museum

9/2/2008

am i the only one who likes louise bourgeois?  while i didn't love every single piece, i found a lot of it pretty interesting.  this was my first time at the guggenheim and i really enjoyed it.  the spiral design is really interesting, and i think a great way to look at art, to just casually stroll downhill, instead of having to go up and down stairs/elevators. it was a bit crowded and the admission price seemed a bit steep, but i enjoyed myself.  someone pulled the fire alarm and we couldn't get into the basement to see the photographs of bourgeois, which sucked, other than that, it was a good time.

5/18/2008

This place is pretty kickass. It reminds me of Will Smith in Men in Black and of Cremaster. I dont think anyone ever has compared men in black to cremaster.

11/29/2008

I don't remember if I was here before I saw the Cremaster film of Barney scaling the museum interior.  I was here for the Brancusi show but I enjoyed the contemporary painting exhibition about the body.  I wouldn't go here every time I visit New York.  If you forget your student ID, the front desk will give you the discount once you name your city and college.  The cafe is okay.

7/7/2007

awesome place - i think the building itself is more interesting than most of the art inside. as j b said, most of the stuff is 'art lite'. flw is a genious, and all the curves and spirals in the museum are very sensuous.

as for 'first fridays', i will not be going back. waiting in line for 2 hours to have the privilege of paying $25 to get in and hang out around a bunch of hipsters trying (unsuccessfully) to dance to shitty music is not my idea of a good night.

5 stars for a beautiful place, minus 1 star for lameness.

11/15/2010

The Guggenheim is beautiful but only come here if you want to see a certain collection being featured. I came here to see a Brancusi exhibit and loved it- but will probably not come here again until one of my other favorite artists is on exhibit. Otherwise it can be becomes repetitive and pretty boring. I do love the spiraling architecture and location, but still, I'm not sure the price tag is worth the experience.

12/26/2007

This is a perfect museum.  Not too big, not too small and housed in an architecturally important building.   I would walk around this space if it were empty.

5/31/2006

First off, I have to say that my review is influenced by the fact that the outside of the museum was being cleaned and the top two circuits of the museum were closed for renovation...this is probably what I get for visiting this museum (for my first time) before peak season kicks in!

As a huge Frank Lloyd Wright fan, I was extremely jazzed to see this museum, and was incredibly disappointed by the scaffolding covering almost all of its exterior. I even had a friend snap a pic of me in front of the museum looking downtrodden, just to fully capture the feeling.

Not being able to really experience the exterior, I moved on to the interior which was really cool, except for the previously-mentioned fact that the upper two circuits of the museum were closed. This meant that I couldn't make it to the top and stare down at the crowds below.

Overall the exhibits were only okay, although they did have a fantastic selection of works by Kandinsky.

I bought a postcard just to get some kind of picture of the exterior...now I just need to convince people that I actually took that picture! Yeah, right...

I'd definitely go back on my next trip to New York, just to get the full experience!

5/29/2007

I had never been to the Guggenheim or even passed by it until this weekend. I missed out on catching a glimpse of the beautiful building since they are restoring the exterior, but the museum is still open with most of its exhibits accessible. I love modern and abstract art, so there collections were totally up my alley. I loved the floor with lights and all that, reminded me of the disco era (not that I was alive then, but from what I know at least). Wendy S. and I had a field day taking pictures at this exhibit, even though we were probably the only adult frolicking around on it. The architecture of this building is just stunning, the spiral corridor that goes all the way up while leading into each of the galleries is beautiful. Oh, and the admission fees are reduced while the Guggenheim is undergoing restoration, so definitely make a trip up here if you haven't. Though, I really enjoyed getting free access with my corporate ID, YAY for work perks!

12/9/2007

Came here by myself my first month in the city...I loved the architecture, my secret dream is to roller blade from top to bottom!  wheeeeeee!!!!!  I used the narrative headset they give you (it's free) which was a nice feature.  The gift shops are cool, I recommend picking up a bunch of postcards.  I went from the bottom to the top, I think it would be cool to try to go from top to bottom the next time.  One star off because it was expensive for me, even as a student, and there was the slightest tiniest "cold" feeling.

1/30/2009

The structure of this building is amazing-it is a complete eye opener.The great Frank lloyd only new york building-he made it a great one!!!It isnt the cheapest place to visit so i would recommend getting a city pass for it.The building itself contains more than 6,000 pieces of art.Transprt links to it is quite good-it is on fifth avenue.I loved how you can see early picasso works in this place.There is also a lecture program here.I liked the impressionists and post impressionists work.There is a nice view fromthe top.

9/2/2007

This museum's architecture is liberating as I'm more partial to spirals and curves than to angles.  Regardless of your sophistication level with either art or architecture this is a do not miss visit. Upon entry look toward the ceiling and take it all in before beginning your ascent to the start of the exhibit.

2/24/2008

By no means am I an art snob nor pretend to know about the whos-who of modern art nowadays, but this museum was a disappointment. I know all art is subjective, but I found myself sort of scratching my head at one point with the featured exhibit, some take on communication with lots of tech gear to prove whatever point it was making (all I was thinking is, what a waste of electricity). As a wrap-up, I am glad to have been there to have seen the cool architecture (the rotunda is stunning), but I will not be going back.

11/16/2008

It's a leaning, ice cream cone of a building but that aside it's a great architectural space. The permanant collection is obviously of the modern art variety and not for everyone but some of the temporary exhibitions have been excellent. It doesn't take too long to visit but it is pricey so be aware, unlike say 'The Met' you'll never spend all day there or even an afternoon.

6/9/2010

I loved the Guggenheim! I really enjoyed the transition from still photography to full video. One picture by Sherri Levine in particular caught my eye. It was a picture of an old woman holding a pair of glasses near her stressed face. It was at the bottom of a group of columned pictures, but stood out to me as the most beautiful picture in the group. There was really nothing special or significant about it but oddly I was completely drawn to it. In one dark room there was a video of a boy sitting in his bed in the dark biting his nails. He bit them like a madman and continues on and on, dropping the bitten off nails on the blanket, on this clothes, on his face , and everywhere. It started out funny like watching a kid bit his nails when he wasn't allowed to but the longer it goes the harder it becomes to watch. The Guggenheim absolutely will not allow you to take pictures pass the ground floor (admission) and there are people in every area strictly enforcing that rule. I really enjoyed it!

7/12/2007

Breathtaking! If only the building wasn't currently under renovation. Boo! I guess that just means I'll have to make it a point to come back once it's finished. My favorite of the current exhibitions was The Shapes of Space. I'm glad I was able to see it. And I'm especially glad that it wasn't super packed that day as I hate trying to view a painting with someone's elbow jammed into my side.

5/26/2007

I am in LOVE with this place. The space/building itself is amazing and a piece of artwork. I love walking up the spiral walk way, with the galleries hidden in the wings.  I am also quite impressed with their collection - from Picasso to Renoir to Cezanne with a few pieces of Van Gogh and Modigliani. Everyone should come here at least once.

7/8/2007

Love the guggenheim.  Been here three times in the last few years. The spiral design of the building is ingenius.  You can start from the top and spiral down to the bottom.

11/19/2008

Don't go on a Thursday because it ain't open. I learnt this the hard way  so I hope you benefit from my advice. Also for the 3 years I lived in NYC upto mid 2008 the whole of the beautiful exterior of the Guggenheim was under scaffolding. I hope they have finished by now, as it's iconic architecture is half the reason for going there. The other half is to enter the shell like interior and wind your way up (or down) the spiral walkway. I started at the top and went down, but I don't think there is a right or wrong way. Some would have to be feeling generous to give certain pieces of the art many marks out of 10 (that's probably my ignorance of modern art, rather than the artist's shortcomings!) but there is such an eclectic collection that you're sure to find something that floats your boat. The museum shop has some cool items  check out the guggenheim shaped tea mugs.

4/3/2006

Peggy Guggenheim once described this as her uncle's garage - the moniker is appropriate. The design of this museum may be revolutionary, but pretty it's not, and it has all the acoustic finesse of a swimming hall (loud...)

The thing to be aware of is that the permanent collection is tiny - no more than about 3 dozen pieces at best. The large sign outside promising works by Gaugin and Manet turns out to be for one painting from each artist. That said the quality of what they have is excellent, but if you just put down $18 to get in (yikes!) you'll feel a bit pissed off that you've polished off the permanent collection in under 40 minutes.

The rest of the space is devoted to temporary exhibitions, which can be very hit and miss. The current David Smith one is mostly miss, as far as I'm concerned.

You get a free audio tour, but most of the commentary is either utterly vapid or utterly pretentious - I'm not sure which.

1/26/2007

First Friday's At The Guggenheim

Hosted by Flavorpill, this, along with Turntables on the Hudson, is probably one of the city's best monthly dance parties. Oh yes, you're sure to appreciate those jagged haired hipsters and Euros sporting pin thin denims painting the museum's circular rotunda with a mashup of colors and style. They might event be the catalyst to you coming. (Nothing beats that feeling of being at the IT party).  But while the incredible Frank Lloyd Wright interior seems to have been created for just that kind of people watching purpose, it's DEFINITLY the museum's ascending construct that offers the best reason to attend: bling acoustics for the extraordinary lineup of international DJ's. With spinners like Funkstrung and Miles Maeda and DJ Three you're gonna dance your dance at full volume till this party's 1am closing (museum's rules ;(
(note* admission to the party is $25 but free for all museum members and Flavorpill offers discounts via its monthly newsletter.) Dance your dance hipsters!

7/8/2007

Love it.

6/16/2008

I love the design of this building, it has the coolest spiral shaped layout.  It has some really nice visiting exhibits.  I'm just not that into the type of art that is displayed in this museum.

3/26/2007

There was something about this museum that irked me.  Perhaps it was the fact that the Spanish Painting exhibit was displayed in the hallway- well I guess it's a hallway, you know, that curvy walkway that goes around and around the center part of the museum from bottom to top.  Anyway, I walked all the way up to the top so I could work my way down gradually.  Also, I hate elevators, so this made sense to me.  I immediately regretted my decision because I had to navigate through the crowds of rowdy school children, oblivious old people, and inconsiderate thirty-something yuppies with large strollers.  
Anyway.  I was not thrilled by the Spanish painting exhibit.  I couldn't believe they left out Velasquez's Las Meninas- that was huge disappointment.  There were a few interesting works but nothing that really got me excited.  However, they did have a Tacita Dean exhibit, which was fabulous!  Her 40 minute film Kodak was completely mesmerizing and beautiful, and the chair I sat in for the duration was so soft and cushy that I couldn't help but doze a little!  It was also a really nice break from the chaos of the rest of the museum.  
The other exhibit I really enjoyed was the photography show Family Pictures.  I HIGHLY recommend this exhibit to everyone- it really investigates in detail the accepted convention and tradition of taking family portraits as well as snapshots and videos, and deals with the complexity of human familial relationships.  It just has some realllly great stuff in it- a lot of stuff I've read about, but nothing I have ever seen in person!  So exciting. Yay.
Those two things made the museum worthwhile.  I am taking off two stars for the stupid layout, the lofty price of admission, the wait for the coat check, and the rudeness of one of the girls selling tickets (she didn't sell a ticket to me, but while I was buying one from the guy next to her, she said to him in a perfectly audible voice, "I've only been selling tickets for an hour and I already want to shoot myself," to which I gave her an empathetic smile (i've worked in food service, i know it sucks to deal with certain people sometimes).  In response, she just gave me this bitchy, patronizing smile and shot death rays at me with her eyes.  I thought, so much for trying to understand the suffering of my fellow man, and I was disgruntled at how unprofessional and rude she was.  Angerangeranger.  Perhaps this set a bad tone for my visit to the Guggenheim, but after visiting the MOMA, this place pales in comparison.

1/16/2008

oooh it's like a huge stryofoam cup in the middle of the city...

i love how you start at the top and the place seems to say:
"keep it movin' bitch, that's right keep keep the traffic flowin"
hah I went with my boss to see a spanish painting show and it was my very first time in there and I was impressed. bathrooms almost at every floor then exhibitions fanning on the sides of the main exhibition core. The store was cute. We both used to work at museum stores so it was fun to be the "voyeur"

super cool place to get your art on.

3/24/2008

I must've gone during a bad time, they had one exhibit open and it was mainly just pictures taken from the post WWII period.  I felt cheated robbed and everything else bad you can think of.  I may try it again when it has more exhibits for the one time i been there it was a rip and wasted my time.

7/14/2007

One of my favorite museums. The architecture is astonishing and far outweighs the art on the inside. But if you enjoy contemporary modern art The Shapes of Space exhibit is not to be missed. Novice museum goers must get the audio set its included in the price. The building is under exterior restoration but it is still open. So if you are planning a trip to see the exterior I would wait a while.

12/21/2006

I agree with many in that the exhibitions here tend to be crowded and loosely organized, making it difficult to take the art in. I think the design of the building is interesting, and can make for fun museum wandering, but for me it's the physical condition of the building that always bothers me. The finishes (especially on the exterior) tend to always look in mild disrepair. It's a fun place to go once - after that you might go for a specific exhibition, but if you're like me, you'll leave feeling a little empty and disappointed.

9/5/2006

Truly a treat.

1/29/2007

There's already a smile on my face just remembering my first time here- the architect who's known for assimilating the surrounding and incorporating it into the design of a building or home- bewilders every onlooker...Protruding curves guides your eyes from end to end- sensuous and fully bearing the fruit of what lies within...Once entering the building- you are enraptured by light eminating  from the glass dome above...Your eyes are transfixed as you follow the curving rotunda- enticing you to step forward and follow the evolving art collection.  I took many photographs here- the result were postcard quality pictures undeniably due to Mr. Wright's genuis.  My favorite exhibit here was the Art of the Motorcycle :-)

3/26/2007

Always dreamed of going to this museum. Besides seeing the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona or the David in Florence, Italy...this place is pretty spiritually artisitic. A must visit and spiral spin up and down to view the art work.