Whitney Museum of American Art

Whitney Museum of American Art features a large collection of significant works by contemporary American artists

Mirror-finish train by Jeff Koons on display at the Whitney Museum
Mirror-finish train by Jeff Koons on display at the Whitney Museum cc licensed photo by Marc-Anthony Macon

Opening in 1931 in Greenwich Village, the Whitney Museum for American Art was borne out of Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney's recognition of the difficulties faced by American artists whose work was overlooked by traditional institutions. When the endowment of a collection of more than 500 works by living American artists assembled by Whitney was refused by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, she founded her own museum.

In 1966, the museum opened on New York's Museum Mile, housing a permanent collection containing over 18,000 important pieces from the first half of the 20th century and exhibiting the work of contemporary American artists. As of May 1st 2015 the Whitney Museum will be moving to a brand new larger facility located by High Line Park in the Meatpacking District. You can learn more about this impressive new facility in the video under the 'Photos and Video' tab. Notable pieces in the Whitney Museum collection include works by Andy Warhol, Keith Haring, Jackson Pollack, Georgia O'Keefe and Jasper Johns.

Free gallery tours are offered daily through the Whitney Museum for American Art's current exhibitions and permanent collections. Visitors can download audio and video guides prior to their visit from the Whitney website and check for an updated schedule of film exhibits and performance installations. The website also provides details on available Whitney Family Programs offering interactive tours and workshops for children up to age 12.

Take a break and have a light cafe lunch at Untitled, the new restaurant at the Whitney Museum for American Art. Located on the lower level, the menu features breakfast all day and contemporary coffee shop cuisine, with brunch and dinner service on weekends.

Nearby attractions include High Line Park.



Facts For Your Visit

Fee: Yes.

Whitney Museum of American Art Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays

  • Monday: 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Tuesday: Closed
  • Wednesday: 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Thursday: 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Friday: 10:30 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Saturday: 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Sunday: 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM

Address: 99 Gansevoort St, New York, NY 10014, USA

Phone: (212) 570-3600

Official Website: Whitney Museum of American Art

Whitney Museum of American Art Reviews

Rated 4.5 out of 5 Star Rating

5 Star Rating I went with my children a few weeks ago and it was so much fun! There is so much different artwork, and the atmosphere is so exciting. There were a couple of floors with balconies, and they have different artwork outside! That was so creative in my eyes. They have a restaurant as well which is always a good thing! You have the option to take the elevator or go up/down the stairs which I appreciate because sometimes taking the elevator with a ton of people activates my social anxiety. on the first floor they always have music playing on Fridays and it's so much fun to watch people join. I plan to go back soon!
Soul Searching - a week ago

Show More
Show Less

5 Star Rating I came for Free Fridays at the Whitney and it’s such a vibe! I visited the Whitney Museum yesterday and had such a great experience. The museum is full of modern and contemporary art from a variety of artists and time periods, so there’s always something unique to discover on each floor. What really stood out to me were the outdoor terraces — every level has beautiful views of the city skyline, and catching the sunset from there was just amazing. It’s definitely one of the best spots in NYC for both art and views. The layout is easy to navigate, and the galleries are spacious, which makes exploring feel relaxed rather than rushed. The staff were friendly and helpful throughout my visit. To finish the evening, I headed up to the rooftop where you can enjoy a drink while looking out over the skyline — a perfect way to end the museum trip. Overall, the Whitney is a must-visit if you enjoy art, city views, or just want a nice cultural outing. I’d definitely recommend going in the late afternoon so you can enjoy the exhibits and then step outside to see the sunset from the terraces.
F P - a month ago

Show More
Show Less

5 Star Rating As others have said here, they have a wonderful permanent collection of art and special exhibitions that change often. Check the website to see what is currently on view. However for me, the building was also a big draw. This new Whitney is amazing. A great layout, friendly staff and wonderful views of the river (even the Statue of Liberty is visible) and the city from the many terraces. Inside the sun room is a must. Also a nice cafe with snacks, pastries and sandwiches.
Robert Ballantyne - 3 months ago

Show More
Show Less

3 Star Rating If you are planning on checking out Little Island or The High Line, then you should check out the Whitney Museum of American Art. The museum is filled with twentieth-century and contemporary American art, with a special focus on works by living artists. Some exhibitions are permanent, while some are temporary. One of the temporary exhibition, Christine Sun Kim: All Day All Night, was wonderful. She uses musical notations, infographics, American Sign Language, and English to produce drawings, videos, sculptures, and installations to show the non-auditory, political dimensions of sounds. The fifth floor is currently under renovation to prepare for the new, upcoming exhibition. Even more sad, the terrace was closed. If it was open, you can see many more artworks and sculptures. You could had also relax and enjoy some food, while enjoying view of the city.
Stephen K - 2 months ago

Show More
Show Less

4 Star Rating Overall excellent collection on American art with a sprinkle of international perspectives. LOVED the Edward Hopper and mixed media spotlights. Would like to see more dynamism and creativity in the displays. Remember this is free for all under 25! For a museum in NYC, it could be more impressive. I prefer Richmond's art museum over this.
Jubie Tan - 2 months ago

Show More
Show Less

Directions

Subway Line Nearest Station Walking Time
L8th Avenue6 minutes
A,C or E14th Street8 minutes

How to get to Whitney Museum of American Art by Subway

Take the L train to 8th Avenue, Cross the road and walk south one block on 8th Avenue to W 13th Street and go right; walk west one block to Gansevoort Street and go left; continue on Gansevoort Street to the museum entrance. Alternately you can take the A,C or E train to 14th Street, and proceed as above, but you'll have to walk a total of 3 blocks south on 8th Avenue adding an extra 2 minutes.

Map & Instant Route Finder

Click&Go Map and Route Finder with public transit, walking, driving or cycling directions. Get up-to-the-minute transit times for your route.

Finding Your Route - Please Wait

Accommodations near Whitney Museum of American Art:



Photo Gallery

Video

✨ To watch this video, please update your cookie settings and make sure ad blockers are turned off.
We use cookies to display embedded YouTube content. See our Privacy & Cookies Policy.

New York City Hotel Deals


Book Now, Pay Later
Price Matching
2,563,000+ Properties Worldwide
24/7 Support
booking.com logo

Visiting New York City? Here's why we use Booking.com for our hotel bookings.

Best SelectionDaily Deals Price Matching Pay at the Hotel 24/7 Support

Explore these exciting New York City Experiences


Visiting New York City?
Here's why we use Booking.com for our hotel bookings.
Best Selection
Daily Deals
Price Matching
Pay at the Hotel
24/7 Support
Share on Pinterest
Share on Pinterest
Help us grow! Please Share
Thanks for Visiting!