Whitney Museum of American Art
Whitney Museum of American Art features a large collection of significant works by contemporary American artists
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 out of 5
The Whitney Museum of American Art, located at 99 Gansevoort Street in Manhattan’s Meatpacking District, is a premier institution dedicated to 20th- and 21st-century American art. Designed by architect Renzo Piano, the museum’s modern structure features expansive galleries and outdoor terraces offering panoramic views of the Hudson River and New York City skyline. 
Collection & Exhibitions
The Whitney boasts a permanent collection of over 18,000 works, highlighting prominent American artists such as Edward Hopper, Georgia O’Keeffe, Andy Warhol, and Jackson Pollock. The museum is renowned for its commitment to living artists and contemporary art movements, providing a platform for emerging voices in the art world. 
Notable exhibitions have included the “Edges of Ailey,” a tribute to choreographer Alvin Ailey, featuring works from over 80 artists and exploring themes of Black American culture and identity. The Whitney Biennial is another significant event, showcasing contemporary American art and often sparking critical discourse.  
Visitor Experience
Visitors often praise the museum’s layout, starting from the upper floors and working downward, allowing for a comprehensive viewing experience. The outdoor terraces between floors provide not only art installations but also stunning city views. However, some guests have noted that certain floors may be closed during visits, and restroom facilities are limited on some levels. 
Practical Information
• Address: 99 Gansevoort Street, New York, NY 10014
• Hours: Open Monday, Wednesday–Sunday; closed Tuesdays.
• Admission: $30 for adults; discounts available for seniors and students; free for visitors under 18.
• Website: whitney.org
Alexa Eunji Lee - a week ago
Modern art museum featuring painting and sculpture, with many temporary exhibits. The galleries and adjoining roof decks have great views of the Hudson and city. I visited during an Amy Sherald portrait exhibit, hence the Michelle Obama portrait on loan from the National Portrait Gallery in DC.
Ed Holden - a week ago
We came to see the Amy Sherald exhibit. Best artist exhibit I’ve ever seen. Partly because her art is exceptional and because it was well displayed and a sweeping collection.
Also the guards and staff were absolutely amazing especially to our children.
Kathy Callahan-Howell - in the last week
Great artworks of famous and coming-up artists, showed in a beautiful building. very beautiful viewpoints and nice cafe terrace in the building. Fascinating temporary exhibition when I visited about Alvin Ailey. Permanent collection includes many famous and beautiful Hopper’s, a Haring, Basquiat, Warhol, Max Weber, and many more… Perfect, relatively calm and quiet museum with very kind service. Ideal for the true art lovers!
Ohayo TM - 3 months ago
It is a great museum to visit! Free on the second Sunday of every month. I love the outdoor terrace where you can see the Highline, little island, and Freedom Tower. There are beautiful views of the river and Jersey, too. I enjoyed the art exhibition 🖼 The staff is very friendly.
Zee Lopez - a month ago
Directions
| Subway Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| L | 8th Avenue | 6 minutes |
| A,C or E | 14th Street | 8 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.
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Accommodations near Whitney Museum of American Art:
Photo Gallery
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An Illusion of a mirror where no mirror exists is one example of the unusual works to be seen in the Whitney Museum cc licensed photo by Andrew Baron -
Photo Credit: Phil Roeder - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Lee Cannon - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Lee Cannon - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Lee Cannon - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Lee Cannon - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Lee Cannon - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Lee Cannon - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Lee Cannon - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Lee Cannon - cc license via Flickr
Video
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