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 Absolutely worth taking advantage of the “25 and Under Anytime Pass” if you’re able. This free admission is incredibly generous, and I’m very thankful that I got to go! There’s quite a range of artworks on display here, taking several hours to traverse all floors. The art ranges from your more traditional canvas pieces to modern physical and multimedia installations. The outdoor portions also offer some decent views of the city. Definitely worth at least one visit!
Mii - 3 months ago

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5 Star Rating I really enjoy visiting this museum. You can see a lot of contemporary and modern artwork from America and the exhibitions are really good. The one that is right now on view on the eighth floor is great. Make sure to read the statements to better understand what is going on and enjoy more. Right now, they have a biennial exhibition going on in two of the floors, which is really great to see contemporary artworks. Admission for under 25 year old is free.
Ghazal Ghasempour - 2 months ago

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5 Star Rating Fantastic displays and exhibitions for Morden and pop art lover! Located at the start of the highline which make it great as a finish stop after the walk. Next to the river offer a beautiful sunset view over the water!
Penny Gaffney - 3 weeks ago

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5 Star Rating A Fantastic Museum Experience in NYC. My partner and I came to New York for a week, and last Friday we visited the Whitney Museum of American Art. We were lucky enough to get free admission tickets, available every Friday from 5 pm. The museum is modern, welcoming, and has a fantastic atmosphere. We were especially fortunate to see the newly opened exhibition of Roy Lichtenstein — an outstanding collection of works by the king of Pop Art. The museum also features works by Edward Hopper, whose paintings show how silence can convey the deepest emotions. On Friday evenings, a DJ adds to the vibrant atmosphere, making the whole experience even more special. A wonderful place for anyone who loves art, appreciates great exhibitions, and enjoys a unique cultural experience in New York. Highly recommended!
Karol Kwiatkowski - 3 weeks ago

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5 Star Rating Whitney Museum of American Art is one of my favorite modern art museums in New York, and I make a point of visiting it almost every time I’m in the city. Located in the trendy and constantly evolving Meatpacking District, near the High Line, the museum beautifully combines contemporary art, impressive architecture, and a unique New York atmosphere. The museum spans several floors in a striking modern building, featuring spacious galleries, open terraces, and beautiful views of the city and the Hudson River. From the moment you enter, you can feel that this is a vibrant, dynamic, and inspiring place. One of the things I love most about the Whitney is the wide variety of exhibitions. Alongside its permanent collection of modern and contemporary American art, the museum hosts excellent temporary exhibitions, so every visit offers something new and interesting to discover. Even visitors who are not typical “museum people” can usually find an exhibition here that speaks to them and captures their interest. The atmosphere is welcoming and relaxed rather than overly formal, making the museum feel accessible and enjoyable. It’s easy to spend several hours here exploring, thinking, and getting inspired — whether visiting alone, as a couple, or with family. Another great advantage is that admission is free on Friday afternoons, making the experience even more worthwhile for visitors to the city. For me, this is one of the most interesting, modern, and enjoyable museums in New York, and a place I’m always happy to return to.
idan yechiel - 5 months ago

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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.

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