VIBE

Solomon Guggenheim started amassing his fabulous horde of modern art way back in the 1920s, but it wasn’t until 1959, when his pieces were first displayed in this dramatic museum custom-designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, that the collection truly became one of the world’s greats. The building itself–an elegant swirling white ribbon of concrete–shook up the art world when it opened thanks to its novel viewer-centered conception of the museum experience: visitors are rocketed to the top of the building, and then spiral downwards, having the opportunity to take in both the mod swoops of the building’s form and the collection as they go. And what a collection it is–from Kandinsky to Klee to Mondrian to Koons, the eclectic modern and contemporary holdings encompass many of the 20th and 21st century greats. While crotchety critics still gripe that Wright’s curved walls aren’t ideal for hanging paintings, the Guggenheim remains a key inspiration for the way modern and contemporary art is now presented around the world.

GO HERE WITH

Art and architecture buffs; friends; a date; family; kids

WHY WE LIKE IT

The architecture here is just as impressive as the art. We recommend using the audio guide (it comes free with admission) because it gives great insights not only into the pieces on display, but also into the ways in which the building is designed to showcase them. Afterwards, we like to stroll across the street to Central Park, ogling the Guggenheim’s curves through the greenery.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

“Share and share alike” is all well and good, but it’s annoying that the Guggenheim’s finest treasures are often on loan.

GOOD TO KNOW

Lines can be long–the best ways to get around them are to go early or book your ticket in advance. Once you’re in the door, there are both free audio guides and free tours available. The Guggenheim has really been making an effort to reach out to children by bulking up their schedule of family-friendly events, like weekly family “drop in” hours (Sundays, 1:00pm-4:00pm), family tours (second Sunday of each month, 10:30am-12:00pm; Family Ticket: USD 15), and kids’ art classes. If you do come with kids though, don’t forget that under-12s must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Double strollers and jogging strollers are not permitted in the galleries, but you can borrow backpack carriers in the coat room. The Guggenheim also runs a busy schedule of lectures and film screeings; check their website for details. And if you can’t make here, try to check out one of Guggenheim’s other locations–they now have museums in Venice, Bilbao, and Berlin.

CLOSEST COMPS

Guggenheim Museum (Berlin, Bilbao, Venice); The Museum of Modern Art (New York); Tate Modern (London)

Click here for our full-form mobile travel guide, The Purple Passport to New York City.