Whitney Museum of American Art: American Art in New York
The Whitney Museum of American Art showcases a century of American artistic creation. The museum also offers stunning views over Lower Manhattan.
Booking Whitney Museum of American Art
What You Need to Know About the Whitney Museum of American Art
- The Whitney Museum of American Art is a major museum in New York, founded in 1930 by sculptor Gertrude Whitney. The museum’s origin is quite unusual. Whitney created it in response to the Metropolitan Museum‘s refusal to acquire her works. When the Met wouldn’t take them, she decided to build her own museum to display her creations.
- Unlike most museums, the Whitney Museum of American Art does not feature a permanent exhibition. Instead, the collections are presented through rotating thematic exhibitions that highlight different parts of the collection. Each time you visit New York, you’ll find something new to discover here.
What to See at the Whitney Museum of American Art
- Since May 1, 2015, the museum has moved from its former location on the Upper East Side to the trendy Meatpacking District, at 99 Gansevoort Street, between Washington Street and West Street. The Whitney Museum of American Art stands out with its striking futuristic design. Italian architect Renzo Piano, who designed the Centre Pompidou in Paris, created the building.
- Andy Warhol is among the most celebrated artists featured at the Whitney Museum of American Art. You’ll also appreciate other major pop-art figures like Roy Lichtenstein and Edward Hopper.
- In the sculpture section, explore works by Elie Nadelman and David Smith. Don’t miss “Circus,” an incredible creation by Calder featuring colorful circus performers. “Circus” is the only work displayed permanently.
- Be sure to spend time on the outdoor terraces on the east side of the building. From here, you can enjoy sweeping views of the Meatpacking District, the High Line, the Empire State Building, and One World Trade Center in the distance.
Visiting the Whitney Museum
- Address: 99 Gansevoort Street, Meatpacking District, New York.
- Subway: 8 Av (lines A, C, E, and L).
- Hours: The Whitney Museum of American Art is open daily except Tuesdays, from 10:30 am to 6 pm. Hours extend to 10 pm on Fridays.
- Admission: You can book tickets in advance through our ticket reservation module for the Whitney Museum of Art.
- Tip: Admission to the Whitney Museum is included with the New York Explorer Pass and the New York Pass.
The Whitney Museum in Video
The Whitney Museum in Photos
Reviews of the Whitney Museum in New York
Reviews of the Whitney Museum of New York from our Destination New York Facebook group
- Peggy: “The Whitney Museum of New York is a beautiful museum. Great location and magnificent views of Manhattan and the Hudson. Excellent collection, though I would have liked to see more works by Hopper or Andy Warhol. Overall, I expected a larger and more impressive collection. Still, it’s an outstanding museum!”
- Myriam V.: “I enjoyed the outdoor views, the bright spaces, and the variety of works on display across different media. I also appreciated the originality of the pieces.”
- Elisabeth B.: “The Whitney Museum is beautiful both inside and out, with views over Manhattan and the Hudson, and it’s in a fantastic neighborhood. Some collections are very interesting, though there are also some unusual pieces, like a Serrano ham hanging from the ceiling, rows of suitcases, and stretched tights.”