Guggenheim Museum New York 2012/2013

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Climb the Iconic Spiral of the Guggenheim Museum New York

Published by Jason Hussong, Writer

Country: United States

The Experience

The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York City, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, is a national historic landmark and a cultural icon. The Guggenheim New York is a work of art in its own right, and one that many come to experience for the great pieces of art it contains. At other nearby museums it's all about the art, but here the story is the building as well. Forget the likes of Picasso, Chagall and Kandinsky; the best experiences are about lounging in the shadow of Wright's beautiful building which overlooks Central Park, and walking down the internal spiral floor-by-floor.

Outside, the Guggenheim Museum looks like a squat tornado of sorts, and was designed by Wright as a play on a ziggurat (a type of ancient Mesopotamian temple). Wright proclaimed how "it's going to make the Metropolitan look like a Protestant barn." Rightfully so, the Guggenheim Museum is unlike any of the other familiar box-style buildings in New York City; giving it a unique charm and appeal. It's a great place just to relax and soak in the big city culture. Inside, a gentle winding spiral with small alcoves and an annex, contains various works of Modern, Contemporary and Impressionist art, much of which was in Solomon R. Guggenheim's personal collection. All of this is capped by a beautiful skylight that allows for natural light to shine down into the museum.

The Guggenheim Museum New York, Wright's last major work, opened its doors on October 12, 1959, and recently celebrated its 50th anniversary. It took Wright over fifteen years and 700 sketches to design the building that is now one of New York's most famous. Neither Solomon Guggenheim nor Frank Wright lived to see it open. Sadly, ten years after the death of Solomon and six months after the death of Wright, the Guggenheim Museum opened its doors and welcomed visitors for the first time.

When the Guggenheim Museum opened, it was one of the most controversial buildings in town. Many people didn't like the design and were not impressed when the annex was built. But this controversy is what seemingly attracts so many people. The art at the nearby Metropolitan Museum of Art, which is also a part of New York's "Museum Mile," is generally considered to be better; but no other place can top the look and atmosphere of the Guggenheim Museum. The experience is like no other in town.

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When to Go to Guggenheim New York

New York is a wonderful city during the Holiday season. With holiday markets, music and ice skating, planning a trip to the Guggenheim to coincide with November or December is a great idea.

The Guggenheim Museum New York is closed on Thursdays as well as Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and Christmas Eve. The Guggenheim hours of operation are otherwise open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. and until 7:45 p.m. on Saturday. From 5:45 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. on Saturday it's "pay what you wish," so if you're on a tight budget that would be the time to drop in. Also, check the Museum's website or phone ahead before going so you can make sure renovations (or other upgrades) aren't going on that may inhibit your experience. You can also check on special exhibitions that may be of interest at that time.

Odds n' Ends

Ticket prices are steep at the Guggenheim Museum New York—US$18 a pop! If you're planning on doing any other sights, play it smart and get a New York City Pass for just under US$80. The pass makes sense as chances are you'll also want to go to places such as the Empire State Building and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which are practically across the street from the Guggenheim Museum. So plan ahead and make sure you have a good pair of walking shoes, as you'll surely stroll a few good miles walking off all of those great New York City hotdogs!

Photography is not permitted once you're past the main lobby of the Guggenheim Museum. This is a bit of a downer as it's allowed in other museums, like the MoMA and the American Natural History Museum. So, plan to hit the gift shop at the end of your visit if you'd like some copies of your favorite pieces in postcard or poster form. They're definitely a great way to remember a fantastic experience at one of the city's most recognizable and interesting structures.

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