Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum is home to thousands of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, Modernist, and contemporary art pieces. Opened in 1939, the museum continues to grow in breadth and depth of historical and stylistic range. Today, it is home to works from artists such as Paul Cézanne, Édouard Manet, Pablo Picasso, and Jackson Pollock.
While the art collection is the museum's claim to fame, it is also well-known for its distinctive, swirling architecture. The brainchild of Frank Lloyd Wright, The Guggenheim Museum is an iconic landmark for 20th-century architecture. Located a stone's throw from Central Park, the museum sees more than 1.2 million visitors per year and should be a definite must-see on your New York City touring schedule.
Events at the Museum
In addition to its internationally renowned exhibits, the Guggenheim has a bustling and rotating calendar of fascinating events to offer visitors. Some of these items include on-going speaker series and conversations with the artists themselves. If you take a look at the Guggenheim calendar, you can even find happenings specifically designated for educators, kids, members, and visitors with disabilities. Events range in topics and are posted regularly on the museum’s extensive online calendar.
The Guggenheim also offers performances, films, and courses related to the arts. For instance, past presentations have included painter Khadim Ali presenting at a workshop highlighting his paintings in response to the story of Shahnameh. Ali breaks down the source of his inspiration and how he ultimately produced the image.
Artworks at the Museum
The Panza Collection
Named after collector Giuseppe Panza di Biumo, the collection contains more than 350 works of Minimalist, Post-Minimalist, and Conceptual art. The son of a wealthy investor and wine distributor, Panza originally studied law and worked in the family business. Eventually, his passions led him to artistic pursuits, and he became on the of the most influential American art collectors.
His collection features work from artists such as Dan Flavin, Carl Andre, and Sol LeWitt. The portfolio is part of the Guggenheim's mission to preserve and promote abstract art.
The Peggy Guggenheim Collection
The niece of Solomon R. Guggenheim, Peggy went on to become one of the most important art patrons of the 20th century. Since beginning her collection in the late 1930s, she has brought life to modern art as well as Abstract Expressionism. Today, her collection holds works encapsulating every significant art movement, including Surrealism, Cubism, and Futurism.
Some of the artists featured in her collection include Max Ernst, Georges Braque, Vasily Kandinsky, and Alberto Giacometti. In 1976, she gave the collection to the Guggenheim Foundation to complement her uncle's portfolio.
The Bohen Foundation Gift
The Bohen Foundation is a private charitable organization that commissions original pieces of art across a diverse array of mediums. In 2001, the foundation gave The Guggenheim 275 works from 45 artists, mainly in the contemporary field. Some of the standout works include photographs from Sally Mann, Sophie Calle, and Sam Taylor-Wood.
Additionally, there are large-scale video installations, such as Climate (2000) by Iñigo Manglano-Valle. The exhibit examines the assumptions of international style-architecture in modern society. Other video installations feature work from Pierre Huyghe and Willie Doherty.
Conclusion
The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum contains such a massive collection of artwork that we have barely scratched the surface. The collection continues to grow each year, so visitors can continually find and explore new styles and expressions of art. The vibrant range and diversity of the museum make it one of the most important centers for art in the United States.
Whether you are going for academic or personal fulfillment, there is something for everyone at The Guggenheim. It is a perfect way to spend an afternoon without feeling overwhelmed or rushed to see everything. Check out The Guggenheim website to plan your visit today.
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