Whitney Museum of American Art
Photo: Whitney Museum of American Art — CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Founded in 1930 by Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, the museum’s collection includes over 25,000 works by more than 3,500 artists.
Planning your visit
Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney was a sculptor who collected American art when almost nobody did. She offered her collection to the Metropolitan in 1929 and was refused, so she founded her own museum in 1931 — the origin of the institution that now holds over 25,000 works by more than 3,500 artists.
The commitment to living American artists has never lapsed, and the Whitney Biennial remains the most argued-over survey in the country.
The collection is unmatched for Hopper, whose widow left the museum his entire estate, and strong on Calder, O'Keeffe, Sheeler, Johns, Rauschenberg and the postwar generations.
Renzo Piano's 2015 building in the Meatpacking District has stacked outdoor terraces and sits at the southern end of the High Line, which is the best approach to it.
Allow three hours. Current availability is shown below.
Before you book
Where is Whitney Museum of American Art?
Whitney Museum of American Art is in New York City, United States. The map on this page marks its exact location.
How long should I allow for Whitney Museum of American Art?
Allow three hours. That is the time the collection itself takes at an unhurried pace, before any queue.
Is Whitney Museum of American Art free to enter?
Yes, general admission to Whitney Museum of American Art is free. Guided tours and special exhibitions may still be charged separately.
Do I need to book Whitney Museum of American Art in advance?
Tickets can be bought on the door at quiet times, but booking ahead fixes the date and avoids the queue at busy ones. Live availability is shown on this page.
