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Samuel R. Guggenheim Museum

Samuel R. Guggenheim Museum
1071 Fifth Avenue
New York, N.Y. 10128
(212) 423-3500


Hours: Su -W 10 -6
F - Sa 10 - 8
Th Closed


General Admission: $12 Adults
Students and Seniors $7
Children (under 12) and members FREE


Museum emphasis: International paintings from many styles and periods


Website: http://www.guggenheim.org/solomon

Visted:April 1998
Last update: 14 Feb 99

EXTERIOR
Guggenheim exterior

My expectations were high on my trip to New York because I knew one of the things I had to do was to see the Guggenheim. It's legend is so large in my mind, not visiting the Guggenheim would be a terrible waste. My first thought when I saw the building from far off, was it's lines. It's design is definitely apart from those on Fifth Avenue. However, when I got closer I was shocked that the exterior of the building is made of some sort of plaster that makes the building look flimsy. The plaster, in fact, was stained which made the building look like an old coffee cup.
GALLERY VIEW
Gallery View

Inside was a different story. The interior was spacious. I was surprised how much room there was. Walking thorough the building. Walking down the ramp I didn't feel constrained as I thought I might. Moving down every so often there was a gallery tucked off to the side.

These galleries were like treasure troves. These were where the permanent collection are on display. I spend about two and a half hours in the museum. I was disappointed with the outward appearance of the
Horse Mask
Composition VII
Jean Miro
courtesy Guggenheim
Guggenheim , but after going through the entire building I felt that I not only saw works of art but I had been in one. The design of the building, the pieces in the lighting and the atmosphere created by it all is unique.
Horse Mask
The Soldier Drinks
Marc Chagall
courtesy Guggenheim

The permanent collection began as a collection of abstract and cubist works but through acquisitions and donations the collection has many different styles from around the world.

I enjoyed the Miro I have at the bottom of this page and many others, however it was difficult to track down images from the pernament collection on the web so I have what you see here.

I will add my voice to all those who encourage a visit to the Guggenheim. I expected to be stunned by this icon. I wasn't but, slowly I was won over by it's form and utility.

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