Located in the heart of New York City, the Guggenheim is one of the must-see spots on many visitors’ lists.
But, does this museum and art gallery really live up to the hype?
My opinion is yes, and no. There are a few factors that you need to keep in mind in order to make sure the experience is worth it for YOU.
First, a little bit of history about this attraction.
The Guggenheim was named after Solomon R. Guggenheim, a mining magnate, who amassed a huge collection of abstract art in the 1930s. Needing a place to display it, he commissioned Frank Lloyd Wright to create a space that would house the collection.
The building took almost 13 years to complete due to budget issues, World War II, and the fact that a lot of the people living in the area were not thrilled by the construction and/or the building itself. Neither Wright nor Guggenheim lived to see the building’s completion.
While the building had its critics, it soon became a beloved piece of architecture and is now visited by thousands of people from all over the world.
So, is the Guggenheim Museum worth the visit?
As I mentioned above, there are a few things to consider when deciding if you want to visit this space.
When I visited the museum, it was a rainy weekend, the place was packed with people, there were lineups everywhere, and the art was hard to absorb with so many bodies crammed into the space. Was it an inspiring and amazing experience — not really.
But, could it have been if I had considered the notes below? Definitely.
Read on for some thoughts, tips, and opinions on how to make your visit worthwhile.
Are you a fan of architecture (and Frank Lloyd Wright)? If you are, then viewing the space from the outside, and entering to experience the spiral and view from different levels, may be enough to satiate you. The art may just be an added bonus.
If you are hoping to spend time really immersing yourself in art, check the museum’s website to ensure you are interested in what is on display. The spaces along the spiral ramp is where most of the art sits and these spaces are often almost overtaken by one, or two, artists’ works. If what is showing isn’t going to interest you, then you may be disappointed by what you see.
The gallery has a fantastic permanent collection (Kandinsky, Picasso, Pollock, etc.) and often borrows pieces from the Met and MoMa as well, but these are not always on display. Check to see what will be showing ahead of time in order to avoid disappointment.
There are not many bathrooms in the space, so there tend to be neverending lines. Use the facilities before you arrive.
On weekends, especially rainy ones, the museum is packed with tourists and locals alike. The space gets incredibly loud, and you feel a little like you are being shooed up and down. I would avoid the museum during rainstorms. If you must go on a weekend, try and go at the end of the day, or around meal times to miss as much of the crowd as you can.
Most museums and art galleries in New York City now offer timed tickets (some of them are mandatory, so make sure you check out the website before just showing up — I learned that the hard way). As of writing, you can still show up at the Guggenheim without a timed ticket, but you may have to wait in line, as those with pre-purchased tickets will be admitted first.
Long story short, my experience taught me that if I had gone on a different day, at a different time, and maybe reviewed the website a little closer to ensure that what was on display was what I wanted to see, I would have had a much more enjoyable experience.
Would I go back? Yes. But I would go back on a sunny weekday when I could ensure I had more time and space to really appreciate the building and the art.
Planning your visit
Location: 1071 Fifth Ave. at 89th Street, New York City
Website: https://www.guggenheim.org
Hours: Sunday – Friday 11 am – 6 pm, Saturday 11 am – 8 pm
Admission: Adults $30, Students/Seniors $19, Children (under 12) Free
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Meet The Author
Lindsay Shapka is an avid traveler and the creator of The Anthrotorian — a website dedicated to sharing travel tips, stories about adventures, culture quirks, artists you should know, fascinating bits of history, and more!
She is also an artist, marketing specialist, editor, and freelance writer who has work featured on websites, blogs, and in magazines like National Geographic Traveler.
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