Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum — Attraction in New York

This was a really cool museum, and I appreciated that the architecture of the building itself was part of the artistry (thank you, Frank Lloyd Wright). The building winds up and around, swirling to the top in a solid white, ramp-like path. As you ascend, you're always beside a half wall that allows you to see the other exhibits even on other levels, and which lets everyone enjoy the natural light from the stunning round window that's the crown and centerpiece of the architectural artwork we call the Guggenheim.

It's nice how you're guided through most of the museum simply by following this unfolding path before you; it makes for a smoother and easier experience than at MoMA or the Met, where you could get lost, or even at the Whitney, where there's less to see than at those two, but still several floors with a few rooms apiece. We didn't spend very many hours here, but leisurely strolled through and saw everything the museum had to offer. It was a relaxing trip to see a smaller collection.

I was surprised (and maybe a bit disappointed, if I'm.really.homest) that most of what was on display was from just one artist. I'm not sure if that's typical for the Guggenheim or not, since I am a tourist. Most floors seemed to be Gego's work - mainly in incredible 3D, geometric pieces. They were extremely cool, but after we were most of the way up, we were ready for a change, and things all started looking the same to our untrained eyes. Though I'm an artist, I paint, so this wasn't my area of special interest; your mileage may vary. It was all well done, but we found it a bit monotonous after a while and were glad when other exhibits changed it up.

Sarah Sze, whose work was about memory, put up some fascinating installations. They were very bold and expressive, and fun to try to work out what she was thinking and conveying. I got the impression that most of her work was constructed for or even at the Guggenheim specifically, because she made such excellent use of the space and must've taken a long time to install everything. I particularly loved the darker room where she set up a moving piece that seemed to show me how the inside of my own brain worked as it processed memories.

Over all, this place was really enjoyable. They did also have a section with paintings from well-known artists, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I was just a little bummed that the section was rather small, and I wish I'd connected better with the exhibit that seemed to be the main event currently. I definitely preferred MoMA and the Met, and it wasn't even a close comparison, but we certainly still had a lovely afternoon here, and I'm so glad we got to go....

First, let me say that the Rashid Johnson exhibition was amazing and I love it. That’s not why I giving a one star. I’m giving a one star for my first experience at this museum but I was accustomed and reprimanded by a security guard for drinking water. Today was extremely hot and you have to walk around the museum in order to see everything. I had a large water bottle that I occasionally drank from as I enjoy the different levels and artwork. This man approached me 2x about the water. I felt like he was trying to single me out and embarrass me because I saw other (non-black) people drinking water as they walked and enjoyed the space without being reprimanded. This man (an older black man) made me basically stand in a corner to finish my water. I didn’t want to cause a scene so I decided to write this review. I left shortly after that exchange. It’s hard as a Black woman who enjoys art to plan and enjoy trips to museums in nyc because of this. When you go to these museums, you will see ither black people working as museum staff as security, gift shop cashiers, etc. and my initial thought is to feel comfortable amongst my people but sadly, I’ve been proven wrong countless times. All skin folk ain’t kinfolk, I know this but in these days and times, it’d nice not to be singled out or embarrassed by people who look like me, especially for drinking water on a hot day while walking around and immersive museum. I wanted to show respect to this older man by obliging him but it really did not sit right with me. People will write off this review as an Angry Black Woman rant but it’s not. I’m just tired of having exchanges like this especially after I pay my money like everyone else to enjoy art.

Edit: I wanted to be sure to add that I know that this man didn’t target me randomly. He had marching orders and he followed them. What I mean is that the Guggenheim may hang Black artwork and hire black staff, they are not inclusive to all art lovers and it is evident in the way their staff operates. I didn’t mention this in my initial review but I wanted to add that I was also followed around by 2 older white men (it could have been more but there were 2 that kept getting too close to me, it seemed like they were trying to provoke me into a confrontation) as I browse through the different exhibit. Discrimination must be in the nature of the...

“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.” Maya Angelou

I think that a determined mindfulness to further develop our thought processes is a worthy endeavor and I’ve found that visiting a museum can be assistive in increasing one’s perspective.

While my typical reaction has been appreciation for the vision and skill the artists demonstrate when creating their pieces, The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum brought an entirely different response: it was thought provoking.

My favorite piece was the shattered stone tablet laid strewn across the floor with several inscriptions including, “WORDS TEND TO BE INADEQUATE.” While the interpretation can (and should) be debated, I found the symbolism to be profound. The seeming power of our words (written in stone no less) are inadequate without some accompanying action on our part! 🤯

I also found the simple plaque with the words, “They are ready for you when you are” extremely compelling. My interpretation was that this was meant to instruct us that we all too often establish and nurture self-imposed boundaries for ourselves, while those around us can often times see more clearly our true potential. 🤯 Sometimes we just need to get out of our own way, challenge ourselves by “putting ourselves out there”, and see what happens!

To be clear, these interpretations are my own (and may be in conflict with the intent of the Artists), but isn’t that the beauty of Art? It encourages not only appreciation, but also creative (and often divergent) thought.

The building (designed by Frank Lloyd Wright) is a work of Art in itself (inside and out), the exhibitions rotate periodically, exploring the museum can be accomplished in a few hours, their “Cafe Rebay” is an excellent place to take a break, and purchasing tickets in advance is highly recommended.

While the rotunda gradually rises to the oculus at its apex, those with mobility issues shouldn’t be discouraged from visiting as elevators provide access to each floor and many of the adjoining exhibition rooms are flat.

And that’s…Henry’s...