Whitney Museum of American Art — Attraction in New York

Trying my best to live up to my New Year's resolution (Do Stuff!) Rallied for a Spontaneous visit to the Whitney Museum in the Big Apple 🍎 for a fantastic art exhibition "Vida Americana: Mexican Muralists Remake American Art, 1925-1945"

Full disclosure: This visit was February 2021, but great Art has a lasting impact, and this exhibit still resonates!

No sporting events, no concerts, no indoor dining, yet Museums are open! 🤔🤫 Play the cards you're dealt and take advantage of what you can...my pics don't do the art justice...powerful works, political, stark, famous stories, learning some new history throughout...their influence was and is felt far and wide...plus...another exhibit of beautiful photographs from the 1960s as a bonus from a group called "The Kamoinge Workshop" ....Perfect! A great time indeed 😇

Quick descriptions of the pictures:

Probably the most famous piece of the exhibition, a fresco the Rockefeller Corp. commissioned Diego Rivera for the ground floor of the new Rockefeller Center in 1932. Rivera added a portrait of Lenin (under the right "Wing") and the controversy was on. Too much to discuss here, but fascinating insight into the politics of the day! An unbelievable wall of art regardless of your politics!

The Passion of Sacco and Vanzetti, 1932 by Ben Shahn. Not only is this a powerful painting and history lesson on its own (and a great example of Rivera's influence), but Shahn did an incredible Fresco of this exact painting on the Syracuse University quad! Quite a cool surprise!

Figure Kneeling before Arch with Skulls, c. 1934-1938 by Jackson Pollock. Another powerful example of the influence of the Mexican artists on the American artists.

Our Present Image, by David Alfaro Siqueiros, 1947 Siqueiros replaces the face with a stone oval to represent not one particular race or nationality, but all of humanity. Again, regardless of politics (He was a dedicated communist) a powerful message that still resonates today.

American Historical Epic by Thomas Hart Benton, 1920-28. A series of paintings that represent the founding and expansion of the United States. History through art! Really amazing works.

6.Frida Kahlo, Me and My Parrots, 1941. Famous artist for many reasons, who had an amazing and wild life (even a movie!) Another cool painting at this amazing exhibit!

Girl and Cuba, 1968 by Louis Draper. Had a bit of time to check out the Kamoinge Exhibit of photographs too! Simple yet powerful black & white photographs from the 1960s.

Finally, a beautiful book that explores the exhibit in detail and all the great artwork was a welcome purchase and an enduring legacy of this exhibit.

Great exhibition, really well put together, a powerful history lesson, some surprises, and a freebie tote bag too! Well done Whitney!

There are so many museums in NYC that afford a unique opportunity to enjoy so many areas of the Art World, learn, and enjoy. Be sure to take advantage of this opportunity at the next great exhibit at...

Hey there, fellow New Yorkers! Let's talk about the Whitney Museum of American Art – a true gem in our cityscape. Nestled in the cool Meatpacking District, this place is more than just a museum – it's a sanctuary for creativity right in the heart of NYC.

First off, let's talk about the building itself. Designed by the legendary Renzo Piano, the Whitney's architecture is sleek, modern, and oh-so-New York. Its glassy exterior reflects the energy of the city, while inside, you're greeted by spacious galleries flooded with natural light. It's like stepping into a haven of art and culture right in the midst of our urban jungle.

Now, onto the art. The Whitney's collection is a celebration of American and international creativity in all its forms. From iconic pieces by our hometown heroes like Warhol and Basquiat to thought-provoking installations by up-and-coming artists, there's always something new and exciting to discover. And the best part? The museum isn't just about admiring art from a distance – it's about immersing yourself in it, getting up close and personal with pieces that spark conversation and inspire imagination.

But here's the thing about the Whitney – it's not just for serious art aficionados. It's for all of us – the dreamers, the wanderers, the curious souls looking for a little inspiration. Whether you're strolling through the galleries with friends, taking a solo journey of self-discovery, or bringing the kids along for a family adventure, there's a warmth and welcoming vibe here that makes everyone feel right at home.

And let's not forget about the rooftop. Oh, the rooftop! With its stunning views of the city skyline and the High Line winding its way through the neighborhood below, it's the perfect spot to soak up some sun, grab a drink, and bask in the beauty of our beloved city.

So, if you're a true-blue New Yorker looking for your next cultural fix, do yourself a favor and pay a visit to the Whitney Museum of American Art. Trust me, you won't be disappointed. It's a slice of artistic paradise right here in our concrete jungle, and it's waiting for you to...

I was looking for something to do in NYC while my partner was taking his mom back to the airport. I found a message promoting free Second Sundays at the museum. (Check the Whitney's website before you go to ensure this promotion is still happening.) I didn't have a ton of time to spend at the museum (I had allotted roughly 75 minutes before needing to head back to the subway). But I thoroughly enjoyed the time I spent there.

It was pretty busy, but I booked a ticket online, which streamlined admission. There was a short wait to get into the museum just by volume for ticket scanning and security checks, but that took maybe five minutes total.

My pro tip: When I go to a museum or other public attraction with a high volume of guests, I start at the uppermost floors and work my way down. The flow worked for me and I wasn't caught in the heaviest crowd surges trying to go up.

I didn't get a chance to see all the exhibits, and my Midwestern handicap of needing to be as unobtrusive as humanly possible meant I didn't spend as much time as I wanted in some areas, but I thoroughly enjoyed my experience.

The main attraction during my visit was the "Edges of Ailey" special exhibit, which celebrated the life, dances, influences, and enduring legacy of visionary artist and choreographer Alvin Ailey. I loved the immersive experience on the fifth floor, but I didn't have time for the performance on the third floor theater. I also enjoyed the collection of landscapes, and the terrace garden sculpture collection.

There were art-making stations on several levels of the museum, but I didn't stop to partake given my tight timeframe; however, I would suggest checking them out if you have kids in tow.

All in all, it was a great experience, and I recommend a visit to the Whitney -- especially if you're searching for budget-friendly options for Free Fridays (5-10pm every Friday) or Second Sundays (all day second Sunday of the month). Tickets and details about the current exhibits can be found on the...