Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum: reviews, price and practical tips

Visiting the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum

A building with a distinct profile in the Upper East Side of New York holds one of the most iconic modern art collections on the planet. Whether you are looking at the structure itself or the art inside, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum makes an impact.

History

Solomon R. Guggenheim, whose art collection had grown massive, could no longer display it in his suite at The Plaza Hotel. His foundation was established in 1937 with the goal of promoting modern art.

The collection expanded to the point where a dedicated space was required, but it could not be a conventional gallery. The architect Frank Lloyd Wright was commissioned to build a space unlike any other museum in the world. It was not as straightforward as planned, and the project only moved forward after 700 sketches. In 1959, 16 years after the initial request was made to the architect, this unique museum finally opened its doors.

The original architecture did not always receive universal praise. Art critics worried the building would overshadow the art, and 20 artists signed a protest letter against exhibiting their work in the space.

Ultimately, it became a massive success and its design is now widely admired, serving as an inspiration for architects around the world.

The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum

First, consider the scale of the Guggenheim collection, which totals just over 6,000 works. On average, the museum displays only 5 percent of its holdings at any given time. Furthermore, the museum regularly brings in pieces from around the world to round out its exhibitions.

The most striking aspect is that throughout the year, you can find a wide range of work at the Guggenheim. It displays pieces by Kandinsky or Picasso alongside Manet or Pollock. All of this is presented in a layout that, while unconventional, feels entirely natural. It is a space for art and discovery that remains exceptionally unique.