Whitney Museum of American Art

Founded by prominent American socialite Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, this popular NYC museum is a representation of her love for art. The Whitney Museum of American Art (better known as The Whitney), has been a beloved NYC institution for modern and contemporary American art since 1930.

Specifically, the museum is all about 20th and 21st century art and tries extra hard to uplift living artists. The 200,000 square foot new(ish) location in the Meatpacking District houses 25,000 works in style. Designed by renowned architect Renzo Piano (who also designed the Shard in London and the Centre Pompidou in Paris) includes lovely outdoor terraces, a theater, an education center, and more.

Personally speaking, I have friends that love the Whitney and ones that don’t care for it one bit. Every New Yorker should see it at least once and out of town visitors who are into modern art should consider visiting as it’s certainly one of the best museums in NYC.

The Whitney Museum has been a beloved NYC institution for modern and contemporary American art since being founded in 1930. The recently relocated museum now spans 50,000 impressive square feet (not including the 13,000 square feet of outdoor space) in the Meatpacking District. 

Founded by a prominent America socialite, Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, this museum is an ode to her dedication and love for art. Featuring art by Basquiat, Georgia O’Keeffe and Richard Avedon. There’s a handful of terraces where you can soak in an epic view of the NYC skyline. Visitors are encouraged to explore the art both indoors and out.