The new Whitney Museum of American Art building has taken the city by storm. The contemporary museum was always a beautiful place for visitors to fall in love with art, but now it is that and so much more. The new building spans 50,000 square feet of indoor galleries and 13,000 square feet of outdoor exhibition space and terraces. Which means more art, and more room for meetings of the minds.
Renzo Piano is the haute architect who designed the new New York landmark. According to Mr. Piano, “Here, all at once, you have the water, the park, the powerful industrial structures and the exciting mix of people, brought together and focused by this new building and the experience of art.”
With such a remarkable place and so little free-time here are the Whitney musts you can’t miss:
What to do:
Free daily tours: If you’re going to the Whitney, we hope it’s to see their internationally recognized contemporary art. From Koons to Rothko there is no big name that you won’t find here. If you want to make sure you don’t miss out on these incredible artists, and on discovering new ones, the best way to see the Whitney is with their expert guides.
Learn: If all of the art has left you with a spark of inspiration and curiosity, the Whitney has an interesting collection of innovative programs. The museum offers a host of gallery talks, courses, and opportunities to get creative.
Watch: On the museum’s third floor you will encounter the Susan and John Hess Family Gallery and Theater. Here film and video works by approximately fifty artists exists for your viewing pleasure. “This series showcases highlights from the Whitney’s collection that relate to the themes, styles, and decades of art making on view throughout America Is Hard to See.”
*Programs screen on select Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Special Saturday evening presentations involve live projections; rare screenings of works shown on celluloid; and environmental film installations.
Shop: The Whitney’s shop is not your traditional museum shop. They boast an eclectic collection of books, accessories, apparel, gifts and prints for you to enjoy. Think Keith Haring Scented Candles, Jeff Koons Lobster Tees, and a crazy good selection of coffee table books.
What to eat:
From the genius who brought you amazing eats at Gramercy Tavern, Chef Michael Anthony has done it again. Untitled is the Whitney Museum’s ‘hautest’ eatery. Perfectly placed between the Hudson River and the High Line, this is the new spot to see and be seen in Meatpacking. Pair Chef Anthony’s talents with designs by the amazing Renzo Piano and you have a beautifully curated experience.
For Lunch: Spinach and sunchoke dip, feta, dill followed by the Roasted and fried chicken salad, cashews
For Dinner: Duck fritters, pickled peppers followed by Fettuccine, littleneck clams, cilantro, bok choy
For Dessert: Peanut butter blueberry crunch cake, ginger
What to drink:
A bottle of Château Simone, Palette, Provence ’13 on their eighth floor Studio Café. Also led by the talented Untitled team, Floor Eight features light bites and libations paired with an awesome view.
99 Gansevoort St
