Architect: Frank Lloyd Wright 1867-1959 • USA
1071 5th Avenue at 89th Street
(212) 423-3500
Hours: Sat - Wed: 10:00 – 5:45
Fri - Sat: 10:00 am - 8:00 pm
Thurs and Christmas: closed
Admission: Adults $15.00
Students and Seniors (65 years+) with valid ID $10
Children under 12 Free
Though he hated New York Frank Lloyd Wright
complied with the wishes of Solomon R. Guggenheim
and found a place on Fifth Avenue between 88th and
89th Streets to build his client's museum. Its proximity
to Central Park was an important factor in his choice
since he believed his structure would reside for
eternity on the periphery of the city's most natural
treasure.
Wright began his endeavor to build the most
controversial building of its time in 1943 to house
Solomon R. Guggenheim's collection of non-objective
or abstract art. To this day his structure still remains
controversial and as many contend that it detracts
from its exhibits as contend that it adds a greater
dimension of awareness to the appreciation of an art
form that was never meant to be contained by any
kind of predictability.
The Guggenheim is viewed by some as architectural
anarchy. Even those most familiar with its formidable
curves and nuances find it somewhat disturbing and
disorientating.
It has become as much of an icon of our age as some
of the great works of abstract art it cradles in its
exhibit spiral that winds downward leading the traveler
on a panoramic exploration of great masterpieces with
small exhibit rooms and coves which serve as inspiring
respites along the route of discovery.
