Whitney Museum of American Art
Follow American art from gallery to skyline in a museum built for looking outward as well as in.
Artwork inspired by Stuart Davis
The Whitney is devoted to art of the United States, especially the twentieth century and artists working now. Its Meatpacking District home places changing exhibitions and the collection inside a Renzo Piano building that opens onto outdoor terraces. Balance skyline views with close looking: a contemporary work can answer an older American voice across generations.
Start with the exhibitions you most want to see, then step onto an open terrace when weather allows. The museum sits beside the southern end of the High Line, so the two pair naturally, but allow two hours inside first. Admission is free through age 25; Friday evenings and second Sundays are free for everyone, making reservations worthwhile.
- Focus
- American art, past and present
- Building
- Renzo Piano, opened 2015
- Neighbor
- The High Line
Quick guide
- Choose your exhibitions
- Check what is on view; the Whitney's changing shows make two visits feel very different.
- Look outside
- Use an open terrace to relate the work to the city and Hudson River beyond it.
Know before you go
- Begin with the collection
- Locate a work that anchors a period or question before diving into temporary shows.
- Compare perspectives
- Notice how living artists reconsider familiar American subjects and materials.
- Take the terraces
- Step outdoors where open; each level reframes the Meatpacking District and Hudson.
- Pair the High Line
- The elevated park ends next door, but allow museum time before setting out.
Good to know
The old Whitney building on Madison Avenue is not this museum. Use 99 Gansevoort Street, and check which exhibitions and terraces are open on your date.
Notice these
- American art across generations
- Stepped city-facing terraces
- High Line setting