Founded in 1931 by sculptor and art collector Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, the Whitney Museum of American Art has become a major platform for contemporary artists and groundbreaking artistic movements. The museum’s current industrial-style building, designed by Renzo Piano, offers panoramic views of the Hudson River.
History of Whitney Museum of American Art
Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney was an American sculptor and philanthropist. Born into one of America’s wealthiest families, she received an elite education in New York and married a millionaire at the age of 21. During her travels in Europe, she developed a deep interest in art, began studying sculpture, and eventually opened her own studios. Her works were well-received by critics of the time.
Whitney was a dedicated patron of both artists and musicians. In 1931, she founded the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York City and donated around 700 works from her private collection to establish the museum.
In 2015, the Whitney moved to its current location in Manhattan’s Meatpacking District. The new building was designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano, with construction taking place between 2010 and 2015 at a cost of $422 million. The museum’s previous building is now part of The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
The Collection of Whitney Museum of American Art
The museum’s collection represents every major movement in 20th- and 21st-century American art, including painting, sculpture, printmaking, installation, and photography. It now holds over 18,000 works by artists such as Andy Warhol, Mark Rothko, Jackson Pollock, and many others.
One of the Whitney’s signature events is the Whitney Biennial — a major exhibition of contemporary American art held every two years. It is widely recognized by the global art community as a bellwether of artistic innovation and cultural change. The Biennial features cutting-edge works that reflect urgent themes and shifts in society.
The museum also hosts musical events and performance art, engaging both renowned and emerging artists. These events aim to integrate diverse forms of expression and attract a wide audience, further expanding the museum’s cultural reach.
Did You Know?
The Whitney produces its own honey, thanks to beehives installed on the rooftop. The honey is called “Flora Honey,” named in honor of Flora Miller Biddle, former museum president and granddaughter of Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney.
Visitor Info
Website: www.whitney.org
Ticket Price: $30 (discounts and free admission days available)
Address: 99 Gansevoort St, New York, NY
