Discover a meticulously curated collection that spans the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, all housed in a stunning building designed by the acclaimed architect Renzo Piano. Whether you’re a long-time art enthusiast or a curious newcomer, the Whitney invites you to explore the innovative spirit of American artists.
The Whitney Museum of American Art is an essential destination in New York City for enthusiasts of modern American art.
Location: Situated at 99 Gansevoort Street in the vibrant Meatpacking District.
Transportation: Easily accessible via A, C, E, and L subway lines at the 14th Street and 8th Avenue stop; parking available nearby.
Tickets: Available for
purchase online
, included with several New York City tourist discount passes.
Visiting Hours: Open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10:30 am to 6:00 pm; Friday from 10:30 am to 10:00 pm; closed on Tuesdays and public holidays.
The Whitney Museum of American Art, affectionately known as The Whitney, was founded in 1931 by Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, a prominent art patron and a member of the illustrious Vanderbilt family. The museum has long championed the works of American artists who push the boundaries of creativity. Originally established as a sanctuary for under-recognized artists of the time, The Whitney has evolved into one of New York City’s iconic art museums.
From 1966 to 2014, the museum graced Madison Avenue in the Upper East Side. However, in 2015, The Whitney made a monumental move to its current location at 99 Gansevoort Street, enhancing its accessibility and prominence. This relocation to a modern space between the High Line and the Hudson River allows visitors not only to enjoy the extensive art collection but also to take in stunning views of the surrounding area from the museum’s terraces.
Today, The Whitney stands as a beacon of innovation in the art world, continuously adapting and expanding its collection to include a wider range of voices and media. By visiting this marvelous destination, you can experience firsthand the vibrancy and diversity of modern American art, all while enjoying breathtaking views of Manhattan. Don’t miss the chance to explore this cultural gem—book your tickets online now and prepare for an unforgettable artistic journey.
Practical Information
Planning your visit to The Whitney Museum of American Art is easy with our helpful tips on location and access. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, getting to The Whitney is a breeze, thanks to its prime location and well-connected transport options.
Location
The Whitney is conveniently located at 99 Gansevoort Street in Manhattan’s Meatpacking District, just steps away from the Hudson River Greenway and the West Side Highway.
How to Get There
Exploring New York City’s landmarks by public transit is both efficient and environmentally friendly. The Whitney is easily accessible via several subway lines:
Subway
The A, C, E, and L subway lines all stop approximately six blocks from The Whitney at 14th Street and 8th Avenue, making it a convenient option for those traveling from within the city.
Hop-on Hop-off Buses
Hop-on hop-off bus services are an excellent choice for tourists wanting to navigate between major attractions seamlessly. These buses offer flexible route options and provide a scenic view of the city’s architecture and streetscapes, making your journey as enjoyable as the destination itself.
While driving in New York City can often be challenging due to traffic and limited parking, those who choose to drive to The Whitney will find several parking garages nearby, including three ICON parking facilities at 99 Jane Street, 134–36 Jane Street, and 385 West 15th Street.
However, we generally recommend public transport or walking to enhance your experience and reduce your environmental impact.
Tickets
Secure your visit to The Whitney by purchasing tickets in advance online. Once purchased, you’ll receive a voucher that can be printed or displayed on your mobile phone for convenient ticket exchange at the museum. Planning your visit has never been easier!
Entrance with Discount Passes
The Whitney Museum is included with most New York City tourist discount passes, making it an affordable addition to your itinerary:
The New York Sightseeing Pass
Opt for the New York Sightseeing Day Pass for an all-in-one cultural experience. This pass provides access to a wide array of New York’s major attractions, offering a comprehensive and cost-effective way to explore the city.
GoCity Explorer Pass
Choose the flexibility of the Go New York Explorer Pass to customize your tour of over 90 top attractions. This pass allows you to plan your visit according to your interests and schedule, ensuring you make the most of your time in New York.
The New York Pass
Dive deep into New York’s cultural scene with the New York Pass, which grants you access to over 100 attractions. From museums to bike rentals, this pass is perfect for those who want to experience as much as possible during their stay.
Opening Times
The Whitney is open for your visit at these times: from 10:30 am to 6:00 pm on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. On Friday, the museum extends its hours from 10:30 am to 10:00 pm.
Please note that The Whitney is closed on Tuesdays and public holidays, making it easy to plan your trip.
Best Time to Visit
For a more relaxed experience, consider visiting The Whitney on a weekday morning, when crowds are typically smaller. This allows you to take your time exploring the exhibits without the rush of larger groups.
What to Expect at The Whitney Museum of American Art
Embark on a unique artistic journey at The Whitney, starting from the top floor. Known for its breathtaking cityscape views, the museum’s top-floor terraces offer a visual feast, with sweeping panoramas of the skyline and the Hudson River. As you descend through the museum, each floor presents terraces adorned with outdoor artworks, enhancing your experience.
The Whitney houses a vast permanent collection, featuring over 25,000 works by more than 3,600 artists, providing a comprehensive overview of American art since 1900. This includes a diverse array of mediums such as paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints, films, photography, and more. The museum also hosts compelling temporary exhibitions, one of the most notable being a showcase of Jeff Koons’ work, some of which now resides in the permanent collection.
The architectural design of The Whitney is itself a work of art. The building’s expansive, column-free gallery is the largest of its kind in New York City, offering an unrivaled space for experiencing large-scale installations and exhibitions. Whether you’re browsing the ground-floor lobby gallery or enjoying a bite at the top-floor café, The Whitney provides a comprehensive cultural experience that extends beyond traditional museum visits.
Tips to Visit The Whitney Museum of American Art
Make the most of your visit to The Whitney with these insider tips:
Combine your museum tour with a stroll through nearby High Line Park or the innovative Little Island on the Hudson.
Indulge in diverse culinary delights at Chelsea Market, just a short walk from the museum.
Enjoy the museum’s extended hours on weekends for a quieter, more intimate experience.
Start your visit from the top floor and work your way down to fully appreciate the art in sequential order.
Pause for a meal or a quick snack at Gansevoort Market, where you can savor a variety of foods and enjoy lively interactions with local vendors.
Accessibility
The Whitney is committed to accessibility for all visitors. Those with disabilities can enjoy discounted admission rates, and admission for one care partner is included at no extra cost. Manual wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis at the admissions desk or the coat check.
Accessible paths to the museum’s main entrance at 99 Gansevoort Street ensure everyone can enjoy their visit without obstacles. The Rudin Family Entrance at 555 West Street is also fully accessible. Service animals are warmly welcomed at The Whitney, ensuring that all visitors can explore the museum comfortably.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Whitney is located at 99 Gansevoort Street, New York, NY 10014, in Manhattan’s vibrant Meatpacking District.
You can take the A, C, E, or L subway lines to the 14th Street and 8th Avenue stop, which is about six blocks from the museum.
Yes, there are several parking garages nearby, including three ICON parking facilities located at 99 Jane Street, 134–36 Jane Street, and 385 West 15th Street.
Absolutely! You can
buy tickets online
, receive a voucher, and either print it out or show it on your mobile phone to exchange for a ticket at the museum.
Yes, The Whitney is accessible with most major NYC tourist discount passes, such as the New York Sightseeing Pass, GoCity Explorer Pass, and The New York Pass.
The museum is open from 10:30 am to 6:00 pm on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday, and from 10:30 am to 10:00 pm on Friday. It is closed on Tuesdays and public holidays.
Weekday mornings are typically less crowded, providing a more relaxed experience to enjoy the museum.
Yes, visitors with disabilities receive a discounted rate, and one care partner’s admission is included for free. Manual wheelchairs are also available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Yes, service animals are welcome at The Whitney.
Yes, The Whitney has a café on the top floor where you can enjoy a variety of snacks and beverages, and there are several other dining options on different floors.
It is advised to start your visit from the top floor and work your way down, allowing you to enjoy the museum’s spectacular views and art in sequence.
Yes, The Whitney features several terraces with outdoor artworks and stunning views, especially from the top-floor terraces.
The Whitney’s collection includes over 25,000 works spanning paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints, films, photography, and more, representing the evolution of American art since 1900.
The Whitney frequently hosts various intriguing temporary exhibitions along with highlights from its permanent collection, including works by artists like Jeff Koons.
The ground-floor lobby gallery at The Whitney is accessible without an admission fee, allowing you to experience selected works and installations at no cost.
Where to Stay Near the Whitney Museum
Staying near The Whitney Museum of American Art offers numerous advantages, particularly if you’re keen on exploring art and culture. The Meatpacking District, where the museum is located, is not only home to The Whitney but also a vibrant area known for its lively nightlife, boutique shops, and upscale restaurants. Staying here means you’re at the heart of one of Manhattan’s most dynamic neighborhoods, with easy access to other attractions such as the High Line and Chelsea Market.
However, if you’re looking for a quieter, more residential experience while still being close to major tourist sites, consider staying in the nearby Chelsea or Greenwich Village neighborhoods. These areas offer a more laid-back atmosphere but still provide excellent accessibility to The Whitney and other Manhattan landmarks. They also boast a great variety of accommodations, from luxury hotels to charming bed-and-breakfasts, ensuring that you find a place that fits your taste and budget.
Other Interesting Museums in New York City
New York City is a treasure trove of cultural experiences, and The Whitney is just the beginning. Explore more of the city’s rich artistic landscape with visits to several other notable museums:
The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
The Museum of Modern Art, commonly referred to as MoMA, is one of the foremost museums of modern art in the world. Located in midtown Manhattan, MoMA is celebrated for its extensive collection of modern and contemporary art, including works of architecture, design, painting, sculpture, photography, illustration, film, and electronic media.
The 9/11 Museum, located at the World Trade Center site, offers a deeply moving look at the events and aftermath of September 11, 2001. The museum’s exhibits include artifacts from the day, personal stories of loss, resilience, and hope, and the historical significance of the site. It provides visitors with a space to understand and reflect on the impact of 9/11 and its continuing significance in today’s world.
This museum is one of the largest and most celebrated museums in the world. Located across from Central Park, the American Museum of Natural History offers exhibits that span from dinosaur fossils to outer space and everything in between. It’s particularly famous for the Hall of Biodiversity and the Rose Center for Earth and Space, which includes the Hayden Planetarium.
The Ellis Island Immigration Museum tells the powerful story of America’s immigrant history. The museum is situated on Ellis Island, where millions of immigrants first stepped onto American soil. Its extensive array of artifacts, photographs, and personal stories paint a vivid picture of the immigrant experience and the diversity of the people who have shaped the nation.
Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
Located at Pier 86, the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum offers an in-depth look at American military and maritime history. The museum is housed in the USS Intrepid, an aircraft carrier that served in World War II and the Vietnam War. It features a range of exhibits including the Space Shuttle Pavilion, home to the space shuttle Enterprise, and a collection of meticulously restored aircraft.
Madame Tussauds in Times Square offers an interactive experience with wax figures of famous celebrities, historical figures, and more. It’s a fun and often surreal experience to pose alongside lifelike statues of everyone from movie stars to politicians. Beyond the novelty, the museum also offers a behind-the-scenes look at how the wax figures are made, blending artistry and entertainment in unique ways that appeal to all ages.
The Frick Collection is housed in one of New York City’s few remaining Gilded Age mansions and provides a unique view into the art and life of the period. The museum’s collection includes some of the best-known paintings by major European artists, as well as superb decorative art pieces.
The Whitney Museum of American Art’s location in the Meatpacking District places it within easy reach of many other exciting New York City attractions, making it a perfect starting point for a day of exploration. Whether you’re interested in history, art, or simply enjoying the outdoors, you’ll find plenty to do nearby.
In addition to The Whitney, consider visiting these vibrant and culturally rich spots:
The High Line
The High Line is an elevated park built on a historic freight rail line above the streets of Manhattan’s West Side. It runs from Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District to West 34th Street, between 10th and 12th Avenues. Visitors can enjoy meticulously landscaped gardens, outdoor art installations, and panoramic views of the city and the Hudson River.
Just a short walk from The Whitney, Chelsea Market is an enclosed urban food court, shopping mall, office building and television production facility located in the Chelsea neighborhood. It features more than thirty-five vendors selling artisan products ranging from lobster to doughnuts, making it a food lover’s paradise.
Little Island
Little Island at Pier 55 is a floating park on the Hudson River, offering new perspectives of the New York City skyline. It’s a marvel of modern landscape architecture, featuring lush green spaces, performance venues, and undulating walkways that invite leisurely strolls and relaxation.
Hudson River Greenway
The Hudson River Greenway is a part of the Manhattan Waterfront Greenway, a pedestrian and bike path that runs along the Hudson River. It offers recreational space for biking, skating, jogging, and fishing, along with ample opportunities for picnicking and simply enjoying the river views. It’s a perfect place to unwind after a day of museum-going or city exploration.
Meatpacking District
The Meatpacking District is not only home to The Whitney but also a hub for fashion, design, and nightlife. Known for its architectural innovation and historic buildings, the area offers a dynamic mix of old and new.
Washington Square Park
This iconic park in the Greenwich Village neighborhood is known for its vibrant atmosphere and historic Washington Square Arch. It’s a favorite gathering place for locals and tourists alike, featuring sprawling green spaces, street performers, and public art installations.
