Whitney Museum of American Art

The Whitney Museum of American Art is an art museum in Manhattan's Meatpacking District displaying works from the 20th and 21st centuries. The building was designed by architect Renzo Piano and rises eight stories, housing paintings, sculptures and photographs by American artists throughout its galleries.

Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney founded the institution in 1931 after the Metropolitan Museum declined her collection of American art. The institution moved several times before relocating to its current building on Gansevoort Street in 2015.

The name honors Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, who was herself a sculptor and spent much of her life supporting contemporary artists across the United States. Today people come here to see works that reflect shifts in American society since the early 20th century and often open new perspectives on familiar themes.

Admission is free every Friday between 5 PM and 10 PM as well as on the second Sunday of each month. The upper floors offer outdoor terraces where visitors can pause and take in views over the surrounding area.

The upper levels feature outdoor terraces where sculptures are displayed against the city backdrop. These spaces connect artworks with the urban setting and allow visitors to see Manhattan from different vantage points.

Location: Manhattan

Inception: 1931

Founders: Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney

Architects: Renzo Piano

Official opening: 1931

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Fee: Yes

Address: 945 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10021

Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 10:30-18:00; Tuesday off; Friday 10:30-22:00

Phone: +1(212)5703600

Website: https://whitney.org

GPS coordinates: 40.73960,-74.00890

Latest update: December 20, 2025 12:17