The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) has one of the most significant modern art collections in the world, including works from famous artists like Picasso and Vincent van Gogh. It is renowned for its role in promoting and gathering modern art. The museum displays a rich array of modern and contemporary art. It contains drawings, sculptures, architecture and designs, photography, films, and more.
Throughout its history, the museum has set a trail for others to follow. It is one of the first museums to accept films (motion pictures), industrial design, and photography as art. It takes 2 to 3 hours to appreciate the beauty of the artwork. Lovers of modern art are the most likely to visit, but art lovers of many kinds frequent this museum. Almost 2 million people visited MoMA in 2019.
Museum of Modern Art in New York - one of the highlights of 13 Best Galleries and Museums in New York (Read all about New York here)
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Museum of Modern Art highlights
When you visit the museum, you get access to hundreds of thousands of modern artworks. Art lovers and artists will enjoy the experience viewing world-acclaimed pieces. The collection in the museum is comprehensive and includes other categories like films, photography, and design. Paintings and sculptures from Europe dating back to the late 19th century are the museum’s oldest works. You will also enjoy an exciting collection of motion pictures, photographs, sculptures, and paintings while visiting.
Works from over 70,000 artists are on display at the MoMA. Some of the famous and fascinating works you do not want to miss out on include Claude Monet’s “Water Lilies,” Pablo Picasso’s “Les Demoiselles d'Avignon,” and Vincent van Gogh’s “The Starry Night.” The museum also has fine dining options and a cinema.
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History of the Museum of Modern Art
The Museum of Modern Art has a long and varied history. It has gone through periods of reconstruction and relocation. In 1929, 3 women—Abby Rockefeller, Lillie Bliss, and Mary Sullivan—came up with an idea to create a museum for modern art. Abby was the wife of one of the wealthiest Americans who ever lived, John D. Rockefeller Jr. The founding director was Alfred H. Barr. It was under his direction that the museum began to change the narration of what constitutes art. Films, photography, and industrial design are new art concepts promoted by the museum.
In 1939, the museum moved to a new site, which has expanded over the years. It has a history of closures, with the latest in 2019, where MoMA refined its collection and added more diversity.
Good to know when visiting the Museum of Modern Art
The Museum of Modern Art is open from 10 am to 5:30 pm daily. On Monday, only members and patrons can visit between 10 am and 1 pm. It is better to book ahead of a visit because of its limited capacity. There is no sale of tickets at the museum; all ticket reservations take place online.
You can take advantage of the occasional Free Friday offer where admission is free. It starts at 4 pm and runs till 8 pm. Other attractions within a 4-minute walk from the MoMA include St. Patrick's Cathedral, Top of the Rock, and Rockefeller Centre. There are lots of restaurants around where you can grab a bite, such as Loi Estiatorio, The Modern, and Le Bernardin.
Museum of Modern Art in New York
Location: 11 W 53rd St, New York, NY 10019, United States
Open: 10 am to 5.30 pm
Phone: +1 212-708-9400
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