What does one do with their last 12 hours in NYC? Visit the Guggenheim, the Metropolitan, and MoMA of course! On my final full day in the city for a recent trip, touring the museums was mandatory. Since the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) has been closed for renovations, there’s been a void. Had to get my art fix!
The Guggenheim featured a fantastic exhibit titled ZERO: Countdown to Tomorrow, 1950s-60s. It was anything but its namesake. One of the best curated collections I’ve seen in quite some time. According to their website: “ZERO: Countdown to Tomorrow, 1950s–60s, is the first large-scale historical survey in the United States dedicated to the German artists’ group Zero (1957–66) founded by Heinz Mack and Otto Piene and joined in 1961 by Günther Uecker, and ZERO, an international network of like-minded artists from Europe, Japan, and North and South America—including Lucio Fontana, Yves Klein, Yayoi Kusama, Piero Manzoni, Almir Mavignier, Jan Schoonhoven, and Jesús Rafael Soto—who shared the group’s aspiration to transform and redefine art in the aftermath of World War II.” Unfortunately, photos weren’t allowed!
A few blocks down the street from the Guggenheim is the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Strolled through Central Park on the way to the museum. A visitor could spend a full two weeks carefully investigating the massive collection and it would not be enough. As a result, picked a few exhibitions to view.
Favorite Met moments:
From the Metropolitan jumped onto the subway to the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). It was insane busy! Every Friday night is free admission from 4:00 to 8:00 pm. Lines were around the large city block and having a membership, we were able to bypass the long wait. However, when 4:00 pm arrived it was a madhouse of incredible energy. All museums should generate this much buzz!
Lots of highlights:
After a full day it was time to head back to the hotel. Feet were hurting and brain was sore from the information gathering. Stopped at The Original Soupman made famous by Seinfeld for a late dinner to go. Couldn’t help but say “no soup for you!”
The NYC adventure ended but a new one has begun. I learned to explore a little longer and have no excuses. Settling for less won’t do. Here’s to celebrating today and looking forward for tomorrow…
The Links:
http://www.guggenheim.org/new-york/exhibitions/on-view/wang-jianwei-time-temple
http://www.moma.org/collection/artist.php?artist_id=3528
http://www.moma.org/visit/calendar/exhibitions/1051
http://www.bewitched.com/windmap.html
http://www.moma.org/visit/calendar/exhibitions/1497
http://www.theartstory.org/artist-graham-john.htm
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