Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum

As one of the city’s top landmarks, the Guggenheim is included on most New York City attractions passes, which grant discounted access to a bundle of sights such as the Empire State Building Observatory and the Museum of Modern Art. The Guggenheim is located on Museum Mile, the stretch of Fifth Avenue that houses nine renowned museums and is a stop on most hop-on hop-off bus tours.

Private tours of New York offer a more intimate experience and allow guests to tack a visit to the Guggenheim onto the day’s customized itinerary. Guggenheim-specific tours often private and ensure the guide’s full attention, while early access tours offer a quiet VIP experience before regular opening hours.

• The Guggenheim is a must for art and architecture lovers.

• Purchase an admission ticket in advance online to avoid long lines.

• Coat check and Wi-Fi are free.

• Every Saturday from 5pm to 7:45pm, admission is pay what you wish (cash only).

• Cafe 3 offers a casual lunch and drink menu and is open every day except Thursday. The Wright, an upscale bistro, is open on weekends and takes reservations.

• Download the Guggenheim app for audio guides in five languages, as well as children’s guides.

• The museum is wheelchair accessible.

Located on the Upper East Side just steps from Central Park, the Guggenheim is easily accessed using the city’s comprehensive public transit system. The nearest stops are 86th Street on subway trains Q, R, 4, 5, and 6 and Madison Avenue and 89th Street on buses M1, M2, M3, and M4. Alternatively, the museum is a 15–minute walk through Central Park from the 86th Street subway station on the Upper West Side.

The Guggenheim is closed on Thursdays. Admission is pay what you wish every Saturday from 5pm to 7:45pm, and the museum is busiest then. The Guggenheim rarely feels overly crowded on weekdays. For a quiet experience, visit when the museum first opens. See the Guggenheim website for a calendar of public talks, concerts, and performances.

The Guggenheim was the last project ever completed by world-renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright, who passed away six months after the museum’s opening at the age of 91. After a long deliberation among four initial plans, the final design was criticized because of concern that it might overshadow the works of art contained within. After its grand opening in 1959, the building was lauded and has since become a source of inspiration for architects around the globe.

As well as being one of New York City’s most famous art museums, the Guggenheim is a designated Manhattan landmark. Its unique building—featuring a white spiral ramp overlooking a rotunda—was designed by the mid-century architect Frank Lloyd Wright and opened to the public in 1959.

The Guggenheim’s eclectic permanent collection spans paintings, drawing, sculptures, and installations. The artworks range from modern to contemporary. A few highlights include Kandinsky’s abstract compositions, Impressionist paintings by Renoir, and conceptual works by Marina Abramović, The museum also features temporary shows, typically dedicated to a single artist.

Yes, food and drink is available at the Guggenheim Museum and visitors aren’t allowed to bring in any outside food or drinks, except personal water bottles. Snacks and light meals can be purchased at Café Rebay, which is open every day from late morning to late afternoon. Expect to find salads, sandwiches, and pastries, as well as hot drinks, wine, and beer.

Guggenheim Museum tickets can be purchased on-site, although it’s most convenient to book them online ahead of your arrival. Tickets are timed and include entry to all the galleries and exhibitions, but there is no limit to how long visitors can stay once inside.

Yes, the Guggenheim Museum is accessible to visitors with wheelchairs, except the High Gallery, which has stairs. Manual wheelchairs are supplied to guests free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis. Monthly tours for blind visitors are offered for free, as well as ASL interpretation on request.

Yes, the Guggenheim has a gift shop. Expect to find art objects, books, prints, tote bags, clothing, and collectibles. For anyone unable to make it to Manhattan, the Guggenheim Store website offers domestic and international ground shipping on all online orders.