Art is one of the leading institutions dedicated to celebrating the diversity of American art both within its walls and beyond. Founded in 1930 by the artist and collector Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, the Whitney has since established itself as a renowned center for modern and contemporary art in the United States. The mission of the Whitney Museum is to “promote the understanding and appreciation of the art of the United States by collecting, preserving, interpreting, and exhibiting American art of all periods and traditions.”
History of the Whitney Museum
Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney was an artist and self-made millionaire before she began collecting American art in the late 19th century. In 1929 she established the Whitney Studio, which was the precursor to the Whitney Museum of American Art. After opening its doors in 1930 with a show of works from her own collection, the museum quickly gained a reputation for its adventurous commitment to presenting contemporary art. In 1931, the gallery of new sculpture, paints and drawings was introduced as the first exhibition of its kind.
The Whitney has since continued to promote the rise of emerging talent in the art world by featuring the work of lesser-known artists. One of the museum’s most famous exhibitions was its Biennial exhibitions, which began in 1932 and have since become a benchmark of the state of art in America. Through a range of exhibitions, publications, and programs the Whitney Museum has become one of the most important spaces for exploring the diversity of American art.
Focus on Collection and Community
The Whitney Museum of American Art boasts a permanent collection of more than 20,000 works from across the United States, spanning the 19th century to the present day. The collection includes works from notable artists such as Georgia O’Keeffe, Edward Hopper, Jackson Pollock, and Robert Rauschenberg, among many others.
The Whitney also actively engages with its local New York City and online community, hosting various workshops, lectures, panel discussions, and other events for participation and dialogue. The focus is on engaging with diverse audiences, and the museum works to develop relationships with the local and global community by connecting with multiple age groups and backgrounds.
Recent and Upcoming Exhibits
Since 2015, the Whitney has been located in the Meatpacking District of New York City at its Renzo Piano-designed building. With a full-scale, year-round exhibition program, the museum also provides a variety of educational and community programs, along with regular access to its permanent collection.
The Whitney’s current exhibition, Human Interest: Portraits from the Whitney’s Collection, celebrates the people that have contributed to American art and examines how portraiture creates connection and empathy. The exhibit features over 80 works, from John Singer Sargent’s luminous oil paintings to Cindy Sherman’s subversive photographs, illustrating the enduring power of portraiture to capture the personalities and relationships of its subjects.
The upcoming exhibition, America is Hard to See, presents a full-scale survey of the Whitney’s permanent collection. The exhibit explores the profound impact of American artists on American society, culture, and history. This large-scale survey of works covers the period from 1900s to the present day.
Public Engagement and Education
The Whitney endeavors to publicly engage with its audiences through various education programs. Its Community Access and Youth Education program works to make the museum open and accessible to all members of the community, providing free general admission and mentor programs. The Whitney also offers a range of lectures, symposiums, and workshops, with topics exploring both the spectrum of American art histories as well as the creative process. These events are open to the public and offer attendees an in-depth understanding of the museum’s collections and exhibitions.
Open Late Nights
The Whitney stays open late throughout the year and hosts the popular Fridays Late Nights series. For just $10, visitors can enjoy a range of curated programs—including music, film screenings, and conversations with emerging artists—along with extended museum hours. Fridays Late Nights offer a unique opportunity for the public to explore the Whitney and its collection after dark.
The Whitney Museum of American Art is renowned for its renowned commitment to celebrating, preserving, and interpreting American art. The museum’s exhibitions, collections, and programs are devoted to preserving the diversity and history of American art and making it accessible to the public and to future generations. The Whitney strives to expand the boundaries of traditional art programming, creating new and innovative ways for audiences to experience and learn about the museum and its collection. Whether it’s through its range of public programs, interactive educational experiences, or late night events, the Whitney is dedicated to engaging with the public, offering expansive access to the diversity of American art.
