Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum

Established in 1939 as the Museum of Non-Objective Painting by the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation, the museum was conceived to champion avant-garde and abstract art, guided by arts patron Hilla von Rebay. Its iconic spiraling building—designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright and completed in 1959—remains one of the most significant works of 20th-century architecture, and is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Originally focused on abstract and non-objective works, the Guggenheim’s scope has broadened to encompass major Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, early Modern and contemporary art. The permanent collection features more than 8,000 works, including masterpieces by Picasso, Cézanne, Pollock, and Van Gogh. The Thannhauser Collection, a permanent highlight, showcases French modernist painting, with works by Degas, Manet, and van Gogh.

The museum is located at 1071 Fifth Avenue, Upper East Side, Manhattan, New York City, between 88th and 89th Streets. Set on the famed Museum Mile adjacent to Central Park, this vibrant neighborhood is celebrated for its proximity to many of the city’s leading cultural landmarks, including The Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum. You can view the Guggenheim’s location on Ocula’s New York Art Guide.

The Guggenheim is celebrated as much for its architectural drama as for its world-class collections. It has continually expanded its collection, which now includes Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, and contemporary art, and has hosted landmark exhibitions such as The Art of the Motorcycle (1998) and retrospectives for artists such as Wassily Kandinsky, Agnes Martin, Faith Ringgold, Rashid Johnson and Jackson Pollock.

The Guggenheim does not sell art. However, you can discover artworks for sale by artists featured in the Guggenheim’s collection by visiting their profiles on Ocula. Many artists who have exhibited at the Guggenheim are represented by Ocula’s member galleries, allowing you to browse and inquire about works by leading contemporary artists directly through Ocula’s platform.

The Guggenheim features diverse exhibitions focused on modern and contemporary art, blending permanent collections with innovative temporary shows. Exhibition highlights include the record-breaking Hilma af Klint: Paintings for the Future and immersive installations like Refik Anadol‘s Living Architecture, showcasing groundbreaking artists and movements. You can follow the Guggenheim on Ocula to receive alerts on the Guggenheim’s current and upcoming exhibitions.

The Guggenheim Museum is open most days, with standard adult admission. ‘Pay-What-You-Wish’ hours are available Mondays and Saturdays, 4–5:30pm.

Yes, the Guggenheim is wheelchair accessible and supports visitors with disabilities. Elevators and accessible restrooms are available throughout the museum.

Membership provides free admission to all Guggenheim museums globally and special discounts at affiliated institutions.

Nearby landmarks include Central Park and The Metropolitan Museum of Art. The museum’s prime Museum Mile location offers easy access to New York’s cultural heart. You can explore Ocula’s Art Guides for recommendations on New York’s best galleries, museum’s and exhibitions to visit nearby the Guggenheim.