New Museum: discovering architecture and contemporary art in Manhattan
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Located just a block away from the Bowery Street station in Manhattan, the New Museum has quietly stood as a gem. It’s crazy that I’ve walked past this museum every day and was overlooked. But, once you notice the beautiful architecture, it’s hard not to stop walking and do a double glance.
On a recent outing, I decided to finally explore the New Museum, accompanied by my partner, Gabriel, and my friend, Brian.
As I gazed up at the building's exterior, I couldn't help but be captivated by its architectural brilliance. The clean lines and unique design seemed to embody a modern and clean aesthetic, like boxes placed randomly on top of one another. This contemporary masterpiece not only showcased its architectural excellence on the outside but promised a similarly cutting-edge experience within its walls.
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Brief History
The New Museum, a contemporary art museum in New York City, traces its roots back to 1977 when it was founded by Maria Tucker.
Tucker, who had previously served as a curator at the Whitney Museum of American Art from 1967 to 1976. She recognized a crucial gap in the art world: a tendency for museums to predominantly focus on established, older artists, often overlooking the living, breathing talents of the present.
With this realization, Tucker departed from the Whitney and boldly established the New Museum on January 1st, 1977. This marked a pivotal moment in the city's cultural landscape, as the New Museum became the first contemporary art museum to open in New York since the aftermath of World War II.
From its founding, the New Museum has remained committed to its mission of championing new art and fresh ideas, with a special emphasis on emerging and underrepresented artists. Its core values revolve around perpetual questioning, constant learning, and the aspiration to contribute to a better society through the transformative power of contemporary art.
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The Architecture
The architecture itself was pure genius. SANAA, a Tokyo-based architectural firm led by the visionary duo of Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa created this masterpiece. The museum's distinctive design emerged from a highly competitive international competition. After meticulous planning and execution, the New Museum officially opened its doors to the public on December 1st, 2007.
What sets the New Museum apart is its minimalist and contemporary aesthetic. The building's clean lines and innovative structure exude a sense of modernity that harmonizes with the ever-evolving art within its walls.
The New Museum's commitment to staying at the forefront of contemporary art doesn't stop at its exhibits; it extends to the physical space itself. In November 2022, the museum finalized on a new phase of expansion, adding 60,000 square feet to its existing structure. This visionary expansion project enlisted the talents of OMA, with Shohei Shigematsu and Rem Koolhaas leading the design efforts.
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The Sky Room
Located on the 7th floor, when you exit the elevator, you step into what feels like a blank canvas. Yep, "The Sky Room" at the New Museum is one of those places that leaves you breathless. It's all white, and the best part? Floor-to-ceiling windows wrapped around the entire place, giving you a front-row seat to the Manhattan cityscape.
Here's the best part. This room isn't just any room; it's THE room with a view. I'm talking about a panoramic view of Manhattan.
And here's a tip: If you want to beat the crowds and get the perfect shot, go early. Trust me; this place gets busy pretty quick.
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Exhibitions
There's a whole range of artwork here, from pieces that you breeze through, understanding the artist's concept in a flash, to those that make you stop and ponder. You know, the kind where you put yourself in the artist's shoes, trying to decode their message.
What really made an impression on me was Mire Lee's "Black Sun." This installation is something else. It draws inspiration from architecture, horror, cybernetics, and more.
When I first stepped into this exhibit, I won't lie; it made me a bit uncomfortable. There's dripping, wetness, and a distinct aroma that hits you. But as you dive deeper, you start to get it. Lee's work is a visceral journey that touches on emotional voids and psychological tensions. It's like a visual representation of Julia Kristeva's book "Black Sun," exploring themes of depression and melancholia. Strange? Absolutely. Fascinating? You bet.
That's the thing about contemporary art; it's not always pretty or straightforward, but it does make you think.
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Final Thoughts
Starting from the top floor and working our way down. It's like peeling back the layers of contemporary art, each floor revealing something new and thought-provoking.
As we made our way through each floor, it was like diving into the minds of the artists. What were they trying to say? How did they express themselves through their work? Why did they choose these particular forms and materials? It's like a puzzle, and with every piece, you get a little closer to understanding it.
What struck me most about the New Museum was its mission. They're all about showcasing art from galleries and artists around the world who might not have made it into the big spotlight yet. And that, my friends, is what makes this museum so special.
You see, appreciating art is one thing, but appreciating the artists behind it, especially those who aren't considered "mainstream," is a whole other level of appreciation. It's like giving these artists a chance to shine, to be seen, and to be celebrated. And that, to me, is what art should be all about.
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Have you discovered an artwork that left a lasting impression on you, or maybe an artist whose work spoke to your soul?
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Know Before You Visit!
Dress Code: Casual
Food & Drinks: While you explore the museum, please note that only closed water bottles are allowed inside
Pets: Service animals are welcome, but they must be on a leash and under the owner's control during the visit
Phone Calls: To maintain a peaceful atmosphere, please refrain from making phone calls while enjoying the art
Sky Room: The Sky Room, which offers stunning panoramic views of the city, is usually open to the public. However, be sure to check the museum's official website for any updates regarding its availability, as it may occasionally be closed for private events.
Thursday Evenings: If you're planning a visit on a Thursday evening, here's a great deal for you. From 7 PM to 9 PM, you can pay what you wish, with a minimum starting at just $2.
Tickets: purchase here
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