Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum

The Basics

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.

Things to Know Before You Go

• 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.

How to Get There

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.

When to Get There

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.

Frank Lloyd Wright

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.

Why is the architecture of the Guggenheim Museum so famous?

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.

What artworks at the Guggenheim Museum should visitors not miss?

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.

Are food and drinks available for purchase at the Guggenheim Museum?

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.

How can I purchase tickets to the Guggenheim Museum?

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.

Is the Guggenheim Museum accessible to visitors with disabilities?

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.

Does the Guggenheim Museum have an on-site gift shop?

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.

Ways to explore

The Guggenheim attracts many visitors, so it’s well worth buying a timed entry ticket in advance that guarantees admission at your preferred time and allows you to skip the entry line. Tickets grant you access to all exhibits, including temporary exhibitions and the permanent collection, which includes works by Picasso and Kandinsky. Pick up a brochure in the lobby or access the museum’s digital guide to learn more about the art and architecture.

Many walking tours of NYC and hop-on hop-off bus tours stop at the Guggenheim, while some art-focused tours include admission.

Accessibility

The museum is wheelchair accessible and offers discounted admission to visitors with disabilities. Free wheelchairs are available for loan, and accessible restrooms are on the first and seventh floors. Service animals are permitted inside the museum. There are free monthly tours for visitors who are blind or have low vision, and verbal description audio guides are available for specific artworks. For travelers who are deaf or hard of hearing, ASL interpretation is offered for tours, but must be requested two weeks before a visit.

Age limits

The museum welcomes visitors of all ages and offers free entry to children under 12. Some exhibitions may not be suitable for younger visitors.

What to pack

Pencil and paper for notes/sketches, refillable water bottle, headphones to listen to the digital guide

What to wear

Comfortable walking shoes, light shirt or sweater to stay comfortable in the air conditioning

Not allowed

Pens, paints, easels, food inside exhibits, tripods, sound amplification, luggage, baby backpacks (strollers and front-facing carriers are permitted)

Amenities

Restrooms, Wi-Fi, water fountains, restaurant, gift store, free cloakroom, loan strollers

Address

Located at 89th and 5th, the Guggenheim lies on Museum Mile, the stretch of Fifth Avenue known for its dense concentration of museums. It is easily accessible by public transport, taxis, or rideshare services.

Driving

While you could drive to the Guggenheim, tackling NYC traffic is rarely pleasant, and parking rates are expensive. Grab a cab or book a rideshare service instead.

Public transportation

The 4, 5, and 6 subway lines stop at the 86th Street station, a 15-minute walk from the museum. Alternatively, the M1, M3, and M4 buses stop just steps away on Madison and 89th.

Best times to visit

The museum is typically quietest in the morning, just after opening.

Best days to visit

The museum offers pay-what-you-wish entry on Monday and Saturday afternoons from 4.30pm.

Best months to visit

The shoulder season months—March to May and September to November—are typically quieter than peak summer, and offer pleasant weather, blooms in spring, and foliage in fall.

Special events

The Guggenheim hosts a busy calendar of events throughout the year, from art and architecture tours to performances, parties, and panel discussions. Check its website for what’s on.