Whitney Museum of American Art (The Whitney)

The Basics

The Whitney is one of NYC’s most-loved museums and tends to attract large crowds; it’s worth buying an admission ticket in advance to enjoy fast-track entry. Tickets grant you access to all exhibits, including temporary shows and the Whitney Biennial. Free tours that cover both the museum’s permanent collection and temporary exhibits take place daily, and cannot be reserved in advance. The museum’s interior is often reconfigured for new exhibitions, meaning that you can expect a different experience every time you come.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Whitney is a must-visit museum for art enthusiasts.

• The museum is wheelchair-accessible.

• There’s a restaurant and a café at the museum.

• Visitors age 18 and under go free.

• Avoid wasting time waiting for elevators by riding up to the eight floor and working your way down floor by floor via the stairs.

How to Get There

Formerly situated on the Upper East Side, the Whitney is now located in New York’s Meatpacking District near the High Line. To get there by public transit, ride the subway (A, C, E, or L trains) to 14th Street/Eighth Avenue.

When to Get There

The museum is open daily throughout July and August but is closed on Tuesdays the rest of the year. On Fridays between 7pm-9.30pm, venjoy pay-what-you-wish tickets from the admissions desk. One of the best times to visit is during the Whitney Biennial, which takes over the space for several months over spring and summer in odd-numbered years, and spotlights progressive emerging artists.

The View from the Whitney’s Terraces

With floor-to-ceiling windows and connected outdoor terraces on the sixth, seventh, and eighth floors, the Whitney offers a multitude of viewpoints from which to enjoy views of the NYC skyline. Depending on where you stand, you might find yourself gazing out upon the High Line, the Hudson River, the Empire State Building, or midtown Manhattan.

Ways to explore

Buy a ticket in advance to enjoy fast-track entry and maximize time at the museum. Tickets grant you access to all the exhibits, including temporary shows and the Whitney Biennial. The museum’s interior is often reconfigured for new exhibitions, meaning that you can expect a different experience on each visit. Make the most of your time here by joining a free tour that covers both the museum’s permanent collection and temporary exhibitions. Art enthusiasts may want to combine a visit to the Whitney with an art tour downtown.

Accessibility

The museum is wheelchair accessible, with elevator access to all galleries.

Age limits

Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult, and visitors 25 and under receive free admission.

What to pack

Water bottle (secure bottles only allowed), sketching materials if desired, camera (no flash allowed)

What to wear

Comfortable shoes, handbag (only small bags allowed in the galleries)

Not allowed

Food and drink, weapons, bikes, selfie sticks, tripods, luggage, pets, marking materials such as paint or glue

Amenities

Bag and coat check, museum shop, restrooms, café, bar

Address

The Whitney Museum is located in New York’s Meatpacking District near the High Line. Arriving at the Whitney by public transportation, bike, taxi, or rideshare is strongly recommended.

Driving

If you prefer to drive, you can try your luck at street parking or park indoors; ICON parking garages are located nearby at 99 Jane Street, 134 Jane Street, and 385 West 15th Street.

Public transportation

To reach the Whitney via subway, you can take the A, C, E, or L train to 14th Street/Eighth Avenue station and continue on foot (about an 8-minute walk).

Best times to visit

For fewer crowds, plan to come first thing in the morning. If you’re traveling on a budget, admission is free from 5–10 pm every Friday.

Best days to visit

The Whitney is closed on Tuesdays but open every other day; visit on a weekday for a more peaceful experience. Admission is free on the second Sunday of each month.

Best months to visit

This art destination is popular year-round. It is especially popular in the winter and on hot summer days when visitors are looking for indoor attractions.

Special events

The Whitney hosts special events throughout the year. Check the museum’s calendar for details on tours, after-hours events, open studio events, neighborhood tours, live music, and more.