Discover the fascinating history of the Guggenheim Museum in New York

History

The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York City boasts a striking spiral design and houses a collection of modern and contemporary art from around the world. Stay on this page to walk through the winding path of its construction and history.

Guggenheim Museum timeline

1937: The Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation was founded.
1939: The Museum of Non-Objective Painting, the first New York–based venue for the display of art, opened.
1943: Renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright gained the commission to design a museum in New York City.
1952: The organization was renamed the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum to honor the late philanthropist and museum co-founder.
1959: The Guggenheim Museum opened on October 21.
1992: After a major renovation, the Guggenheim Museum reopens, dedicating the entire original Frank Lloyd Wright building to a public exhibition. A new tower with 4,750 square meters of gallery space is added with enhanced skylighting.
2015: The museum gained National Historic Landmark status in 2008 and was nominated for the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2015.
2019: UNESCO lists the museum as part of ‘The 20th-Century Architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright’, recognizing eight major works spanning fifty years of Wright’s career.

Guggenheim Museum history explained

Foundation and early years

1937 - 1939

Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation was established in 1937, marking the beginning of a new era in the art world. Its first New York–based venue for the display of art, the ‘Museum of Non-Objective Painting’, opened in 1939. This unusual gallery, designed by William Muschenheim, was the first encounter for many visitors with fine works of Vasily Kandinsky.

Design and construction

1943 - 1959

In 1943, the need for a permanent building to house Guggenheim’s art collection became evident. The commission to design a museum in New York City was given to the renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright. After years of planning and construction, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, with its iconic spiral structure, opened its doors on October 21, 1959.

Renaming and legacy

1952 - present

The organization was renamed the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in 1952 to honor the late philanthropist and museum co-founder. Today, the museum stands as a testament to Guggenheim’s vision and passion for abstract, contemporary art. The Guggenheim Museum is a symbol of New York City’s vibrant cultural scene and continues to inspire and challenge visitors with its dynamic programs and exhibitions.

Construction of the Guggenheim Museum

The construction of the Guggenheim Museum was a monumental task that spanned over a decade. The need for a permanent building to house Solomon R. Guggenheim’s art collection became evident in the early 1940s. In 1943, the renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright was commissioned to design the museum. The construction finally began in 1956 and took three years to complete. Wright’s design was a radical departure from traditional museum design, creating a curvilinear building that is wider at the top than the bottom. The building’s unique spiral form and continuous spaces were designed to challenge the “normal” way people view art.

Guggenheim Museum architecture

Lesser known facts about the Guggenheim Museum’s history

The Guggenheim Museum was Frank Lloyd Wright’s first project in New York City. He envisioned the museum in other locations before settling with New York City.
Wright initially wanted the museum’s exterior to be red, his favorite color. However, Hilla Rebay, the art adviser of Solomon R. Guggenheim steered him the other way.
Despite Wright’s initial vision, the museum’s exterior was painted a brownish yellow. This original color was discovered during a $29 million restoration when conservators removed 11 layers of paint.
Before it was known as the Guggenheim Museum, it was called the Museum of Non-Objective Painting.
Wright went through four different designs for the museum after he was commissioned for the job in June 1943. The spiral ramp inside the museum is more than a quarter-mile long. It is set at an 18-degree angle and is a total of 1,416 feet long.

Guggenheim Museum today

Today, the Guggenheim Museum continues to be a vital cultural center, attracting visitors from around the world. Its unique architecture and impressive collection of modern and contemporary art make it a must-visit destination for art lovers and tourists alike. The museum is dedicated to promoting the understanding and appreciation of art, primarily of the modern and contemporary periods, through exhibitions, education programs, research initiatives, and publications. The Guggenheim Museum is a symbol of New York City’s vibrant cultural scene and continues to inspire and challenge visitors with its dynamic programs and exhibitions.

Frequently asked questions about the Guggenheim Museum’s history

What is the historical significance of the Guggenheim Museum?

The Guggenheim Museum is significant for its role in promoting and showcasing modern and contemporary art. It has been instrumental in introducing the public to avant-garde artists and their works.

How old is the Guggenheim Museum?

The Guggenheim Museum opened its doors on October 21, 1959, making it over 60 years old.

How many years did it take to build the Guggenheim Museum?

The construction of the Guggenheim Museum began in 1956 and was completed in 1959, taking approximately three years.

Why was the Guggenheim Museum built?

The Guggenheim Museum was created during a period of rapid growth and change in the art world, with new movements and styles emerging. Its architecture was designed to showcase the work of contemporary artists and challenge traditional museum design.

Who designed the Guggenheim Museum?

The Guggenheim Museum was designed by the renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

What is the architectural style of the Guggenheim Museum?

The Guggenheim Museum is architectural style in a unique, modernist style, with a distinctive spiral structure that sets it apart from traditional museum designs.

What events or incidents have shaped the history of the Guggenheim Museum?

Key events in the history of the Guggenheim Museum include its founding by Solomon R. Guggenheim, the commissioning of Frank Lloyd Wright to design the museum, and its opening in 1959.

How has the Guggenheim Museum contributed to New York City’s cultural and artistic heritage?

The Guggenheim Museum has greatly contributed to New York City’s cultural and artistic heritage. Its unique architecture has become an iconic part of the city’s skyline, and its commitment to showcasing modern and contemporary art has enriched the city’s cultural scene.