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A guide to visiting the Whitney Museum of American Art

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Whitney Museum opening hours

Whitney Museum of American Art

Best time to visit

For a quieter experience at the Whitney, weekdays are your best bet, with Monday mornings being the least crowded. If you’re visiting on a Friday, consider wrapping up your visit by 5pm as large crowds arrive for the free entry between 5pm and 10pm.

In terms of the best months to visit, late April to early June and September to early November are ideal. These months fall outside of the peak summer and holiday tourist seasons, meaning fewer crowds and a more relaxed experience. Summer (June to August) is the busiest time, as New York City sees a massive influx of tourists, which makes the museum more crowded.




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Where is the Whitney Museum located

The Whitney Museum is situated at the southern end of the High Line in the Meatpacking District. You’ll also be just steps away from trendy spots like Chelsea Market and a bustling neighborhood full of dining options and attractions.

Address: 99 Gansevoort Street, New York, NY 10014 | Find on Maps

Closest landmark: The High Line (0.2 miles)

Getting there

Whitney Museum of American Art

By public transport

  • By subway: The Whitney Museum is accessible via the New York City Subway. Take the 1, 2, or 3 trains to 14th Street and Eighth Avenue. From there, it’s a 10 minute walk to the museum.
  • By bus: Several New York City bus routes stop near the Whitney Museum. You can take the M11 or M14 buses, which have stops on 14th Street and Eighth Avenue. You’ll need to walk about 10 minutes from here to reach the museum.
Whitney Museum of American Art

By car

You can drive to the Whitney Museum, but parking in the area can be difficult. It is often more convenient to use a rideshare service. Services such as Uber and Lyft are widely available in New York City and can drop you off directly at the museum entrance.

Parking: The museum does not have its own parking garage. However, nearby parking facilities include the Icon Parking Garage at 99 Jane Street, which is just a short 3 minute walk from the museum.

Know before you go

Facilities
Accessibility
Rules and regulations
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Entrance
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Whitney Museum of American Art
  • Lockers: Small lockers are available on the ground floor for personal items like small bags and coats. Large bags, suitcases, and umbrellas are not permitted and cannot be stored.
  • Restrooms: Accessible restrooms are available on every floor, including gender-neutral and family options.
  • Dining options: The Whitney Museum offers two dining spots, Studio Bar and Frenchette Bakery, with options ranging from coffee and light snacks to more substantial meals.
  • Seating areas: Various seating areas throughout the museum, including in the galleries and outdoor spaces, offer spots for resting during your visit.
Whitney Museum of American Art
  • Wheelchair accessibility: The museum is fully wheelchair accessible. Wheelchairs are also available on a first-come-first-serve basis, completely free of cost at the admissions desk.
  • Assistance animals: Certified service animals are welcome, but pets are not allowed inside the museum.
  • Hearing assistance: The admissions and membership desks are equipped with induction hearing loops, which transmit sound directly to T-coil-enabled hearing aids.  An ASL Mobile Guide Tour video is available as well. This interactive video tour showcases key highlights from the Whitney’s collection in American Sign Language, with closed captioning included. The Mobile Guide is available online for free.
  • Braille and large-print materials: Braille and large-print guides are available at the entrance, and tactile materials are offered for some exhibitions.
Whitney Museum of American Art
  • Photography: Non-flash photography is allowed, but tripods and selfie sticks are prohibited. Certain exhibitions may have restrictions.
  • Bags: Large bags, backpacks, and umbrellas are not allowed in the galleries and should be stored in lockers. Luggage is not permitted.
  • Food and drink: Outside food and beverages are not permitted. Dining options are available on-site.
Whitney Museum of American Art
Whitney Museum of American Art
  • Location: The Whitney Museum is located at 99 Gansevoort Street, New York, NY 10014, USA. It is easily accessible from various points around the Meatpacking District.
  • Accessibility: The entrance features ramps and elevators, making it accessible for visitors with mobility needs.
Whitney Museum of American Art

What to see at the Whitney Museum

Whitney Museum of American Art

American modernism (Floor 5)

Step into the early 20th century on the 5th floor, where you'll come across American artists breaking away from European influence. Highlights include Georgia O’Keeffe’s "Summer Days" (1936) with its vibrant depiction of the Southwest, to Edward Hopper’s reflective works, this collection illustrates the evolution of American identity through bold abstraction and modernism.

Whitney Museum of American Art

Post-war art (Floor 6)

Get lost in the energy of post-World War II art on the 6th floor. Jackson Pollock’s "Number 27" (1950) embodies the chaos and movement of Abstract Expressionism, while Andy Warhol’s "Before and After" (1961) critiques consumer culture. These works mirror a rapidly changing society, where art becomes a dialogue on America's post-war identity.

Whitney Museum of American Art

Social Realism and Regionalism (Floor 5)

Discover a slice of American life through Social Realism and Regionalism on the 5th floor. Thomas Hart Benton’s "The Lord is My Shepherd" (1926) captures rural resilience, while Charles Sheeler’s "American Landscape" (1930) explores industrial growth. Together, these works offer you a unique lens on America's evolving culture during difficult times.

Whitney Museum of American Art

Minimalism and conceptual art (Floor 6)

On the 6th floor, you'll find Minimalism and Conceptual Art, movements that challenged traditional artistic norms. Pieces like Donald Judd’s "Untitled" (1969) emphasize form over content, while Sol LeWitt’s "Wall Drawing #1" (1968) invites you to rethink the art-making process. This is art that urges you to consider space, structure, and ideas.

Whitney Museum of American Art

Contemporary art (Multiple Floors)

Scattered across multiple floors, the Contemporary Art collection features works that confront pressing issues. Jean-Michel Basquiat’s Untitled (1981) captures the raw energy of urban life and racial identity, while Kara Walker’s “Silhouette” explores the ongoing legacy of slavery. These pieces challenge you to reflect on America’s contemporary struggles and societal issues.

Visitor tips

  • The museum spans several floors and involves a lot of walking. You’ll want to explore everything comfortably, so don’t wear heels or shoes that can become uncomfortable over time.
  • The museum’s outdoor terraces feature large-scale sculptures and offer views of the Hudson River and Manhattan skyline. Don’t miss this opportunity for both art and spectacular photography.
  • The museum’s outdoor terraces feature large-scale sculptures and offer views of the Hudson River and Manhattan skyline. Don’t miss this opportunity for both art and spectacular photography.
  • After your museum visit, take a walk through the nearby Meatpacking District or along the High Line, which is just steps away. These are perfect post-museum activities to further enjoy the neighborhood.

Frequently asked questions about visiting the Whitney Museum

Can I bring food or drinks into the museum?

No, food and beverages are not allowed inside the Whitney Museum. However, you can grab refreshments at the restaurants in the museum.

Is there parking available at the Whitney Museum?

The Whitney does not have on-site parking, but there are several paid parking garages in the surrounding area.

Are there any family-friendly programs at the museum?

Yes! The Whitney offers family programs that include art-making workshops for kids with autism and guided tours designed for kids of all ages.

How long does it typically take to explore the Whitney?

Plan to spend around 2 to 3 hours to fully explore the permanent collections and current exhibitions, though this may vary depending on your pace and interests.

Can I purchase tickets in advance?

Yes, you can purchase Whitney Museum tickets online in advance, which is recommended, especially for popular exhibitions. This helps avoid long waits at the entrance.

Is there Wi-Fi available in the museum?

Yes, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the museum, making it easy for you to stay connected or share your experience in real time.