There's a part of me that's always enjoyed the idea of an art museum more than, well, actually visiting an art museum. I'm intrigued by art, I took an art history class back in college (and got a B+, thanks), and I definitely consider myself one who appreciates art. (I even won an award back in high school for a still-life I drew, quite possibly the only award I've EVER won.) All that being said, I'm just not a big "museum guy" if that makes sense.
However, the Museum of Modern Art features so many classic works from the world's most renowned artists of all-time that I can get past the whole tourists-and-school-groups-crowding-my-every-move thing that makes me avoid most museums. Honestly, I had a pretty good idea of what kind of iconic works of art were in this museum, but I was pretty taken aback at just how many classic paintings and sculptures were in this famous museum.
Here are a few highlights from MoMA and that even the art novice (Me.) can enjoy:
1.) Van Gogh's Starry Night. I had no idea I'd get to see this iconic painting (which I'm most familiar with seeing on my Mom's old coffee thermos) in the flesh. Unfortunately, this painting is CONSTANTLY surrounded, and they even set up chairs around it for touring groups visiting MoMA. Maybe not the way Van Gogh intended for it to be enjoyed but, given its popularity and status, I'm not sure this could be avoided.
2.) The Andy Warhol Room. Warhol is a genius, but it's interesting to note the simplicity of some of his most famous pieces when you see them up close. That Marilyn painting that practically began post-modern artwork is actually much bigger than I imagined it would be, and the walls of the entire room are littered with his most famous works. You definitely feel as though you're standing in the room with history when you visit this particular section of the museum, and who knows how many countless young artists were inspired by MoMA's Warhol experience.
3.) You can take pictures. I didn't expect this at all, but, as it turns out photography is allowed at MoMa (with a few exceptions). I walked away with some great photos of Rousseau and Picasso's most famous paintings, as well as a few hidden gems (to me, anyways) I found while walking through the museum. Just remember to turn off your flash and you're good to go.
4.) Free Wi-Fi. It's not a terrible idea to bring your laptop or IPad to MoMA since they have free Wi-Fi. I was even able to get a little work done in one of their many cafes, and had the opportunity to Google a few pieces I really liked on the spot.
5.) It's big. Give yourself at LEAST a couple of hours in MoMA. Also, I'd recommend buying your ticket as part of a package deal or with the Go Select Card so that, rather than paying $25 for admission, you can pay $38 for two attractions. (As I did, combining my ticket with the Top of the Rock.)
6.) Check out the courtyard. It's a museum, so it can get a little stuffy. Take a break in the MoMA courtyard for a breath of fresh air in between history lessons centered on impressionist vs. modernist artwork in the early-20th century. (This was not my aforementioned art history class, but rather a conversation I heard on the third floor during my visit.)
7.) Lastly, it closes at 5:30 so make sure to get your butt over there early.
Overall, whether you're an art-lover or an art novice, seeing the likes of these famous paintings up close is a surreal experience I would recommend to anyone. MoMA is finally crossed off my bucket list, and I can finally say I've been to America's most pristine art museum.
This review was made by the www.nyctourist.com site editor based on personal experience. NYCTourist was not paid for this review, but we may receive compensation for placement of this travel provider advertisements on our site.
Jason Bushey
(NYCtourist Staff)
Sep 12, 2012
at 1:48 pm
Points: 10
Joined: November 2010
xxx.xxx.185.247
Would recommend to a friend
Date of stay: 09/12
Museum of Modern Art - My Art History Class, Come to Life
Venue Reviewed: Museum of Modern Art NYC
There's a part of me that's always enjoyed the idea of an art museum more than, well, actually visiting an art museum. I'm intrigued by art, I took an art history class back in college (and got a B+, thanks), and I definitely consider myself one who appreciates art. (I even won an award back in high school for a still-life I drew, quite possibly the only award I've EVER won.) All that being said, I'm just not a big "museum guy" if that makes sense.
However, the Museum of Modern Art features so many classic works from the world's most renowned artists of all-time that I can get past the whole tourists-and-school-groups-crowding-my-every-move thing that makes me avoid most museums. Honestly, I had a pretty good idea of what kind of iconic works of art were in this museum, but I was pretty taken aback at just how many classic paintings and sculptures were in this famous museum.
Here are a few highlights from MoMA and that even the art novice (Me.) can enjoy:
1.) Van Gogh's Starry Night. I had no idea I'd get to see this iconic painting (which I'm most familiar with seeing on my Mom's old coffee thermos) in the flesh. Unfortunately, this painting is CONSTANTLY surrounded, and they even set up chairs around it for touring groups visiting MoMA. Maybe not the way Van Gogh intended for it to be enjoyed but, given its popularity and status, I'm not sure this could be avoided.
2.) The Andy Warhol Room. Warhol is a genius, but it's interesting to note the simplicity of some of his most famous pieces when you see them up close. That Marilyn painting that practically began post-modern artwork is actually much bigger than I imagined it would be, and the walls of the entire room are littered with his most famous works. You definitely feel as though you're standing in the room with history when you visit this particular section of the museum, and who knows how many countless young artists were inspired by MoMA's Warhol experience.
3.) You can take pictures. I didn't expect this at all, but, as it turns out photography is allowed at MoMa (with a few exceptions). I walked away with some great photos of Rousseau and Picasso's most famous paintings, as well as a few hidden gems (to me, anyways) I found while walking through the museum. Just remember to turn off your flash and you're good to go.
4.) Free Wi-Fi. It's not a terrible idea to bring your laptop or IPad to MoMA since they have free Wi-Fi. I was even able to get a little work done in one of their many cafes, and had the opportunity to Google a few pieces I really liked on the spot.
5.) It's big. Give yourself at LEAST a couple of hours in MoMA. Also, I'd recommend buying your ticket as part of a package deal or with the Go Select Card so that, rather than paying $25 for admission, you can pay $38 for two attractions. (As I did, combining my ticket with the Top of the Rock.)
6.) Check out the courtyard. It's a museum, so it can get a little stuffy. Take a break in the MoMA courtyard for a breath of fresh air in between history lessons centered on impressionist vs. modernist artwork in the early-20th century. (This was not my aforementioned art history class, but rather a conversation I heard on the third floor during my visit.)
7.) Lastly, it closes at 5:30 so make sure to get your butt over there early.
Overall, whether you're an art-lover or an art novice, seeing the likes of these famous paintings up close is a surreal experience I would recommend to anyone. MoMA is finally crossed off my bucket list, and I can finally say I've been to America's most pristine art museum.
This review was made by the www.nyctourist.com site editor based on personal experience. NYCTourist was not paid for this review, but we may receive compensation for placement of this travel provider advertisements on our site.