Whether your tastes lean towards groundbreaking American paintings such as Andy Warhol’s Campbell’s Soup Cans or more contemporary abstract art such as the works of Jackson Pollock, MoMA(opens in a new tab) (the Museum of Modern Art) is one of the most interesting places to see in New York City. When it comes to art museums in Manhattan, here are our top three reasons to visit MoMA.
Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Sculpture Garden
One of New York City’s most beloved green spaces, MoMA’s outdoor sculpture garden(opens in a new tab) has hosted exhibitions, performances, and even protests! You can stroll the paths or take a seat, see the sculptures, and marvel at the marvelous garden design filled with birch trees and flower beds, created by Philip Johnson, MoMA’s first director of the Department of Architecture.
Starry Night by Vincent Van Gogh
The vibrant celestial swirls on Vincent Van Gogh’s Starry Night(opens in a new tab) might be one of the most recognizable images in the world. After famously cutting off part of his own ear and falling into a deep depression, Van Gogh sought refuge in Saint-Paul Asylum in the South of France. He painted many landscapes inspired by the view from his window there, but the only nocturn was Starry Night. He shared the inspiration for this painting in a letter to his brother. “This morning I saw the countryside from my window a long time before sunrise, with nothing but the morning star, which looked very big.” MoMA acquired the painting in 1941, and, over the years, millions of people have traveled to marvel at this masterpiece.
Les Demoiselles d’Avignon by Pablo Picasso
Widely regarded as one of the most influential artists of the 20th century, Picasso was known for pushing boundaries and challenging his audience. He completed Les Demoiselles d’Avignon(opens in a new tab) in 1907, but kept it mostly hidden in his studio and was not publicly exhibited until 1916. It was so controversial that Henri Matisse regarded the painting as an attempt to ridicule the modern art movement! One hundred years after the work’s debut, Newsweek(opens in a new tab) declared the painting “the most important work of the last 100 years.”
As the list shows, some of the best sights in New York are not just the neighborhoods or famous landmarks, but its extensive collection of famous modern artwork!