An Inside Look at New York's Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum

Summary

The Solomon R Guggenheim Museum in New York, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, is celebrated for its unique architecture and art viewing experience. Megan Fontanella, the curator, discusses the building's history, which opened in 1959 and became an architectural landmark. The cylindrical design, once dubbed 'an inverted cupcake,' was a radical departure for the 1950s art scene. Wright's vision, blending the city's energy with nature, was realized when he was commissioned in 1943. Despite his death before the museum's completion, his innovative spirit continues to influence New York City, making the Guggenheim a cherished destination for tourists and locals alike.

Takeaways

• 🎨 The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York is one of the most recognizable buildings in the world.
• 🖼️ The museum is renowned for its unique architecture and the masterpieces it houses.
• 🏛️ Frank Lloyd Wright designed the Guggenheim Museum, his only creation in New York City.
• 📅 The museum opened in 1959 and has become a landmark architectural gem.
• 🏙️ The building's cylindrical shape was initially controversial, earning nicknames like 'inverted cupcake' and 'washing machine'.
• 🌳 Wright chose the museum's location near Central Park to balance the city's bustle with nature.
• 👨‍🎨 Wright was commissioned for the project in 1943 when he was already a well-established architect.
• 🔨 The museum was intended to be a 'temple of spirit' for Solomon R. Guggenheim's collection.
• ⬆️ Wright envisioned visitors starting at the top of the building and working their way down, although today many start at the bottom.
• 🌟 The museum features an oculus and various geometric shapes that complement its founding collections.
• 🕊️ Frank Lloyd Wright passed away months before the project was completed, but his vision has become an integral part of New York City's fabric.
• 🌍 The Guggenheim Museum continues to attract international tourists and is cherished by local New Yorkers as a living legacy.

Q & A

What is the Solomon R Guggenheim Museum known for?

The Solomon R Guggenheim Museum is known for being one of the most recognizable buildings in the world and for providing a unique viewing experience for the masterpieces it houses.

Who is Megan Fontanella in the context of the Guggenheim Museum?

Megan Fontanella is the curator of collections and provenance at the Solomon R Guggenheim Museum.

When did the Frank Lloyd Wright building that houses the Guggenheim collection open?

The Frank Lloyd Wright building opened in 1959 in New York.

What was the public's initial reaction to the cylindrical design of the Guggenheim Museum in the 1950s?

The cylindrical building was considered very different and was nicknamed an 'inverted cupcake' and a 'washing machine' by the public at the time.

Why was the museum's location chosen to be on Central Park?

The location was chosen to reflect Frank Lloyd Wright's desire to juxtapose the natural tranquility of Central Park with the bustling energy of the city.

When was Frank Lloyd Wright commissioned to design the permanent home for Solomon R Guggenheim's collection?

Frank Lloyd Wright was commissioned in 1943 to design the permanent home for Solomon R Guggenheim's collection.

What was the architectural style of Frank Lloyd Wright's established work prior to designing the Guggenheim Museum?

Frank Lloyd Wright's established work was known for being in tune with nature and thoughtful about how space evolved within the home or building.

What did the founding director Hilary Bay see in Frank Lloyd Wright's architecture that led her to commission him for the museum?

Hilary Bay saw Frank Lloyd Wright's progressive architecture as fitting for the museum, envisioning him as a fighter and originator capable of building a 'temple of spirit' for the Guggenheim collection.

How did Frank Lloyd Wright envision the visitor experience at the museum?

Wright envisioned that visitors would start at the top of the building and work their way down.

What is the significance of the oculus and the architecture of the museum in enhancing the art viewing experience?

The oculus and the architecture, with its circles, squares, and triangles, are designed to complement and reflect the founding collections, enhancing the art viewing experience.

When did Frank Lloyd Wright pass away in relation to the completion of the Guggenheim Museum?

Frank Lloyd Wright passed away a few months before the completion of the museum.

How has the Guggenheim Museum become a part of New York City's identity?

Over the decades, the Guggenheim Museum has become part of the fabric of New York City, continuing the conversation about being new, original, and dynamic in architecture and art, and is embraced by both international tourists and local New Yorkers as a living legacy.