Whitney Museum of American Art Tickets, Prices, Discounts, What to Expect and More

Housed in a stunning, avant-garde building designed by famed architect Renzo Piano, the Whitney is New York City’s mecca for 20th and 21st-century American art. 

As you ascend in the outdoor glass elevators, prepare to discover thrilling works by artists like Georgia O’Keeffe, Edward Hopper, Andy Warhol, and Kara Walker. 

From abstract expressionist masterpieces to provocative contemporary pieces, the Whitney Museum of American Art has a one-of-a-kind collection.

Around every corner, you’ll find visionary textures, colors, and shapes that inspire you to see the world in bold new ways. 

The rotating exhibits also feature exciting emerging voices and cutting-edge installations that react to today’s pressing issues.  

When your neck gets sore from gazing up at the paintings, head out to the sunny outdoor terraces for a refreshing perspective on the Big Apple.

Contemporary, daring, and utterly unique – that’s the Whitney. As the art capital of America, this is the one museum you absolutely cannot miss in NYC.

This article shares everything about Whitney Museum of American Art tickets, prices, discounts, hours, how to reach, what to see, exhibitions and more.

Snapshot

What to Expect at Whitney  Museum of American Art

The Whitney presents the full spectrum of 20th and 21st-century American art in exciting, innovative exhibitions and installations.

As you enter, make sure to enjoy the architecture of the building, which is an art in itself.

With exhibition spaces connected by outdoor terraces, you can have panoramic views of the High Line and Hudson River.

The highlights from the Whitney’s permanent collection are the 25,000 works by artists like Hopper, O’Keeffe, Pollock, and Warhol. 

You can see how American art evolved and explore provocative contemporary pieces that actively respond to today’s complex social landscape.

Be sure to save time for special exhibitions that feature modern masters like Basquiat or showcase intriguing up-and-coming talents. 

With programs like talks, films, music events, and family activities, there’s always something new to stimulate artistic minds of all ages.

Where to buy Whitney Museum of American Art tickets

There are two ways to get tickets for the Whitney Museum of American Art: online or at the museum’s ticket counter.

It’s better to purchase them online because they cost less than the ones at the museum. 

Purchasing your Whitney Museum of American Art tickets online saves you from waiting in long lines, especially during the busy season when queues take hours.

The museum’s ticket counter has only a limited number of tickets, and they sell out quickly. You might not get tickets even after waiting in line for a long time. 

Buying your Whitney Museum of American Art tickets online is wise to prevent this last-minute disappointment.

Whitney Museum of American Art tickets

The Whitney Museum of American Art offers entry tickets for visitors to experience its renowned collection. 

With this ticket, you can Visit the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York City and explore the extensive collection of 20th and 21st-century art by over 3000 artists. 

Your ticket grants access to permanent and temporary exhibitions, with 15 displays changing yearly. 

View paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints, photographs, films, videos, and new media from the permanent collection, which holds more than 21,000 pieces.

Ticket includes:

• Entrance to the Whitney 
• Access to permanent and temporary exhibitions
• Access to paintings, sculptures, prints, photos, and more

Ticket Prices:

The Whitney Museum of American Art ticket prices are $25 for adult visitors. 

Children below 18 can get free admission to the Whitney Museum of Art. 

Age	Ticket price
Adult ticket (ages 19 to 99)	$30
Child ticket (18 and below)	Free Entry

City Passes

If you want to visit the Whitney Museum and see many other places in NYC, a City Pass is a smart choice. 

City Passes are like tickets that let you visit many places over a long time. You can pick between the Go City Explorer Pass and the New York City Pass.

The Go City Explorer Pass NYC gives you entry to over 95 excellent spots, including the Whitney Museum of American Art. 

You have 60 days to use it and can choose ten places to visit! With the Go City Explorer Pass, you can save up to 40% on going to all these places.

The New York Pass is another option. It lets you visit over 100 cool spots and tours, including the Botanical Garden. 

You can use it for up to 9 days, which helps you skip the long lines at some places. It’s a fantastic way to explore the city and discover all the amazing things New York offers.

Whitney Museum of American Art Opening Hours

From Wednesday to Sunday, The Whitney Museum is open from 10.30 am to 10 pm.

On Mondays, the museum closes at 6 pm. 

The Whitney Museum of American Art is closed on Tuesdays. 

The Museum is closed to the public on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. 

The museum will be open from 10.30 am to 6 pm on December 26 (Tuesday) and January 1, 2024. 

Here is an overview of the Whitney Museum of American Art’s opening hours:

Days	Opening Hours	Last Entry
Wednesday to Sunday	10.30 am to 10 pm	9 pm
Monday	10:30 am to 6 pm	5 pm
Tuesday	Closed

Best Time to Visit the Whitney Museum of American Art

For the best time of day, consider arriving right when the museum opens at 10.30 am.

Mornings are quieter, providing a more peaceful atmosphere to appreciate the artwork.

If you can not make it early in the morning, visit after 8 pm for a unique visit.

The best day to visit is often Wednesday or Thursday, as these days are less crowded than weekends. 

This allows you to enjoy the art without the hustle and bustle.

The months of fall and winter are best to visit. 

The museum’s exhibits are typically less crowded during these seasons and the cozy ambiance inside pairs well with the art. 

Remember that the museum occasionally has special exhibitions and events, so checking their schedule in advance is a good idea.

How long does it take at the Whitney Museum of American Art?

Visiting the Whitney Museum of American Art can be a great experience. The time it takes can vary. 

On average, exploring the Whitney Museum of Art might last around two to three hours. 

However, you can stay longer to explore every exhibit in detail.

If you’re short on time, you can see some remarkable American art even in an hour. 

The museum is well-organized, making it easy to navigate.

Don’t forget to check the museum’s website for special exhibitions or events that might affect the duration of your visit. It’s a good idea to plan your visit ahead of time. 

Enjoy the art at your own pace, and you’ll have a fantastic time at the Whitney Museum.

How to Reach the Whitney Museum of American Art

The Whitney Museum of American Art is on Gansevoort St, New York, NY 10014, United States. 

The Museum is easily accessible by public transportation and car.

Address: 99 Gansevoort St, New York, NYC. Get Directions.  

By Subway

The closest subway station to reach the Whitney Museum in Manhattan is 14th Street. 

Hop on A, C or E trains to 15th and 16th Street at 8th Avenue. 

From there, take the L train to reach the 14th Street at 8th Avenue. 

The museum is five blocks from this stop. 

By Bus

The closest bus stop to the Whitney Museum of American Art in Manhattan is the West 14th Street Station on 9th Avenue. 

You can take bus lines M11, M12 and M14D-SBS to reach this stop. 

The museum is a four-minute walk from there. 

You can also take the M14A bus to Hudson Street/W 13 Street Stop or M20 to 8 Avenu/W 4 Street Station. 

The museum is a five-minute walk from there. 

By Taxi or Car

You can hail a cab directly from the road or book one from apps like Uber! The Whitney is quite a famous museum, so you should have no worries about getting there!

The Whitney Museum is easily accessible by car from the West Side Highway, the FDR Drive, and the Holland Tunnel. 

A Whitney Museum parking garage is located on West 13th Street, just a short walk from the museum.

What to see at the Whitney Museum of American Art

Visitors to the Whitney Museum of American Art can expect to see various artworks, including paintings, drawings, prints, sculptures, and more.

Paintings

The Museum has an extensive collection of paintings. 

Visitors can expect to see works by some of the most influential American painters, such as, 

• Edward Hopper
• Georgia O’Keeffe
• Jackson Pollock
• Willem de Kooning

Drawings

The Whitney Museum of American Art also has an extensive collection of drawings from some of the most acclaimed American artists. 

Some of the artists whose works can be seen include, 

• Thomas Hart Benton
• Joseph Stella
• Marsden Hartley

The museum also features work by lesser-known artists such as Stuart Davis and Joseph Cornell.

Prints

It also has an impressive collection of prints from some of the most renowned American printmakers. 

Visitors can expect to see works by artists such as,

• Jasper Johns
• Robert Rauschenberg
• Andy Warhol

You will also find works by lesser-known printmakers such as John Marin and Charles Sheeler.

Sculptures

It also houses an impressive collection of sculptures. 

Visitors can expect to see works by some of the most influential American sculptors, such as,

• Alexander Calder
• Louise Nevelson
• Isamu Noguchi

The museum also includes works by lesser-known sculptors such as Gaston Lachaise and Leonard Baskin.

Masterpieces in Whitney Museum of American Art you can’t miss

While trying to see all the artworks is nearly impossible, there are certain iconic pieces and artists you simply cannot miss.

When you visit the airy, light-filled galleries, do not leave without witnessing these essential masterworks first-hand.

Edward Hopper’s Early Sunday Morning

In this 1930 painting, Hopper depicts an eerily quiet row of storefronts on a deserted New York street.

Early Sunday Morning displays Hopper’s signature style with its sharp lines, cool palette, and simple presentation of a common city scene. 

As one of realism’s greatest triumphs in 20th-century American painting, Early Sunday Morning marked Hopper’s ascendance in the art world.

It is still considered an outstanding example of American Scene painting and one of the Whitney’s crown jewels.

Andy Warhol’s Campbell’s Soup Cans

Warhol’s iconic 32-canvas piece featuring Campbell’s soup cans helped cement his position as the ringleader of avant-garde pop art in the 1960s. 

With this mundane subject matter from commercial culture, Warhol broke down traditional artistic barriers between mass media and fine art.

He set a course for contemporary creators that resonates even today. 

No day at the Whitney is complete without encountering this subversively charming array of tomato and chicken noodles.

Georgia O’Keeffe’s Jimson Weed

Georgia O’Keeffe is known for her vivid flowers, captivating desert landscapes, and Southwestern motifs.

Jimson Weed from 1932 is a fantastic example of her large-scale flower paintings, with the white trumpet-shaped blossom emerging gigantically against a crimson background. 

Abstract in form yet identifiable in the subject, O’Keeffe’s flower embodies her singularity as an artist.

The art synthesizes representation, abstraction, modernism, and realism in powerful ways.

Jackson Pollock’s Lavender Mist

A prime specimen of Pollock’s famed “drip paintings,” Lavender Mist completely revolutionized abstract expressionism upon its debut in the 1950s. 

With its all-over chaos of spattered oils, thick globs, and zigzagging marks on massive canvases, Lavender Mist shattered previous painting conventions. 

The exhilarating ways Pollock furiously dripped, splashed, and energized this expansive canvas signaled a significant shift toward radical new 20th-century styles inspired by surrealism. 

Standing before Lavender Mist, one feels immersed in Pollock’s creative fury.

Jasper Johns’ Three Flags

A central work within pop art’s 1960s emergence, Jasper Johns’ Three Flags encapsulates some of the movement’s main strategies. 

By depicting the American flag as the instantaneously recognizable subject in a literal, deadpan style, Johns questioned and played pop culture themes on flat canvases. 

As one of Whitney’s quintessential pieces addressing shifting American identities in the 20th century, the powerful directness of Three Flags still feels strikingly relevant.

Jeff Koons’ Rabbit

Jeff Koons’ 1986 stainless steel casting of an inflatable rabbit toy, Rabbit, promptly became a 20th-century icon upon its completion. 

With its outsized proportions, polished surface, and weighty material, Koons elevated a cheap children’s novelty to the status of high art. 

Rabbit prompts contemplation and questions about society’s atmosphere in the 1980s.

At the same time, it shows Koons’ interest in transforming readymade mundanities into thought-provoking artworks.

Things to do at the Whitney Museum of American Art?

Visitors can expect to find a wide range of artwork from many different decades, including works by modern and contemporary artists. 

You may also explore the Museum’s artworks, exhibitions, events, and more.

Exhibitions

The Whitney Museum of American Art is home to various exhibitions featuring works from different American art periods and genres. 

The Museum has a permanent collection of over 21,000 works, and it is constantly adding new exhibitions. 

Upcoming exhibitions include 

• Rose B. Simpson: Counterculture. Oct 4, 2023–Jan 21, 2024.
• Henry Taylor: B Side. Oct 4, 2023–Jan 28, 2024.
• Fragments of a Faith Forgotten: The Art of Harry Smith. Oct 4, 2023–Jan 28, 2024.
• The Whitney’s Collection: Selections from 1900 to 1965.

Events

It holds various events throughout the year, including lectures, panel discussions, workshops, and more. 

The Museum also hosts various special events, such as its annual Art Party, which celebrates its collection and impact on American art.

Educational Programs

 It offers a variety of educational programs for all ages, including lectures and tours, workshops and classes, and community programs. 

The Museum also has various online resources, such as videos and podcasts, to help visitors learn more about American art.

Art Works

It has a permanent collection of over 21,000 works. The collection includes works by some of the most influential artists of the 20th century, such as,

• Jackson Pollock
• Edward Hopper
• Georgia O’Keeffe
• Andy Warhol.

The Museum also features works from emerging and under-represented artists. 

Shop

It has a shop that sells various items, including books, prints, jewelry, and more. 

The shop also has limited-edition prints and other items only available at the Whitney.

Dining

It has an onsite restaurant, Untitled, which serves American cuisine. The restaurant also has a bar, which offers a variety of cocktails, wines, and beers. 

Whitney Museum of American Art FAQs

Featured Image: Facebook.com(whitneymuseum)