The Whitney has arrived in downtown New York and talk about an entrance! Visiting the new location of The Whitney Museum of American Art, we felt the same excitement as years ago at the inauguration of the Tate Modern. This is an exciting museum, filled with unexpected surprises; incorporating the inside and outside dramatically in one light filled space. Truly using its location to its advantage with stellar views of the Hudson, NYC and the High Line. This is a museum for everyone, and for New Yorkers a place one will want to visit often.
Stay: Within spitting distance of the Whitney, you can’t get more convenient than the Standard Hotel. We’ve stayed here a few times and while the rooms are quite small, you’re compensated with stunning views over the Hudson! This is a high energy, cool vibe hotel with the rooftop bar and disco Le Bain, an outside lively German Biergarten, and the Top of the Standard for brunch, tea and drinks served alongside killer views.
Breakfast: The Standard Grill is a nice, bright room for breakfast with good food.
Visit: Doors open at the Whitney at 10:30. It's good to go early. If you’re a member of the Whitney, you’ll waltz right in. Avoid the long lines by booking a ticket ahead of time online. Late nights are on Thursday, Friday and Saturday’s till 10pm. Fridays, starting at 7pm, are pay as you wish. Closed Tuesdays.
Opening Exhibit: Don’t put off going thinking you’ll visit after the initial crowds die down. With all the positive press and summer tourists in town, that is not likely to happen. America is Hard to See runs till Sept 27th and this is an exhibit to visit more than once. Spanning more than 600 works--some rarely or never seen-- of the museums personal collection this is a must see experience. And you can’t miss Mary Heilmann: Sunset; a site-specific installation of shocking pink wall elements and groupings of colorful, sculptured chairs. Reminiscent of Louise Bourgeois monumental steel spider Maman, made for the Turbine hall of the Tate when it opened back in 2000, we already know we will miss these chairs when the exhibit ends, also on Sept 27th.
Lunch: Eat lunch off the Museum’s lobby at Untitled. From Danny Meyer’s Union Square Hospitality Group and featuring seasonally inspired food from Gramercy Tavern’s Chef Michael Anthony. Open for lunch and dinner, with a separate ground floor entrance, you can eat here even if you’re not visiting the museum. On the 8th floor is the Studio Café, which is good for lighter fare from the Untitled team. There is a nice terrace off the café with incredible views. Or head to everyone’s new favorite Santina, with additional seats now on the outside terrace you may be lucky to snag a table. Order the cecina you see on almost every table, read about it here.
Afternoon Walk: Starting on Gansevoort , wander the High Line, a public park built on the site of elevated train tracks running from under the Whitney up to 34th Street.