| The Whitney Museum of American Art or more | | | | contemporary American art and is a method for |
| commonly referred to as the "Whitney" houses one | | | | lesser known artistes to break into the big league. |
| of the most important collections of contemporary | | | | The striking presence of the Whitney Museum on |
| American art. Located in the Big Apple, the | | | | the south east corner of Madison Square can be |
| permanent collection at the Whitney numbers over | | | | attributed to the impressive granite front building |
| 12,000 works of art done in a variety of media such | | | | known as the Breuer Building, designed by Hungarian |
| as paintings, sculptures, photographs and digital | | | | born architect Marcel Breuer as the third home for |
| artworks. The museum started in the year 1931 with | | | | the museum that had moved from its initial location. |
| a collection of 700 exhibits most of which were | | | | The architecture of the building was meant to |
| donations by the private collector Gertrude Vanderbilt | | | | convey a feeling of strength and a modernist |
| Whitney. The museum expanded following its | | | | statement. When it was first erected among the |
| establishment and most of the items were purchased | | | | brick row and limestone houses the building created a |
| by the founder Whitney. | | | | furor and was referred to as being somber, heavy |
| The legacy of this art museum has been shaped by | | | | and brutal. Today it is recognized as being daring and |
| the likes and dislikes of its founder, who herself was | | | | innovative a reflection of the mission of the museum |
| a sculptress and artist of renown, Ms. Whitney | | | | and its founder Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney. |
| favored the art of revolutionary and sometimes | | | | A number of well known New York hotels can be |
| radical artistes who were referred to as the Aschan | | | | found located in the area and offer great access to |
| School among her favorite works were artists such | | | | the Art Museum as well as other attractions in the |
| as John Sloan, George Luks Edward Hopper and | | | | region. Since the museum is located in a busy and |
| Thomas Hart Benton. | | | | central area in the city most well known hotels in |
| The Whitney Museum usually holds an annual or | | | | New York will be with in close proximity. |
| biennial exhibition of its art as a showcase for | | | | |