Guggenheim Museum: Visitor Guide with Tickets, Hours, and Tips

The Guggenheim Museum is known for its modern art and stunning architecture. Its unique spiral design makes it a must-see. Buy tickets in advance to skip the lines and fully immerse yourself in the exhibits and the building’s beauty.

Conceived in 1943 and opened in 1959, The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum changed the world of modern art.

The museum boasts one of the most beautiful collections of European and American paintings from the 20th century, featuring works by renowned artists such as Pablo Picasso, Vincent van Gogh, Wassily Kandinsky, and Jackson Pollock.

The Guggenheim Museum is internationally renowned for its distinctive architecture, diverse collection, and innovative exhibitions and programs, drawing visitors from all over the world.

This article covers everything you must know before buying tickets for the Guggenheim Museum.

Top Tickets

# Guggenheim Museum Entry Ticket
# NYC Art Museum Bundle
# New York CityPASS

It’s highly recommended to book your Guggenheim Museum tickets in advance. These tickets sell out quickly, so securing your spot early ensures you don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience.

What’s ahead

What to expect

Discover Frank Lloyd Wright’s iconic architectural masterpiece and one of the world’s finest collections of modern and contemporary art with a visit to the Guggenheim Museum in New York City.

Admire the stunning architecture of the Guggenheim Museum, which has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The building’s spiraling interior ramp, inspired by the concave lines of a seashell, is a work of art itself.

Access exclusive special exhibits alongside the museum’s permanent collections and marvel at famous works of modern and contemporary art on display.

The museum houses an impressive collection of modern art featuring works by world-renowned artists such as Cézanne, Picasso, Kandinsky, Monet, and more.

Enhance your visit with a downloadable audio guide to learn about the history behind each piece.

Where to book tickets

Tickets for the Guggenheim Museum are available to be purchased at the museum or online in advance.

Online ticket prices tend to be cheaper than tickets at the attraction.

When you buy online, you can avoid the long queues at the attraction’s ticket counters.

Since these tickets are timed, booking online also helps you get your preferred time slots.

How do online tickets work

Go to the Guggenheim Museum booking page, select your preferred date, time slot and the number of tickets, and buy the tickets right away.

After the purchase, you will receive the tickets via email.

You don’t need to carry printouts.

You can show the e-ticket on your smartphone when you visit the attraction.

Guggenheim Museum ticket prices

Adult tickets for the Guggenheim Museum are available for US$30 for visitors between 12 to 64 years.

Senior citizens aged 65 and above can get the tickets for US$19.

Children under 12 years of age can get in for free.

Guggenheim Museum tickets

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Image: Commons.wikimedia.org

Buy tickets for the Guggenheim Museum and delve into modern and contemporary art through dynamic curatorial and educational initiatives across cultures.

This skip-the-line ticket provides access to the museum’s permanent collection, including famous pieces by Manet, Degas, Picasso, Cézanne, Gauguin, and Kandinsky.

Explore any temporary exhibition at the museum, which has featured presentations and thematic explorations dedicated to Kandinsky, Pollock, Mapplethorpe, and many others.

Visitors also get a downloadable audio guide that is available in multiple languages in addition to free Wi-Fi.

Even though visitors need to select an entry time when booking tickets, they are free to stay for as long as they want.

Ticket Prices

Adult Ticket (12 to 64 years): US$30
Senior Ticket (65+ years): US$19
Child Ticket (up to 11 years): Free

Buy This Ticket

Recommended


Combo tickets

To make the most of your visit to New York, it’s best to plan ahead and book a combo ticket.

Take advantage of exclusive deals and explore the city’s top attractions near the Guggenheim Museum, some of which are within a couple of miles.

You can buy the Guggenheim Museum tickets in combination with tickets for the Statue of Liberty, MoMA, the American Museum of Natural History, SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, New York CityPASS, or NYC Art Museum Bundle.

Combo tickets are ideal for large families, groups, or those on a budget holiday and can help you visit all major attractions by booking just once!

Avail discounts of up to 30% when booking these combo tickets.

How to reach

The Guggenheim Museum is situated on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, between 88th and 89th Streets.

Address: Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, 1071 5th Ave, New York, New York. Get Directions

By Bus

Get down at the 5 Ave/E 90 St stop to reach the museum.

Take buses M1, M2, M3, or M4.

By Subway

86 St is the nearest subway station to the Guggenheim Museum.

Take subway lines 4, 5, or 6.

By Car

If you are driving by car, turn of Google Maps and get started!

Choose between a host of parking options around the museum.

Timings

The Guggenheim Museum is open from Sunday to Friday, between 11 am and 6 pm.

On Saturdays, it is open from 11 am to 8 pm.

Please note that the museum is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas, and on Christmas Eve, it closes early at 4 pm.

How long does the tour take

If you are looking to have a brief look at everything in the museum, it will take you about an hour or so.

However, if you wish to take your time and appreciate all the art, you can easily spend an entire day at the Guggenheim.

On average, visitors spend around 2 to 3 hours at the museum.

Best time to visit

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Tourists visit the Guggenheim Museum for two reasons – to see the exhibited artwork and to marvel at the building. Image: Twitter.com/guggenheim

We suggest booking your tour on a weekday when the museum is less busy for a more enjoyable visit.

Mornings and late evenings typically have fewer visitors, making for a more peaceful visit.

It’s best to arrive at the Guggenheim Museum when it opens at 11 am.

Weekends and public holidays are the most crowded at the attraction.

Exhibits in Guggenheim Museum

New York is home to the best museums in the world, and Guggenheim certainly does not disappoint.

It features both permanent and temporary collections of art to leave you inspired.

Permanent collections

The most popular permanent collection is the Thannhauser collection.

It showcases French Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, and Italian Futurist artwork.

The collection includes over 30 Picassos and works by Degas, Gaugin, and more.

The permanent collection also showcases works by Brancusi, the pioneer of non-objective sculptures.

Temporary collections

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Image: Guggenheim.org

Some of the artworks showcased in the Guggenheim Museum are temporary.

These temporary exhibitions generally last three to six months and can include multiple artists or focus on one individual.

Some of the prominent temporary displays have been the artwork of Jackson Pollock and the experimental works of China post-1989.

To get a sense of what to expect, you can look at the ongoing exhibitions of the Guggenheim Museum.

Guggenheim Museum audio guide

The Guggenheim Museum audio guide is quite comprehensive and informative.

It is free at the Museum, but you must ask for it at the entrance.

Both adults and kids love the Guggenheim Museum’s guide, which is available in English, Spanish, French, German, and Italian.

You can also download the Guggenheim Museum’s digital guide to your Android phone or iPhone before your visit.

Buy one discount Pass and save up to 40% on ticket costs during your New York holiday. Buy New York Explorer Pass

Floor plan

Guggenheim Museum is spread over seven stories, with a lot to see and do.

Thanks to architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s innovative design, all visitors go up the elevator to the top floor and ramp down.

Like all Museums, Guggenheim also comprises various floors, zones, and sections separated to showcase different paintings and artworks.

With the help of a floor plan, you will save time trying to find what you want to see.

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Image: Guggenheim.org

Restaurants in Guggenheim

There are two places where visitors can eat and drink at the Guggenheim Museum.

Café 3

It is Café 3 because it is on the 3rd floor.

It is ideally placed for a mid-tour break and serves refreshments such as tea, coffee, wine, beer, pastries, chocolates, sandwiches, salads, etc.

Take a break here while enjoying the spectacular view of Central Park.

Cafe 3 opens at 10.30 am every day.

The Wright

The Wright is a beautifully created space designed by artist Sarah Crowner.

On weekdays, The Wright opens at 11.30 am, and on weekends, it begins a bit early – at 11 am.

The colorful ambiance makes it the perfect spot to take a break from art exploration.

Architect of Guggenheim Museum

Ace architect Frank Lloyd Wright designed and built the Guggenheim Museum.

Since its inauguration on October 21, 1959, the architectural marvel has inspired countless visitors with its beauty.

No wonder it is considered Frank Lloyd Wright’s masterpiece.

Unlike traditional Museums, this building spirals upward and outward in smoothly sculptured white concrete.

You will notice the construction widen as it rises.

Check out the video below to understand this better –

When it came to the visitors’ experience, architect Wright decided to do away with the traditional Museum approach.

When the visitors enter the Museum, they are taken to the top of the building via an elevator.

They then explore the Museum and keep walking downward on the gentle slope of a continuous ramp.

FAQs about the Guggenheim Museum

Here are some questions visitors usually ask before visiting the Guggenheim Museum.

Should I buy Guggenheim Museum tickets in advance?

Yes, it is best to purchase tickets in advance to ensure availability and save time.

Is photography allowed inside the Guggenheim Museum?

Photography is allowed in most areas of the museum, but flash photography and the use of tripods are not permitted.

Are there any restaurants or cafes in the museum?

Yes, the Guggenheim Museum has a restaurant called The Wright and a café called Café 3.

Is the Guggenheim Museum wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the museum is fully wheelchair accessible. Wheelchairs are available for free on a first-come, first-served basis.

Can I bring a stroller inside the museum?

Strollers are allowed inside the museum, but you may be asked to check them in certain areas.

Can I bring a pet to the Guggenheim Museum?

Pets are not allowed inside the museum, with the exception of service animals.

Is there a coat check at the Guggenheim Museum?

Yes, a coat check is available for visitors to store their coats and bags.

Is there a gift shop in the Guggenheim Museum?

Yes, the museum has a gift shop where you can purchase art books, prints, and other souvenirs.

Can I bring my own food and drinks to the museum?

Outside food and drinks, with the exception of baby food and bottled water, are not allowed inside the museum.

How long should I plan to spend at the Guggenheim Museum?

The length of your visit will depend on your personal preferences and interests, but most visitors spend between 2 and 3 hours at the museum.

Is there a dress code for visiting the museum?

There is no formal dress code for visiting the Guggenheim Museum, but visitors are encouraged to dress appropriately.

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Researched & written by
Jamshed is a versatile traveler, equally drawn to the vibrant energy of city escapes and the peaceful solitude of remote getaways. On some trips, he indulges in resort hopping, while on others, he spends little time in his accommodation, fully immersing himself in the destination. A passionate foodie, Jamshed delights in exploring local cuisines, with a particular love for flavorful non-vegetarian dishes. Favourite Cities: Amsterdam, Las Vegas, Dublin, Prague, Vienna

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