After years of preparation…The Whitney now has a new home in the Meatpacking District of Manhattan allowing more exhibition spaces, classrooms, restaurants…and a-m-a-z-i-n-g views from multiple terraces and windows. Since this is the fourth home in their 84 year history…I’m always interested in learning more behind the scenes kinda stuff…and somehow it always ends up fascinating.
In a nutshell, the original gallery was founded by Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney…the aunt of Gloria Vanderbilt who happens to be the mom of Anderson Cooper. Well anyway, Gertrude accumulated such a huge collection of arts that she offered it to the Met Museum who turned it down. So she decided to open her own museum in 1931 with the focus exclusively on the art of American artists. Fast forward to the 1950’s and to handle the growth another move was made directly behind the Museum of Modern Art. In ten years more space was needed and another move was made to the Upper East Side of Manhattan. And now, almost 50 years later another move to the Meatpacking District in the area of Manhattan bordered by the West Village and Chelsea. I’m wondering if the Met Museum ever had remorse over not pursuing her collection!
So here we are…in an area known for its nightlife and restaurants, as well as The High Line…(the park on the elevated section of an old railroad track)…an area exploding with growth.
What I liked the most? The size of the rooms…large enough to accommodate huge pieces of art as well as enough room to not feel crowded…the unexpected performance artists that would just appear out of nowhere…and the views…oh the views.
Now how could I not take this shot!
I guess it is all about getting up close and personal with a Lutz Bacher (artist) titled Playboys.
I guess boys will be boys!
The Whitney gives us art inside and out!
So many levels…so open and spacious…
The cost of admission ($22) is worth it just to see so much of Manhattan, the Hudson River and beyond…
The Standard Hotel and The High Line
And now I’m off to Peru! It’s been 16 years since I’ve visited…so hard to believe. Why does everything seem like yesterday? This was the most challenging trip (or really anything that I’ve ever done) in my entire life so far. The physical stamina to hike for four days reaching altitudes of 13,000 took months of preparation. I can still visualize in my mind the effort that it took on a couple of days just to put one foot in front of the other. But this time will be totally different. It’s a week to learn and support the non-profit Esperanca as they kick off the new surgical program (similar to Nicaragua) as well as new agricultural projects. So there’ll be a little adobe making, home painting and of course…taking part in a potato harvest as Peru raises thousands of varieties of potatoes in the Andean mountains! So stay tuned!
on the Inca Trail in Peru in 1999
See you in a week or so! gg
You just continue to entertain us with your amazing photography. What stunning shots. Also thanks for sharing the story about the history of The Whitney! Safe travels to Peru. I remember when you took your last trip to Peru in 1999 and you sharing how difficult it was. I love the photo of you there! Looking forward to hearing about your trip this time and seeing your beautiful photos… XoXo
Oh gosh…those were the days, right? Thank you always!!! xoxoxo
You are just waaaaaay too much, Robin. Off to Peru…and looking like that way back then! You go, Girl.
Next time we’re in your hood, let’s go to Whitney. Seeing all those levels from which to see the city, let alone the art, would be more than worth the entrance fee. Let’s just do it! I’d go for Anderson Cooper alone. 🙂
Absolutely! A must! LOL on AC…just recently read he purchased an old fire house in the Village and is converting it into his home…how cool is that! Thank you!! Chat soon!
Ahhh mazing! Stunning and so interesting. Love the boy shot and the incredible views and love you for bringing your city to us. And off you go on another adventure, can’t wait to hear and see it all.
Safe travels, sweet friend.
Thank you my dear friend! Now that I’m back I’m so looking forward to sharing Peru with you!
Nice shots and history! Thanks for sharing.
Just LOVE your adorable picture in Peru. Love your sweet, cute face.
Have a safe, wonderful and adventerous trip.
Looking forward to seeing and reading all about it.
Love you!
xoxoxoxo
Well I’m back and just can’t wait to tell you all about it! Thank you my dear!!
Robin, Thank you for being my very own personal tour guide. Love the history and views of the Whitney. Your image of the colorful chairs against the geometric tiles has such a cool modern feel – fresh and novel. Best wishes for a safe and productive trip to Peru. The look back at you is telling – as you set in motion a way of seeing and a way of sharing that marks your life as good – really good.
Thank you so much Donna, so much!
Being featured on CBS Sunday Morning ghis morning!
How cool is that! Peru is beyond beautiful, so I hope the CBS feature showed that!
enjoyable post and great photos. happy travels!!!
Thanks Cathy!!
What a place to visit, put me on the list too 🙂 What a wonderful pictures, I always ‘get it’ why you love Manhattan so much, it will take 3 lifetimes to see the place….
Have great time in Peru, stay safe and happy travels.
Love and hugs.
You got it gal! We will do it up right, ha! Thanks so much! xo
I love the busy bustle of this thriving art space……thanks for taking us there
and poking a portal into so many worlds for us. You’re such an awesome tour guide:)
I’ve been loving your Peru pics, too.
Keep being just exactly who you are:)
-Jennifer
Thanks so much Jennifer! You always have such a way with words!
Never heard of the museum, so your introduction was a great insight into the world of New York, which you always report so vibrantly. Really looking forward to your Peru trip. What an amazing country and people that is
Thanks Peter!! Love sharing “my” city! And yes, Peruvian people in the countryside are so colorful and such hard workers! Can’t wait to share more!
I have never been to the Whitney…goes straight onto my list! Love the image of the young guy who is so fascinated by the pin-up like lady.
Thanks for sharing some of the museums history -very interesting.
Yes, most definitely. Of all the museums…this one has the views to go with it! A must on your next visit!! Thank you!
I really enjoyed the photos you posted here and in the previous post, Robin! The 72nd Subway Station looks great among those high new buildings and I love the boy and the chairs here, those are fabulous captures. I watched all the videos capturing Amar Ramasar’s performance on that website you provided a link to and I loved them all. One can see how much strength he needs to make those movements so perfectly controlled, right?
Wishing you safe journey!
Thanks Petra! Appreciate your visits! I could so watch Amar all day long…so I’m glad you checked him out!
Fabulous!
Thanks Elena!
What an incredible building I love three and four, the latter would I suspect make a great poster print. You have a good eye for a cracking image girlie.
THANK YOU! You made my day!