NYC Arts: The Complete Guide to Art and Culture

The Museum of Modern Art was described by its first director as "a torpedo moving through time." Since opening in 1929, the museum has secured its place as a pioneer collector and exhibitor of modern art—from 19th-century Post-Impressionism to contemporary installations. MoMA's collection includes painting, sculpture, drawings, prints, photography, film, architecture and design. In addition to its many galleries, the museum has a sculpture garden designed by Philip Johnson and two theaters presenting more than 30 screenings per week from the museum's vast film collection; it also sponsors numerous gallery talks, lectures and performances.

The original MoMA building was designed by Edward Durell Stone and Philip L. Goodwin. Built in 1939, it is an example of the International Style. The 54th Street Sculpture Garden was originally designed by Philip Johnson and built in 1964. The West Wing and residential tower was designed by Cesar Pelli and constructed in 1984. The latest expansion, completed in November 2004, added 230,000 square feet of new construction while renovating another 350,000 square feet. The expansion—designed by Yoshio Taniguchi—allows the museum to display its collections in fundamentally new ways, thereby ensuring a richer art viewing experience for the visitor.

The new, eight-story education building at MoMA opened in late 2006, the final phase of the museum’s recent expansion led by Yoshio Taniguchi. The building anchors itself to the eastern side of the sculpture garden. In it, the museum offers educational programs in four areas: Adult and Academic Programs, Community and Access Programs, School and Teacher Programs, and Educational Resources. Since 2000 P.S. 1 has been affiliated with MoMA, becoming, in effect, the contemporary wing of that prestigious institution.

• Directions: Subway: E, M to Fifth Avenue - 53rd Street; B, D, F 47th-50th Streets - Rockefeller Center

• Disability Access: Fully accessible; wheelchairs available.
• Disability Assistance: For Access Programs call (212) 408-6347 or (212) 247-1230 (TTY), or e-mail accessprograms@moma.org.
  Hearing: Assistive listening devices and infrared hearing devices. Talks in American Sign Language.
  Vision: Touch tours. Large-print and Braille exhibition and information brochures, gallery maps and audio tour transcriptions.
• Gift Shops: MoMA Design and Bookstore open daily.
• On-Site Food: Garden Cafe (informal, self-service); Cafe 2 and Terrace 5 are open to museum visitors only. The Modern is open to the public and has one Michelin star.
• On-Site Parking: Discounted parking available at the 1345 Garage, 101-41 West 54th Street (between Avenue of the Americas and Seventh Avenues).
• Reference Center: Main library has 80,000 volumes and separate study centers in photography, drawings, prints and illustrated books, film, architecture and design; open by appointment only

Get involved with Museum of Modern Art

• Donations through NYCharities.org
• Donations through Museum of Modern Art's Web site
• Volunteer Opportunities
• Memberships: Become a member yourself or buy a membership for someone.
• Subscriptions