guggenheim museum visit time

9 Tips for Visiting NYC's Guggenheim Museum

TripSavvy / Brakethrough Media

The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York City  is popular with fans of modern art and architecture. The Frank Lloyd Wright-designed building is probably the most famous aspect of the Guggenheim Museum, but visitors can also enjoy exploring the permanent collection and the ever-changing array of exhibitions.

What You'll See

The Guggenheim Museum has an extensive permanent collection of modern art from Picasso to Pollock. Most of the museum's viewable artwork at any time is from the current exhibitions. Before you commit, check the website to learn what the current exhibition is, as well as whether the famous spiral ramp will be open when you plan to visit.

Avoid The Crowds

Richard Newstead/Getty Images

The Guggenheim is open on Mondays, when many other New York City museums are closed, making this one of the busiest days to visit. If Monday is the best day for you to visit with your schedule, plan to arrive early (as close to 10 a.m. as possible) and you can enjoy the Guggenheim's exhibits and collections before the crowds take over.

Saturday evenings are "Pay What You Wish," so this is also a pretty busy time. To beat the crowds on Saturdays, plan to finish up before the 5:45 p.m. start of discounted admissions.

Save on Admission

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If you plan to visit a number of New York museums and attractions during your visit, you might consider investing in either the New York Pass and New York CityPass. Look into each one to see which is right for you and your itinerary.

If you choose to purchase one of these passes, you should skip the regular admissions line at the Guggenheim and instead go to the Membership Desk to get your ticket.

Another way to save on the admission price is to brave the crowds and go on Saturday nights when there is a pay-what-you-wish donation policy after 5:45 p.m. (the museum closes on Saturday nights at 7:45).

Creature Comforts and Time Savers

Steven Depolo/Flickr 

Take advantage of the Guggenheim Museum's coatroom to rid yourself of any coats, umbrellas, and bags that might be bogging you down once you enter the museum (you'll need to buy your ticket first because they'll want to see it when you check your items). The coatroom also has wheelchairs available for visitors who might need them, as well as baby carriers for those visiting with small children. The restrooms located off the main lobby tend to be very crowded, but there are unisex restrooms located throughout the museum, so head upstairs to avoid waiting in a long line to use the facilities.

Take a Free Tour

Fatboo/Flickr 

Tours are included with the cost of museum admission, so take advantage of them. Self-guided audio tours can be picked up in the lobby (or downloaded on your iPhone) and used as you explore on your own. Daily at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. there are free guided tours that lead visitors through the highlights of the Guggenheim's permanent collection as well as current exhibitions.

On select Fridays at 2 p.m. curators lead tours of current exhibitions. Throughout the museum, you can find Gallery Guides who are trained to engage with visitors in one-on-one discussions about the art and exhibits. Dressed in black, with colorful scarves/ties and a blue or orange button that says "Ask Me About The Art," they're easy to find throughout the museum.

Start at the Top

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When you visit the Guggenheim Museum, one of the best ways to methodically work your way through the museum is to take the elevator up to the top floor and work your way down the spiral interior while you explore the various exhibitions and galleries along the way. This way, you'll quickly escape the crowds hanging out in the lobby and have gravity working with you as you experience the museum's extensive exhibits and permanent collection.

Visiting with Kids

Children under 12 are admitted free to the Guggenheim Museum with a paying adult. Small strollers are allowed in the galleries, but jogging strollers and double strollers are not. The good news is that the coatroom offers backpack carriers that you can borrow to use while you visit the museum with your children. The Guggenheim has put together great resources for families visiting the museum, whether you want to do some preparation for a visit or plan to attend a special family-oriented event. There are fantastic workshops for families with children as young as 3, so check out the offerings that will be available during your visit. Family-centric programming is most frequently offered on the weekends.

Catch a Peek for Free

Santi Visalli/Archive Photos Collection/Getty Images

The Guggenheim Museum participates in the annual Museum Mile Festival, offering many visitors free admission during the annual street festival held in June. For visitors just wanting a peek inside, you can visit the Guggenheim Museum Cafe and gift shop free of charge (though they no longer allow visitors to enter the lobby/rotunda without paying admission). Families will appreciate that children 12 and under are always free!

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Visiting the Guggenheim Museum in New York | A comprehensive guide

Things to do in New York New York Attractions Museums in New York Guggenheim Museum

The Guggenheim Museum is one of the most renowned and influential museums of modern and contemporary art in the world. Located on Fifth Avenue in New York City, the museum is a study piece of architecture, designed by the legendary Frank Lloyd Wright. The museum’s distinctive spiral shape invites you to interact with its rich and diverse collection, featuring works by Picasso, Kandinsky, Pollock, and many more. Keep reading to explore the museum’s vast collection, learn about its history, and plan your visit.

Guggenheim Museum – In a nutshell

Handy information, artworks to see.

Thannhauser Collection Works of Wassily Kandinsky Post-Impressionist masterpieces

Things to know

Offical name: Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum Date of opening: 21 October 1959 Architect: Frank Lloyd Wright Architectural style: Modern, organic Function: Art museum

Opening hours and address

• 11 AM to 6 PM on Sundays to Fridays
• The last admission is at 5:30 PM
• Address: 1071 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10128, USA Get Directions

Why you must visit the Guggenheim Museum?

• The futuristic architecture: Step into a world where art meets architecture. Designed by the renowned architect, Frank Lloyd Wright, the museum’s unique spiral ramp and domed skylight are a sight to behold.
• A walk through NYC’s history: Immerse yourself in the rich history of modern and avant-garde art. The museum, founded in 1939, is a tribute to Solomon R. Guggenheim’s passion for art and is the first of five Guggenheim Museums worldwide.
• Artistic treasure trove: Discover a treasure trove of early modernist works in the museum’s extensive collection. From impressionist paintings to contemporary installations, there’s something to captivate every art enthusiast.
• A unique journey: Engage with art like never before as you descend the museum’s circular ramp. It’s not just about viewing art, it’s about experiencing the journey of discovery that the unique layout offers.
• Engaging art programs: Unleash your creativity with the museum’s diverse art programs. Whether you’re a student, a teen, or just looking to try out your strokes, these programs are a great way to engage with art and challenge your creativity. Don’t just visit a museum, become a part of the art world!

Recommended Guggenheim Museum tickets

Guggenheim museum – your experience deconstructed, 1 start at the top.

Begin your journey by taking the elevator to the 6th floor. Begin your descent along the spiral ramp. This will take you through a series of exhibitions featuring art from various periods and styles. The ramp offers a unique perspective on each piece as you approach it from different angles.

2 The Tower Galleries

As you continue your descent, you’ll reach the Tower Galleries. These four galleries are home to temporary exhibitions and offer stunning views of Central Park. Currently, there are two temporary collections that you must catch - “Going Dark: The Contemporary Figure at the Edge of Visibility” which features partially obscured or hidden figures, positioning them at the “edge of visibility” and “Only the Young: Experimental Art in Korea”, which reflect and the changing socioeconomic conditions following the Korean War of the 1950s.

3 The High Gallery

Further down, you’ll come across the High Gallery, a tall, windowless cylinder located off the ramp, which is a unique feature of the Guggenheim Museum. This space is separate from the main spiral and is known for hosting single-artist installations, allowing you to immerse yourself in the work of one artist at a time. The gallery’s design, with its high ceilings and focused lighting, creates a dramatic setting that enhances the impact of the artworks on display.

4 Interactive Displays

The Guggenheim often features interactive displays that allow you to engage with the art in a hands-on way. These displays give a deeper understanding of the artist’s intent and the historical context of the work.

5 Other Permanent Collections

The Guggenheim’s permanent collection is based on nine private collections, including Solomon R. Guggenheim’s collection of non-objective paintings, Karl Nierendorf’s collection of German expressionism and early abstract expressionism, and Peggy Guggenheim’s collection, concentrating on abstraction and surrealism.

6 Special Events

The Guggenheim hosts a variety of special events throughout the year, including lectures, workshops, and performances. Attending these events can provide additional insight into the artworks and offer the opportunity to learn from experts in the field.

7 Reflection

After your visit, take some time to reflect on your experience in the museum’s café or bookstore. The Guggenheim is not just a place to see art, but also a space for contemplation and inspiration.

History of the Guggenheim Museum

The Guggenheim Museum’s story is as fascinating as the art it houses. It all started with the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation, which was established in 1937. The foundation’s first venue in New York, the Museum of Non-Objective Painting, opened in 1939, showcasing Solomon Guggenheim’s diverse art collection. Here are some key moments in its history.

• The journey began in 1937, when the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation was established.
• The Museum of Non-Objective Painting was designed by William Muschenheim and opened in 1939.
• As the collection expanded, the need for a permanent building became apparent. In 1943, Frank Lloyd Wright was commissioned to design a museum in New York City.
• After 16 years of planning and construction, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum opened on October 21, 1959.

Architecture of the Guggenheim Museum

The Guggenheim Museum’s architecture stands out from the conventional design of high-rise buildings of New York. 700 iterations later, Frank Lloyd Wright’s vision of an inverted spiral pyramid came to light to showcase the museum's interactive collections. Here are some architectural highlights.

• The museum’s exterior is a stacked white cylinder of reinforced concrete that spirals upwards.
• Inside, a massive atrium soars 92 feet in height, culminating in a vast glass dome.
• A continuous ramp flanks the sides of this skylight lit museum, uncoiling upwards for six stories.
• This innovative design allows visitors to move seamlessly from one floor to another while being able to see the exhibits from up close.

Artworks you must see at the Guggenheim Museum

Imagine a leisurely afternoon in the French countryside. Pissarro’s tranquil masterpiece transports you there, where the old hermitage is nestled amidst lush greenery under a canopy of dappled sunlight. It’s a serene escape, a moment frozen in time, waiting for you to explore.

Prepare for a sensory feast as you delve into Kandinsky’s abstract world. Dynamic shapes and colors dance across the canvas, creating a visual symphony that sparks your imagination and challenges your perceptions of artistic expression.

Intrigue awaits you in Renoir’s enigmatic portrait. A mysterious woman cradles a vibrant parrot, their story hidden within the canvas. The exotic allure of the scene beckons, inviting you to uncover the secrets it holds.

Meet Picasso’s muse in this striking portrait. Her arresting gaze, framed by electric yellow hair, tells a tale of confidence and individuality. Picasso’s bold shapes and vibrant hues bring her to life, inviting you to share in her story.

Venture into the heart of Pollock’s Enchanted Forest, where chaos and beauty intertwine. His signature drip technique creates a mesmerizing woodland, a place where vibrant colors and swirling forms form abstract art. It’s a magical, untamed realm that invites you to let your imagination run wild.

The bustling streets of Paris are captured in time with Vuillard’s Place Vintimille. His masterful use of color captures the vibrant essence of a Parisian square, transporting you back to a bygone era. It’s a nostalgic journey, inviting you to experience the energy and charm of Parisian life.

Best time to visit the Guggenheim Museum

If you want to try and explore every artwork museum’s collection, be sure to arrive at the museum early, ideally before noon. This way, you can avoid the crowds and enjoy the exhibits at your own pace. Avoid visiting on Mondays which is the busiest day of the week. Since most other museums in New York are closed, the Guggenheim tends to be packed. If you happen to be visiting on a Saturday, wrap up your visit by 5 PM, as a ‘Pay What You Wish’ policy kicks in to attract more visitors. While the museum is a delight to visit in all seasons, try to avoid holiday periods like Christmas, when the crowds tend to be large.

Guggenheim Museum – Opening hours

11 AM to 6 PM on Sundays to Fridays. The last admission is at 5:30 PM. 11 AM to 8 PM on Saturdays. A discounted ‘Pay What You Wish’ ticket policy kicks in at 5 PM on Saturdays drawing a larger number of visitors.

Getting there

• You can take the following bus routes that pass near Prudential Tower: 1, 39, 504, 9, BB.
• From various locations, you can take a bus to Prudential Tower. For example, from Kelly’s Roast Beef, Revere it takes about 102 minutes.
• The Green Line “E” train has a Prudential Center stop which exits into the Center.
• You can take the following subway lines that pass near Prudential Tower: GREEN LINE D, GREEN LINE E, ORANGE LINE.
• The complex is conveniently accessible from I-90 and I-93 and is located within two blocks of Back Bay Station with commuter rail, Amtrak, and MBTA subway access.

Insider tips for visiting the Guggenheim Museum

• Plan your visit: Guggenheim Museum can get busy, especially during peak tourist season. Plan your visit ahead of time to avoid long lines and ensure you get the most out of your experience.
• Explore the exhibits: Don’t miss out on the key attractions like the Thannhauser Collection and the special exhibitions. These will make your visit more fulfilling.
• Attend special events: Keep an eye on the special events like live lectures and create your own masterpiece sessions that take place at Guggenheim Museum. These can add a special touch to your visit.
• Dress appropriately: The museum can be chilly, especially in the evenings or during cooler months. Dress in layers or bring a jacket to stay comfortable.
• Make a pit stop: Be sure to stop at Cafe 3 or The Wright to grab quick bites or mouth-watering platters before you continue your journey down the spiral floors.
• Dress appropriately: The open-air roof deck can be chilly, especially in the evenings or during cooler months. Dress in layers or bring a jacket to stay comfortable.
• Capture the moment: Don’t forget your camera! There would be plenty of moments that you would want to capture at the museum.
• Learn about New York’s history: Use this opportunity to learn more about New York’s history, culture, and architecture through the exhibits and information available at the Guggenheim Museum.
• Relax and take your time: Lastly, don’t rush your visit. Take your time to explore all the collections, and make lasting memories.

Interesting facts about the Guggenheim Museum

• Movie and Pop Culture References: The Guggenheim Museum has been featured in several well-known films. For instance, in the 2009 film ‘The International’, a gunfight between Louis Salinger (played by Clive Owen) and assassins is made even more thrilling by the art museum’s concentric architecture. In addition, in the 2023 animated film ‘Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse’, Gwen’s Spider-Woman fights a Leonardo Da Vinci-themed version of the Vulture inside the Guggenheim Museum.
• A architectural benchmark: The Guggenheim Museum’s design was so groundbreaking that it sparked a sensation among top architects of the time. For instance, architects such as Zaha Hadid, Daniel Libeskind, and Frank Gehry have created dynamic, fluid spaces that challenge the standard notions of form and function inspired by the Guggenheim Museum's design.
• Colorful History: Frank Lloyd Wright, the architect of the Guggenheim Museum, originally wanted the museum’s exterior to be red, his signature color. However, this idea was shot down, and the original exterior ended up being painted a brownish yellow. During a $29 million restoration, conservators removed 11 layers of paint, unearthing the original hue.
• A Long Ramp: The museum is known for its unique spiral ramp, which is more than a quarter-mile long. Visitors who have walked up this ramp know it’s a bit of a workout. The entire ramp is 1,416 feet long and it’s set at an inclination of 18 degrees.
• Robert De Niro Sr.'s Connection: Robert De Niro Sr., an American abstract expressionist painter and the father of actor Robert De Niro, worked as a guard at the Museum of Non-Objective Art, which would later become the Guggenheim Museum. He was financially supported by the museum’s director, Hilla Von Rebay. In 1945, he was included in a group show at Peggy Guggenheim’s Art of This Century in New York.

Dining at the Guggenheim Museum

Cafe 3, located on the third floor of the Guggenheim Museum is your perfect pitstop on your tour of the Guggenheim. It has a casual dining experience that’s perfect for a quick bite or a leisurely meal. The menu features a variety of options, including pastries, sandwiches, salads, and a selection of beverages. But the highlight of Cafe 3 is undoubtedly the stunning view of Central Park. As you enjoy your meal, you can gaze out at the lush greenery and bustling activity of one of New York City’s most iconic landmarks.

Things to do around Guggenheim Museum

Central Park is a must-visit when you’re in New York City. It offers a variety of attractions, including the Central Park Zoo, the Conservatory Garden, and the Belvedere Castle. You can also enjoy a leisurely stroll or a picnic in the park.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, also known as The Met, is one of the world’s largest and finest art museums. Its collection includes over two million works, spanning five thousand years of world culture, from prehistory to the present.

If you’re interested in natural history, this museum is a must-visit. It’s one of the largest museums in the world and is renowned for its exhibitions and scientific collections that illuminate human cultures, the natural world, and the universe.

The Alice in Wonderland statue is a charming destination for both kids and adults. This whimsical sculptural group depicts Alice, from Lewis Carroll’s 1865 classic Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. The statue is a favorite among children.

Hotels Around Guggenheim Museuem

Luxury stays.

• The Carlyle

Economical Stays

• Courtyard by Marriott
• Mount Morris House

Budget Stays

• The Central Park North
• Aloft Harlem

Frequently asked questions about Guggenheim Museum

What can I see at the Guggenheim Museum?

The Guggenheim Museum offers a vast collection of modern and contemporary art. You can also explore the Thannhauser Collection, which includes works by artists such as Picasso, Van Gogh, and Monet.

What are some must-see artworks inside the Guggenheim Museum?

Inside the Guggenheim Museum, you’ll find a collection of modern and contemporary art, a unique spiral ramp gallery, and two dining options.

Is the Guggenheim Museum wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the Guggenheim Museum is accessible to guests with reduced mobility.

How long should I spend at the Guggenheim Museum?

We suggest spending about three to four hours to make the most of your visit to the Guggenheim Museum.

Are animals allowed in the Guggenheim Museum?

The Guggenheim Museum maintains a strict no-animals policy, even during non-public hours. However, Certified Service Animals and animals undergoing training for certification, are allowed to assist guests.

Can I take photos and videos during my visit to the Guggenheim Museum?

You are free to capture personal photos and videos using hand-held devices to document your experience. However, professional recording equipment is not permitted without prior approval from the Guggenheim Museum management.

Shravan Hiremath

A musician-songwriter, filmmaker & film buff, and foodie with a never-ending appetite - he is always on a quest for the finer things in life. As a traveler, he has climbed the highest of mountains and left his footprints along the prettiest of golden shores. Writing, as a form of expression, comes as second nature to him, building on his passion for writing songs and screenplays. But words don’t always flow out of his head like the notes of Pink Floyd’s ‘Echoes’. If you were to look up his search history, you'll find searches like, “word for beautiful + clean”; oh right, that’s ‘pristine’!

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The Guggenheim New York museum guide

Consult our complete guide to the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, including ticketing information and more

The Guggenheim Museum was originally called the Museum of Non-Objective Painting when it first opened in Midtown Manhattan in 1939. But the Gugg as it’s known today really got its start in 1959, when it moved into its now iconic, nautilus-shaped, Frank Lloyd Wright building on the corner of Fifth Avenue and East 89th Street. Wright, one of the most famous architects of all time , essentially invented the idea of destination architecture for museums, and though his dramatic design—with its spiraling ramps moving past bays where the art is exhibited—threatened to overwhelm the art, he didn’t particularly care (and indeed, many critics feel the rotunda layout isn't entirely conducive to looking at work). On the other hand, the building itself is an attraction for visitors, which is one of the things that sets the Guggenheim apart from other NYC art museums , like MoMA . (More conventional gallery space was included with the addition of a ten-story annex in 1992.) In any case, whether you come for the building, or for the museum’s vaunted collection of masterpieces by Manet, Picasso, Chagall and Kandinsky, we’ve got everything you need to know to make your visit a memorable one in our complete guide to the Guggenheim New York.

Where is the Guggenheim New York?

The museum is at 1071 5th Ave, between E 88th and E 89th Streets.

How do I get tickets to the Guggenheim New York?

Tickets can be purchased online at the Guggenheim website or at the museum entrance.

What’s the best way to get to the Guggenheim New York?

Take the 4, 5, 6 to 86th St.

See a map of the Guggenheim New York

Visit the Guggenheim New York

The five best paintings at the Guggenheim New York

Check out our list of beautiful paintings owned by the world-famous Guggenheim

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How the Guggenheim Museum remains a haven of artistic wonder in the crowded NYC landscape

Sep 14, 2021 • 4 min read

The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum is one of New York City's most iconic buildings © James Leynse / Getty Images

With the launch of Lonely Planet's Ultimate United States Travel List , we wanted to explore some of our favorite American destinations and zoom in a little closer.

Each piece begins with a bird's-eye view of a uniquely American site's history and impact and then zooms in to reveal the lived experience on the ground.

In this article, New York City native Denise Vasquez explores the historical and architectural importance of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum.

Breathe in the aroma of sautéed onions, sauerkraut and hot dogs flowing through the air. Whirl through the hustle and bustle of people racing along Fifth Avenue to 88th Street. Upon arrival, behold the architectural monument shining bright from the outside in: the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum . The historic landmark emerges from other tall buildings standing around it, like a superstar of abstract art.

35,000 feet: The foundation of a "temple of spirit"

The vision of bringing the museum to life began in 1943. Hilla Rebay, art advisor to Solomon Guggenheim and director of the Museum of Non-Objective Painting, commissioned Frank Lloyd Wright to design a one-of-a-kind “temple of spirit” to hold Guggenheim’s art collection. After 700 sketches, six working drafts, and years of hard work, the building opened on October 21, 1959.

Nature was Wright’s influence, experience his teacher and interconnection his guide. Composing the unity between the art, the building and its environment was his symphony, and the Guggenheim was arguably his greatest masterpiece. 

But his genius was not obvious to everyone. Wright’s vision was greeted with mixed reviews. Prominent artists signed a petition against the building. Critics called it names like “giant toilet bowl,” while others praised the monument for its beauty.

To get a true sense of it all, take a seat outside on the concrete ledge that surrounds the building. Let your imagination run wild while admiring the design. Maybe you see the museum as a spaceship, a sea shell or a child’s spinning top toy frozen in time, as the circular stack spirals upward growing wider and wider. Interpretation is yours to play with.

Unwind, have a snack, and find solace in the trees all around you. Leave behind the city noise, and embark on an adventure that will move you in every way. A journey of the body, mind and spirit awaits.

5000 feet: Exhibits

The Guggenheim attracts visitors from all over the world. It’s a cultural center filled with exhibits that take you for a ride in a time machine. Past exhibits have included “Picasso and the War Years 1935-1945” and “Ellsworth Kelly: A Retrospective,” which included five decades of his photography, paintings and sculptures.

Look to the future at “A Year With Children,” an annual exhibit that features students participating in the Learning Through Art artist-in-residence program. 

The Guggenheim’s curators, scholars, conservators and artists work as a team to find the best methods for long-term maintenance of its permanent collection. To prevent deterioration, researchers study the materials and techniques that artists used.

On the ground: The Guggenheim Museum today

Enter the building for an introduction to another world within a world. The fountain splashes and voices echo around the circular space, carrying you through the plaza like a surfer riding a wave. 

Look up at the skylight, or oculus, 96ft above and on a particularly sunny day, bathe in the light that peeks through. The iconic rotunda is sure to grab your attention next. 

The quarter-mile-long spiral ramp, which increases at a gentle incline, means the museum can be enjoyed by just about everyone. 

Run your fingertips along the freshly painted parapet and feel the layers of days gone by in every bump.

Visitors with limited mobility can go to the security guard at the entrance and borrow a manual wheelchair for the day free of charge. Wheelchair users roam freely around the building with access to every level, except at the top of the first ramp. 

Two stairs stand at the entrance of the High Gallery, but take the elevator to Rotunda level 1 or 2 to view inside. There are restrooms on levels 1 and 7 that are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Visitors who are blind or have low vision may sign up for Mind’s Eye program, which has been presenting a view of the art and world through oral descriptions for over a decade.

People who are deaf or hard of hearing can request American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation for tours, programs and workshops. Make your reservations one to two weeks before the event dates and bring your service animal. 

Venture to the museum Thursday through Monday from 11am to 6pm. Become a member and enjoy some benefits like free entry and exclusive hours on certain Mondays from 6 to 8 pm. Take advantage of the pay-what-you-wish admission on certain Saturdays from 4 to 6 pm. Discounted admission is available to visitors with disabilities and caregivers get in free of charge. 

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Exploring the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao

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Museum and Exhibition Center - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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The Moscow Metro Museum of Art: 10 Must-See Stations

There are few times one can claim having been on the subway all afternoon and loving it, but the Moscow Metro provides just that opportunity.  While many cities boast famous public transport systems—New York’s subway, London’s underground, San Salvador’s chicken buses—few warrant hours of exploration.  Moscow is different: Take one ride on the Metro, and you’ll find out that this network of railways can be so much more than point A to B drudgery.

The Metro began operating in 1935 with just thirteen stations, covering less than seven miles, but it has since grown into the world’s third busiest transit system ( Tokyo is first ), spanning about 200 miles and offering over 180 stops along the way.  The construction of the Metro began under Joseph Stalin’s command, and being one of the USSR’s most ambitious building projects, the iron-fisted leader instructed designers to create a place full of svet (radiance) and svetloe budushchee (a radiant future), a palace for the people and a tribute to the Mother nation.

Consequently, the Metro is among the most memorable attractions in Moscow.  The stations provide a unique collection of public art, comparable to anything the city’s galleries have to offer and providing a sense of the Soviet era, which is absent from the State National History Museum.  Even better, touring the Metro delivers palpable, experiential moments, which many of us don’t get standing in front of painting or a case of coins.

Though tours are available , discovering the Moscow Metro on your own provides a much more comprehensive, truer experience, something much less sterile than following a guide.  What better place is there to see the “real” Moscow than on mass transit: A few hours will expose you to characters and caricatures you’ll be hard-pressed to find dining near the Bolshoi Theater.  You become part of the attraction, hear it in the screech of the train, feel it as hurried commuters brush by: The Metro sucks you beneath the city and churns you into the mix.

With the recommendations of our born-and-bred Muscovite students, my wife Emma and I have just taken a self-guided tour of what some locals consider the top ten stations of the Moscow Metro. What most satisfied me about our Metro tour was the sense of adventure .  I loved following our route on the maps of the wagon walls as we circled the city, plotting out the course to the subsequent stops; having the weird sensation of being underground for nearly four hours; and discovering the next cavern of treasures, playing Indiana Jones for the afternoon, piecing together fragments of Russia’s mysterious history.  It’s the ultimate interactive museum.

Top Ten Stations (In order of appearance)

Kievskaya station.

Kievskaya Station went public in March of 1937, the rails between it and Park Kultury Station being the first to cross the Moscow River.  Kievskaya is full of mosaics depicting aristocratic scenes of Russian life, with great cameo appearances by Lenin, Trotsky, and Stalin.  Each work has a Cyrillic title/explanation etched in the marble beneath it; however, if your Russian is rusty, you can just appreciate seeing familiar revolutionary dates like 1905 ( the Russian Revolution ) and 1917 ( the October Revolution ).

Mayakovskaya Station

Mayakovskaya Station ranks in my top three most notable Metro stations. Mayakovskaya just feels right, done Art Deco but no sense of gaudiness or pretention.  The arches are adorned with rounded chrome piping and create feeling of being in a jukebox, but the roof’s expansive mosaics of the sky are the real showstopper.  Subjects cleverly range from looking up at a high jumper, workers atop a building, spires of Orthodox cathedrals, to nimble aircraft humming by, a fleet of prop planes spelling out CCCP in the bluest of skies.

Novoslobodskaya Station

Novoslobodskaya is the Metro’s unique stained glass station.  Each column has its own distinctive panels of colorful glass, most of them with a floral theme, some of them capturing the odd sailor, musician, artist, gardener, or stenographer in action.  The glass is framed in Art Deco metalwork, and there is the lovely aspect of discovering panels in the less frequented haunches of the hall (on the trackside, between the incoming staircases).  Novosblod is, I’ve been told, the favorite amongst out-of-town visitors.

Komsomolskaya Station

Komsomolskaya Station is one of palatial grandeur.  It seems both magnificent and obligatory, like the presidential palace of a colonial city.  The yellow ceiling has leafy, white concrete garland and a series of golden military mosaics accenting the tile mosaics of glorified Russian life.  Switching lines here, the hallway has an Alice-in-Wonderland feel, impossibly long with decorative tile walls, culminating in a very old station left in a remarkable state of disrepair, offering a really tangible glimpse behind the palace walls.

Dostoevskaya Station

Dostoevskaya is a tribute to the late, great hero of Russian literature .  The station at first glance seems bare and unimpressive, a stark marble platform without a whiff of reassembled chips of tile.  However, two columns have eerie stone inlay collages of scenes from Dostoevsky’s work, including The Idiot , The Brothers Karamazov , and Crime and Punishment.   Then, standing at the center of the platform, the marble creates a kaleidoscope of reflections.  At the entrance, there is a large, inlay portrait of the author.

Chkalovskaya Station

Chkalovskaya does space Art Deco style (yet again).  Chrome borders all.  Passageways with curvy overhangs create the illusion of walking through the belly of a chic, new-age spacecraft.  There are two (kos)mosaics, one at each end, with planetary subjects.  Transferring here brings you above ground, where some rather elaborate metalwork is on display.  By name similarity only, I’d expected Komsolskaya Station to deliver some kosmonaut décor; instead, it was Chkalovskaya that took us up to the space station.

Elektrozavodskaya Station

Elektrozavodskaya is full of marble reliefs of workers, men and women, laboring through the different stages of industry.  The superhuman figures are round with muscles, Hollywood fit, and seemingly undeterred by each Herculean task they respectively perform.  The station is chocked with brass, from hammer and sickle light fixtures to beautiful, angular framework up the innards of the columns.  The station’s art pieces are less clever or extravagant than others, but identifying the different stages of industry is entertaining.

Baumanskaya Statio

Baumanskaya Station is the only stop that wasn’t suggested by the students.  Pulling in, the network of statues was just too enticing: Out of half-circle depressions in the platform’s columns, the USSR’s proud and powerful labor force again flaunts its success.  Pilots, blacksmiths, politicians, and artists have all congregated, posing amongst more Art Deco framing.  At the far end, a massive Soviet flag dons the face of Lenin and banners for ’05, ’17, and ‘45.  Standing in front of the flag, you can play with the echoing roof.

Ploshchad Revolutsii Station

Novokuznetskaya Station

Novokuznetskaya Station finishes off this tour, more or less, where it started: beautiful mosaics.  This station recalls the skyward-facing pieces from Mayakovskaya (Station #2), only with a little larger pictures in a more cramped, very trafficked area.  Due to a line of street lamps in the center of the platform, it has the atmosphere of a bustling market.  The more inventive sky scenes include a man on a ladder, women picking fruit, and a tank-dozer being craned in.  The station’s also has a handsome black-and-white stone mural.

Here is a map and a brief description of our route:

Start at (1)Kievskaya on the “ring line” (look for the squares at the bottom of the platform signs to help you navigate—the ring line is #5, brown line) and go north to Belorusskaya, make a quick switch to the Dark Green/#2 line, and go south one stop to (2)Mayakovskaya.  Backtrack to the ring line—Brown/#5—and continue north, getting off at (3)Novosblodskaya and (4)Komsolskaya.  At Komsolskaya Station, transfer to the Red/#1 line, go south for two stops to Chistye Prudy, and get on the Light Green/#10 line going north.  Take a look at (5)Dostoevskaya Station on the northern segment of Light Green/#10 line then change directions and head south to (6)Chkalovskaya, which offers a transfer to the Dark Blue/#3 line, going west, away from the city center.  Have a look (7)Elektroskaya Station before backtracking into the center of Moscow, stopping off at (8)Baumskaya, getting off the Dark Blue/#3 line at (9)Ploschad Revolyutsii.  Change to the Dark Green/#2 line and go south one stop to see (10)Novokuznetskaya Station.

Check out our new Moscow Indie Travel Guide , book a flight to Moscow and read 10 Bars with Views Worth Blowing the Budget For

Jonathon Engels, formerly a patron saint of misadventure, has been stumbling his way across cultural borders since 2005 and is currently volunteering in the mountains outside of Antigua, Guatemala.  For more of his work, visit his website and blog .

Photo credits:   SergeyRod , all others courtesy of the author and may not be used without permission

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Fascinating Art for Families

¡Te damos la bienvenida al Museo Guggenheim Bilbao! ¡Este edificio es increíble! Además, en él verás obras que te resultarán fascinantes y sorprendentes, y sentirás emociones que seguramente enriquecerán tu experiencia.

Fascinating Art

Visita el Museo de una forma autónoma y descubre la fascinación y atracción que despiertan ciertas obras de arte de la Colección en las personas que las contemplan.

Women on Tour

In this tour, which you can take at your own pace, you will see a number of works from the Museum Collection or on loan created by female artists or showing women. We would like to share them with you, giving them the place they deserve in the history of art and culture

Women on Tour for Families

Grab your chance to visit this amazing building, which houses extraordinary works of art. All of the pieces in this tour are by female artists—talented and adventurous like explorers!

Duration: 90 minutes

With this tour you can take a look at some of the works in the Museum’s Collection on your own as you think about them not only in aesthetic terms but also in terms of environmental sustainability.

Family Green Tour

You are in a fascinating building, about to see very special and interesting works of art. Some of these works tell amazing stories about nature, plants, light, water, and other elements.

Temporary Exhibitions

The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao offers a dynamic program of temporary modern and contemporary art exhibitions that deepen our understanding of art today and give an overview of the international scene in art history.

Collection of the Guggenheim Museum

The Permanent Collections of the Guggenheim Museums comprise the works belonging to the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation– including the collections from the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection in Venice–and the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao. Together, they provide a comprehensive overview of the visual arts in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries.

Family Tour

Come to the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao with your family! We have prepared lots of activities and materials for kids, so that you can explore the Museum together. Remember that you can enjoy but you cannot touch art, and that it is better if you hold your kids’ hands. Thank you!

Architecture

Have a unique experience at the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao – an architectural landmark of the twentieth century –, exploring the spaces designed by architect Frank Gehry.

A day at the Museum

Have an unforgettable experience at the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, visiting the exhibitions and taking a look at the building’s stuning architectural features.

Express Tour

If you do not have much time, select the main artistic and architectural features today at the Museum to make the most of your visit.

ELECTROSTAL HISTORY AND ART MUSEUM: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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