The Whitney
Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, Robert Henri, 1916.
History
One of the few institutions founded by a woman, Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney in 1931. She was progressive in her day, known for her bohemian sensibilities and love of trousers. Her husband refused to let the portrait she commissioned to hang in their 5th Avenue townhouse. He didn’t like the 'her silly pants', which were considered garish for a lady of her status.
She held on to it though, hanging it up in her Greenwich Village studio, which was across from what was to become the first Whitney Museum.
The Building
This is the new Whitney site designed by Renzo Piano, its elegant and modern and incredibly calm as you might expect. You hardly notice walls as the light pours through from one end to another.
The shop is open to the lobby meaning you don’t get forced through there on your way out and corralled into making a purchase.
Start from the top and work your way downwards being sure to use the outside walkways too. New York is just as much on show here and the views from the balconies and the rooftop are fantastic.
Its location in Chelsea is the perfect vantage to see the city growing and changing before your eyes. Westside on the fifth floor there are some comfy sofas, which provide a great view of the Hudson.
To the East provides rare angles to see into the New York skyline.
You can see the highline from the top of the Whitney. Make sure its included somehow in your visit – its an extension of the museum.
Lunch
Get out of the hectic junctions of Chelsea and walk to Gansvoort Market. Its less crowded than Chelsea Food market, which has become too crowded. Here there’s a selection of stalls to suit most tastes. My favourite was a build your-own salad. There isn’t too many choices like Chopp’d and everything is delicious, which makes things less stressful. Sit in doors in their faux picnic table or take a right when leaving and find seating on the corner of Hudson Street.
Plan Ahead
The Whitney is NOT open on Tuesdays, so don't go then.
Doors unlock at10.30 but the queue was already scrolling around to the highline. It moves along quickly though but book your tickets online first to whiz straight in.
