New York City is home to numerous museums, each boasting a different collection of art and museum vibe. A staple of the New York art scene, the Museum of Modern Art on W 53rd street is certainly one worth visiting, especially as the weather grows colder and the time of indoor hibernation creeps up on us. If you are an NYU student you really have no excuse to not check out the MoMa -- after all, entrance for us is always free. Not an NYU student? Head to the MoMA on Friday night when the museum is open till 8:00 p.m. and entrance is free for all as part of UNIQLO Free Friday Nights at the Museum. So turn off Netflix, hop on the subway uptown, and spend some time losing yourself in art.
Exhibits aside, the museum's architecture itself is a work of art. With soaring ceilings and crisscrossing walkways that give you a view of people milling about below, just walking through the MoMa is entertainment in itself. But once you've checked out the helicopter hanging from the ceiling and the giant projections on the museum walls, head into the many exhibits that highlight everything from photography and expressionist paintings to multimedia videos and Dada sculptures.
The current special exhibit is "Picasso Sculptures", a worthwhile see for anyone who thought that all Picasso could do was paint. The MoMA is the home of the first large collection of the artist's sculptures, gathering works from throughout Picasso's life. With more than 100 different pieces that show off Picasso's signature cubist style and transformation from young artist to celebrated pioneer of modern art, it's worth arriving at the museum early to beat the lines and make it to this exhibit.
Looking for something more contemporary? Check out the Walid Raad exhibit, a collection of the contemporary artist's photographs, videos, and sculptures that comment on photography in the modern age and life in the Middle East. Or head over to "Scenes for a New Heritage: Contemporary Art from the Collection" for an eclectic selection of the museum's contemporary cross-medium pieces.
Another highlight is "Ocean of Images: New Photography 2015", one of the MoMA's longstanding exhibits that revamps with new pieces each year. New Photography showcases contemporary photographers and the way that the world can be viewed and experienced through the photographic image. Once you've made it to the exhibit on the 3rd floor, walk over to the Newsstand, situated in a corner of the exhibit, for a collection of zines, photos, and other cool knickknacks or pick up a free poster from the stacks that sit on the floor in the middle of the exhibit.
For music lovers, stop by "Making Music Modern: Design for the Ear and Eye" also on the 3rd floor for a colorful history of music and design. The exhibit traces developments in musical technology during the 20th century, highlighting avant garde designers who were influenced by the music of their time. With everything from old gramophones to baby pink record players and electric guitars, the exhibit is a fascinating collection of musical instruments, information, and paraphernalia. Visit the exhibit at 5:45 p.m. on Friday for a screening on the 1963 Scopitone (a music film jukebox).
Tired of staring at art? Take a break from the indoors and step out into the Sculpture Garden for a breath of fresh air and a chance to gaze at a wide variety of statues that consist of everything from a giant rose to a colorful nativity scene. With many benches and seats scattered throughout the beautiful garden, it's the perfect place to pause for an afternoon conversation and enjoy the museum's architecture from the outside. After that, head to the permanent exhibits for an array of paintings, drawings, and so on that showcase artists such as Van Gogh, Henri Matisse, and Claude Monet.
Other exhibits worth visiting are "This is for Everyone: Design Experiments for the Common Good" and "Jackson Pollock: A Collection Survey 1934-1945". Still not interested by any of these museum offerings? Well don't worry, there are numerous other exhibits to explore, just head to the MoMA's website for more details.
In all, the MoMA certainly has something for everyone, whether you're a millennial fascinated with the zine scene or a baby boomer hoping to gaze at classical pieces. So find a couple hours and maybe a companion and give the MoMA a visit.
