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Museum of Modern Art - My Art History Class, Come to Life

There's a part of me that's always enjoyed the idea of an art museum more than, well, actually visiting an art museum. I'm intrigued by art, I took an art history class back in college (and got a B+, thanks), and I definitely consider myself one who appreciates art. (I even won an award back in high school for a still-life I drew, quite possibly the only award I've EVER won.) All that being said, I'm just not a big "museum guy" if that makes sense. 

However, the Museum of Modern Art features so many classic works from the world's most renowned artists of all-time that I can get past the whole tourists-and-school-groups-crowding-my-every-move thing that makes me avoid most museums. Honestly, I had a pretty good idea of what kind of iconic works of art were in this museum, but I was pretty taken aback at just how many classic paintings and sculptures were in this famous museum.

Here are a few highlights from MoMA and that even the art novice (Me.) can enjoy:

1.) Van Gogh's Starry Night. I had no idea I'd get to see this iconic painting (which I'm most familiar with seeing on my Mom's old coffee thermos) in the flesh. Unfortunately, this painting is CONSTANTLY surrounded, and they even set up chairs around it for touring groups visiting MoMA. Maybe not the way Van Gogh intended for it to be enjoyed but, given its popularity and status, I'm not sure this could be avoided.

2.) The Andy Warhol Room. Warhol is a genius, but it's interesting to note the simplicity of some of his most famous pieces when you see them up close. That Marilyn painting that practically began post-modern artwork is actually much bigger than I imagined it would be, and the walls of the entire room are littered with his most famous works. You definitely feel as though you're standing in the room with history when you visit this particular section of the museum, and who knows how many countless young artists were inspired by MoMA's Warhol experience.

3.) You can take pictures. I didn't expect this at all, but, as it turns out photography is allowed at MoMa (with a few exceptions). I walked away with some great photos of Rousseau and Picasso's most famous paintings, as well as a few hidden gems (to me, anyways) I found while walking through the museum. Just remember to turn off your flash and you're good to go.

4.) Free Wi-Fi. It's not a terrible idea to bring your laptop or IPad to MoMA since they have free Wi-Fi. I was even able to get a little work done in one of their many cafes, and had the opportunity to Google a few pieces I really liked on the spot.

5.) It's big. Give yourself at LEAST a couple of hours in MoMA. Also, I'd recommend buying your ticket as part of a package deal or with the Go Select Card so that, rather than paying $25 for admission, you can pay $38 for two attractions. (As I did, combining my ticket with the Top of the Rock.)

6.) Check out the courtyard. It's a museum, so it can get a little stuffy. Take a break in the MoMA courtyard for a breath of fresh air in between history lessons centered on impressionist vs. modernist artwork in the early-20th century. (This was not my aforementioned art history class, but rather a conversation I heard on the third floor during my visit.)

7.) Lastly, it closes at 5:30 so make sure to get your butt over there early.

Overall, whether you're an art-lover or an art novice, seeing the likes of these famous paintings up close is a surreal experience I would recommend to anyone. MoMA is finally crossed off my bucket list, and I can finally say I've been to America's most pristine art museum. 

If You're Not an Art Lover, MoMa Will Make You One

I really enjoyed the Museum of Modern Art and found the size to be much more manageable than the Met, as far as fitting in several attractions in one day.  I was able to cover a lot of ground in just an hour, but like most art museums, when I left I still felt like I could have spent more time.

I like the way MoMa is set up, and even when the museum is closed on Tuesdays, you can go inside the store and the main entrance, which also has displays of art up.  It’s very affordable for what you get out of the experience, and I think it’s the best art museum in NYC for families and schools because children under 16 get free admission.  It’s amazing to me that so many of the NYC museums have such reasonable rates, and that many of them actually do offer free admission, or ticket price by donation.

I’m a fan of modern art, and I love very colorful and abstract paintings and really contemporary art, which there is a lot of here, but I think all kinds of art fans will find something to appreciate at MoMa.  Outside the museum there are large billboards along the side of the building that are created as blown-up letters by elementary aged children about what they like best about MoMa. It focuses on children and art appreciation throughout, which I really liked.