November 19, 2004
MoMA to Open Tomorrow
The newly renovated Museum of Modern Art opens to the public tomorrow with a free preview from 10 A.M. - 10 P.M. Free is good for MoMA as tickets to the museum now cost $20. MoMA is billing tomorrow's opening as the "most extensive display of the collection ever—showcasing work from each of the Museum's collection departments."
Gothamist had a chance to walk through the new space this morning (member's preview) and it's absolutely beautiful and still smells like fresh paint and cement. As of this morning, the sculpture garden was not open, but it should be open by tomorrow. So much art, so little time. Curses to the day job!
Also, the NY Times' special section on MoMA, reviews for the space and Gothamist coverage on MoMA.
Update:
As promised, some more photos of MoMA.
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The garden was open this afternoon. Gorgeous.
bah! double curses to the day job!! the workers were welding away when i was there. it seemed like there was one big gate that wasn't finished yet.
I had a look today myself. I high expectations, but walked away unimpressed. For all the hype and the notoriously high tab, I find the place cold, dull and uninspiring. Even the big atrium. Looks like a corporate headquarters, or an airport terminal.
And oh, brace yourselves - it's not just the admission price that's steep. A regular coffee - no, not a latte or cappucino - in the most casual of the new dining spaces, will set you back $4. Want a sandwich? Better be ready to throw down $15. I'm a member, these guys have been getting my money for years, and frankly I feel gipped. At least they still have great art.
After spending an hour in the dreary overcast aftertoon waiting in line, went inside and the place is quite amazing. The space is really well thought out. And it was great to be there. The best parts of it beyond the wide open spaces, was the way the space really leads you. The way you can look trough and over walls to see what is on other floors is something you have to see to believe. That said, anyone want to take bets on how soon before someone climbs over the easy to scale glass partitions and take a final leap? Not to be morbid, but it's hard not to think of something like that happening.
But, the sculpture garden was closed off. And honestly, the $20 regular admission is ridiculous. Maybe make it $15, but at $20 a pop, they are alienating people in droves. Charge $15, you get more people and more people will appreciate it.