When it first opened in 1959, the Guggenheim Museum was quite revolutionary—a brand new concept of what museum architecture could be and, to some, stunningly beautiful. Conceived as a temple of spirits for the then pioneering collection of abstract paintings, it was Frank Lloyd Wright’s final masterpiece and very carefully thought through in each detail of its organic architecture. The founding director of the museum, Hilla Rebay, is less well known, but was also a true visionary very much involved in bringing the extraordinary collection as well as its exhibition space to life. Many works were acquired directly from artists, on trips to Europe, or through art dealers like Karl Nierendorf, Thannhauser or Katherine Dreier. Join Municipal Art Society guide Sylvia Laudien-Meo and explore the history behind this leading art institution, its architecture, as well as some of its early masterpieces, for which the building was originally planned.

Friday April 30, 11:00 am ET
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