Review: New Museum

Zoom out. What’s this place all about?
Although the New Museum was founded in 1977, it gained more attention in 2007 with the opening of its $50 million Bowery location—a 7-story building that looks like stacks of blocks on top of each other, designed by cutting-edge Tokyo-based architecture firm Sejima + Nishizawa/SANAA.

What art will we see?
The museum contains all things contemporary and modern, in all mediums, but tends to champion lesser known artists (shows have included Australian painter Helen Johnson, L.A.-based filmmaker Kahlil Joseph and Philadelphia installation artist Alex Da Corte). Exhibits can be hit or miss, and enjoyment of them tends to be wildly subjective.

What makes this museum unique is that it’s a non-collective institution, meaning that all of the space is dedicated to a constantly-changing array of contemporary art. Past blockbusters have included Live Forever, a survey of work from American artist Elizabeth Peyton, and Carsten Höller: Experience, which was the most comprehensive U.S. exhibition of the multi-media artist's work.

What did you make of the crowd?
Of all the major museums in New York City, this is one that draws the most locals and art insiders, which falls in line with its relatively niche place in the museum world when compared to the Met and MoMA. Many visitors come here with the intention of seeing a certain exhibit, and families and kids are few and far between.

On the practical tip, how were facilities?
The building's straightforward layout makes it a snap to explore. And all galleries here are wheelchair accessible—there are even two wheelchairs available at the coat check free of charge.

Any guided tours worth trying?
There are daily, free, forty-five minute, docent-led public tours of the museum's current exhibitions. They're worth it if you want some insight into the sometimes avant-garde works you're looking at.

Gift shop: obligatory, inspiring—or skip it?
It's mostly full of books; an excellent small shop for hard-to-find 'zines and obscure tomes on art, architecture, and design. There are also art supplies, posters, puzzles, and small, quirky home decor items.

Is the café worth a stop, or should we just plan on going elsewhere?
The small café on the first floor of the museum offers Intelligentsia coffee, grilled cheese sandwiches, kale salads, and all sorts of baked goods from local favorite Café Grumpy.

Any advice for the time- or attention-challenged?
Because its size doesn't compare with a place like MoMA, it's possible to get a good sense of the collection in 90 minutes—but start with the current exhibit you find most intriguing, as you might not see something (especially if it's particularly avant-garde) similar for awhile.