I’m still saving back all kinds of details about my New York City visit – things I’ve written about for years but just this spring experienced for myself. I’m drawing out the thrill of it – my thrill in sharing it, not so much your thrill I know. And that’s why I haven’t dumped all the goodness out on the blog yet. Today, though, I’m highlighting a little NYC treasure that I did not see in person but will definitely be on the list for the next time I go. It’s a great choice for all kinds of educational travel, including educational tours in art and architecture.

This is a picture of the inside of it. I sometimes describe the outside as a giant dollop of concrete sour cream. Do you know it? Never fear if you don’t. You know I’m going to tell you.

This unique photograph is the inside of the Guggenheim Museum in New York City. It is both a gallery of art and an artistic masterpiece itself, designed with a sprawling downward spiral for the art lovers who view the amazing collection within. And it’s one of the premier art museums in the world.

The Guggenheim was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, one of the most prominent architects in American history, which is why the building makes a great stop for students in architecture.

The Guggenheim was made (and filled) by people with beautiful philosophy. The pieces inside come from private collections and so they are arranged not chronologically or really any kind of logically. They are arranged in groupings as they might be displayed and showcased in a home. Similarly, the architect designed his buildings with thoughts far bigger than bricks and mortar. Frank Lloyd Wright believed that beautifully designed buildings make a difference in our lives. And this certainly seems true of the Guggenheim.

Photo by Evelyn Proimos on Flickr.

How cool is this photo?

It was taken by chrisbastian44 on Flickr, and it’s an amazing image of the Guggenheim in New York City.

This attraction has something of interest for everyone. You’ll find the fascinating building on Fifth Avenue just across from the southern part of Central Park. It rises among other more typical skyscrapers like a giant dollop of concrete sour cream.

I have to wonder what Frank Lloyd Wright would think of that description though. Wright was the amazing designer for the Guggenheim. This year an anniversary exhibition was arranged at the Guggenheim in honor of this legendary American architect. You can find his work throughout the United States and even visit his own homes and studios in places like Chicago and in Scottsdale, Arizona. Still, the Guggenheim is perhaps his most unique design.

The Guggenheim’s shape is not merely for the aesthetic wow factor, though. The design of the Guggenheim is first and foremost to enhance the viewing experience of the galleries. You’ll find collections of modern and contemporary art in the Guggenheim, so it’s only fitting that the space is thoroughly modern as well. Upon entering the building, you’ll see the layers of galleries like you do in the photo here. You then begin your journey in the elevator. It carries you to the top of the unique structure. And from there, you stroll the downward spiraling walkway through the galleries.

What you’ll see there is, in the words of the Guggenheim administrators, “at once a vital cultural center, an educational institution, and the heart of an international network of museums.” It’s a tall order, but the Guggenheim certainly delivers. The artwork at the Guggenheim was acquired from extensive private collections. The modern and contemporary artwork is assembled as such, the pieces displayed in pleasing but eclectic variety as they might be hung in a glorious home. Though not arranged by historical era, the Guggenheim continues to acquire pieces, hoping to erase any chronological gaps.

But the Guggenheim is far more than artwork on a wall. You might find any number of thrilling exhibitions at any given season at the Guggenheim. For this reason, you may want to check their website before visiting. You may want to arrange your tour around a specific event. Besides the exhibitions, the Guggenheim offers lectures by art critics and even by the artists themselves. You may be able to attend a film screening or a live performance. And for students, the Guggenheim offers classes, both youth and adult. Plus, you can view the galleries with the guidance of an experienced docent if you prefer.

With its brilliant collection, the Guggenheim is perfect for art tours – New York City offering so many amazing collections in its various art museums. But the Guggenheim is also a must-see attraction for theme tours in architectural design. It’s a living study of Frank Lloyd Wright’s amazing eye and purpose. And it’s a powerful look at how function and beauty go hand in hand.