Whether it’s scoffing at the extreme simplicity of a single-toned canvas, ogling the more bizarre Dada pieces, getting a close-up of Frida’s unibrow, or losing oneself in the raw beauty of Starry Starry Night, I submit that everyone has a plethora of reasons to visit the MOMA, or the Museum of Modern Art, in NYC. To be honest, I don’t usually count myself in the more avid or fanatical fans of modern art, but my foray in the magic of the MOMA left me reconsidering some of my preconceived notions surrounding the whole genre.

Thoughts, Tips, and Highlights

1.) Bring your student I.D. for a $10 discount!

2.) Spend a long, long, long time looking at one of my new favorite paintings, Hide and Seek, by Pavel Tchelitchew

Seriously, though. . . the more you look . . . 

the more you discover . . .

it’s insane, yet magical in its level of detail and nuance

3.) Don’t blink, or you might miss Dali’s melting clocks, because that one is SURPRISINGLY teensy! Seriously. 

This photo gives you some idea as to the proportions. I had no idea. It was very strange…it’s the equivalent of finding out George Washington was only four feet tall, or something.

4.) Appreciate the airy openness and beauty of it all!

5.) Don’t miss the art they hang over by the elevators. . . this Georgia O’Keefe, for example:

6.) Brush up on your knowledge of some big names before you go. . . Matisse, Picasso, and Pollack, to name a few. 

7.) Knowing a little French was very helpful with understanding many of the paintings!

8.) Whatever else you do, take a moment to really appreciate the energy captured by each brush stroke in Starry Starry Night. 

9.) Know your Dada

10.) Don’t overlook the lesser-known wonders while questing for the big names!

Bonus: Take at least one silly picture. . . because there you are, in the presence of tangible relics from Art history!

 

Happy adventuring at the MOMA, I can’t wait for my next visit!