Rare Look Inside the Gertrude Whitney Studio: First Site of Whitney Museum

Schedule

Fri Dec 06 2024 at 03:00 pm to 04:00 pm

UTC-05:00

Location

New York Studio School of Drawing, Painting and Sculpture | New York, NY

Advertisement
New York Adventure Club | www.AdventureClub.com
About this Event

In 1907, Gilded Age sculptor and art patron Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney made a radical decision: instead of continuing to work inside her palatial mansion on Fifth Avenue, she would purchase a former 19th-century stable and convert it into her dedicated art studio. The action was ridiculed by New York's high society, summed up by the Topeka Daily Capital article headline, “Daughter of Cornelius Vanderbilt Will Live in Dingy New York Alley.” But over the next 35 years, Whitney would expand the site to a complex of eight connected structures, turning it into a hub of art-making and exhibitions and eventually opening a full-fledged museum in 1931. It's time to explore the remnants of this original studio and Whitney legacy like never before.

Join New York Adventure Club for a rare trip inside the original site of the Whitney Museum of American Art, today a National Historic Landmark.

Led by a member of the New York Studio School (NYSS), our exploration of this historic space will include:


  • A discussion of the rollicking, influential life of Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney
  • An introduction to the thriving bohemian culture of Greenwich Village in the early 20th century
  • An overview of the near demolition of the building in 1967, and the early years of the School, with figures like Philip Guston, Mercedes Matter, Elaine de Kooning, and others
  • A walkthrough of the former exhibition spaces of the original Whitney Museum, including the studio of sculptor Daniel Chester French — designer of the Lincoln Memorial statue
  • Special access to the private cul-de-sac MacDougal Alley, located behind the NYSS
  • A rare look inside the historic Whitney studio designed by Robert Winthrop Chanler


See you there!


*The New York Studio School does not have an elevator



Testimonials

"I liked having a chance to glimpse a bygone bit of history and to see that venue is being given continued life and purpose." -Dennis

"I was able to see the part of the studio not usually accessible to normal visitors, the giant fireplace and the McDougal alley about which I had no idea, even though I've been around in the village countless times." -Gabriela

"Getting to see a part of the city i didnt even know was there!" -Finlay

"Interesting venue. Well organized." -Lucy

"Getting to see an important site in the art history of New York" -Yael

"It was interesting learning about the building and its history" -Dayna

"Never would have known about it any other way! Thanks!" -Suzanne

"The tour guide was amazing!!" -Lilly

"Amazing building, look at the private alley" -Yevgeniya

"Loved seeing an interior landmark that is otherwise inaccessible." -Ralph

"All new information. I got to go into a building I have walked by for 40 years." -Teri

"Well-paced and informative" Geraldine

" History of the site and access to parts of the site normally not accessible." -Ellyn

"Very interesting subject and location. well-informed guide- pleasant. GV Whitney studio with the Chanler fireplace is something I have wanted to see for decades!" -Kenton

" I liked all if it!" -Joyce

" Pretty unique opportunity to see the space." -Ronald

" I’ve been wanting to see the Gertrude Whitney audio for about 10 years. So it was wonderful to se that." -Amanda

" I liked Everything!!!!" -Cindy

" ...Our guide was truly exceptional. She explained the different histories of the building, the people that populated it and answered our questions thoroughly. A+++. Will bring friends in the future." -Paul

"I love going to places few have access to and learning about the history of the location and its people" -Paul

" The guide was great and the space was so interesting with all its nooks and crannies!" -Suzanne

"Very informative about the history of architecture and the contemporary art movement of the time. Seeing Gertrude Whitney's work space was incredible. Lovely visit! Planning on going again with another friend.... not only was it terrific but the ongoing historic and restoration work is really exciting!" -Debora

"Enjoyed touring the building and listening to the guide" -Christine

"The guide was very good. Interesting seeing the old Whitney museum and her studio" -Lorraine

"[I liked] seeing the original rooms and courtyard" -Sandra

"I liked having the opportunity to see in the building." -Jennifer

"Very informative and a intro to the NY Studio School" -Abigail



Disclaimer

By attending a New York Adventure Club experience, you accept our terms of service.

Categories: In-Person, Museums & Galleries

Advertisement

Where is it happening?

New York Studio School of Drawing, Painting and Sculpture, 8 West 8th Street, New York, United States

Event Location & Nearby Stays:

Tickets

USD 33.65

New York Adventure Club

Host or Publisher New York Adventure Club

It's more fun with friends. Share with friends

Discover More Events in New York

Lunchtime Exhibition Tour: "Imaginary Books" (focus on dangerous books)
Fri Dec 06 2024 at 01:00 pm Lunchtime Exhibition Tour: "Imaginary Books" (focus on dangerous books)

The Grolier Club

EXHIBITIONS NONPROFIT
Wrap Gifts and Deck the Halls of The Actors Theatre Workshop!
Fri Dec 06 2024 at 01:00 pm Wrap Gifts and Deck the Halls of The Actors Theatre Workshop!

The Actors Theatre Workshop

ART THEATRE
The Success Code: Balancing Leadership, Career Growth, & Well-Being
Fri Dec 06 2024 at 01:00 pm The Success Code: Balancing Leadership, Career Growth, & Well-Being

Luminary

WORKSHOPS HEALTH-WELLNESS
New York City Microsoft Teams Users Group Q4 2024
Fri Dec 06 2024 at 02:00 pm New York City Microsoft Teams Users Group Q4 2024

Microsoft

Fri Dec 06 2024 at 03:15 pm Cookies and Cocoa 2024

Cooke Transitions

Gentleman Jack and Woodford Reserve Bottle Engraving Event
Fri Dec 06 2024 at 04:00 pm Gentleman Jack and Woodford Reserve Bottle Engraving Event

Bremer's Wine & Liquor

Virtual Private Dance Party - Dance Class by Classpop!\u2122
Fri Dec 06 2024 at 04:00 pm Virtual Private Dance Party - Dance Class by Classpop!™

305 Fitness

WORKSHOPS PARTIES
Holiday Wellness Open House
Fri Dec 06 2024 at 04:00 pm Holiday Wellness Open House

Graphene Physical Therapy

HEALTH-WELLNESS HOLIDAY
Hamilton and Washington New York City Walking Tour
Sun Jan 28 2018 at 12:00 pm Hamilton and Washington New York City Walking Tour

Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House

PARTIES ENTERTAINMENT
NYC - MILK
Mon Jul 02 2018 at 09:30 am NYC - MILK

Stumptown NYC Training Lab

WORKSHOPS ART
BEST OF BROOKLYN WALKING TOUR-Brooklyn Bridge, DUMBO, & Brooklyn Heights
Fri Oct 26 2018 at 12:00 pm BEST OF BROOKLYN WALKING TOUR-Brooklyn Bridge, DUMBO, & Brooklyn Heights

Tweed Courthouse

ENTERTAINMENT PARTIES
"The Late Set" at Room 623, Harlem's speakeasy Jazz Club
Fri Apr 05 2019 at 09:00 pm "The Late Set" at Room 623, Harlem's speakeasy Jazz Club

Room 623

MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT
COMEDY CAMP for KIDS & TEENS Times Square NYC
Mon Jul 08 2019 at 09:30 am COMEDY CAMP for KIDS & TEENS Times Square NYC

Broadway Comedy Club

COMEDY KIDS
The Harlem Jazz Session with Peter Brainin & Friends
Wed Sep 18 2019 at 08:00 pm The Harlem Jazz Session with Peter Brainin & Friends

Room 623

MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT
AC BLUES BROTHERS - LIVE in NYC
Sat Sep 21 2019 at 04:00 pm AC BLUES BROTHERS - LIVE in NYC

Triad Theater

ART
MAGICIAN MATT ROBERTS Rockefeller Center MAGIC
Fri Nov 29 2019 at 01:00 pm MAGICIAN MATT ROBERTS Rockefeller Center MAGIC

New Box Theater

NEW-YEAR ENTERTAINMENT
Hypno-Vortex Guided Meditation: On-line
Wed Feb 05 2020 at 07:00 pm Hypno-Vortex Guided Meditation: On-line

Zoom

HEALTH-WELLNESS MEDITATION
Melanin & Mimosas Brunch |Day Party NYC
Sun Mar 29 2020 at 03:00 pm Melanin & Mimosas Brunch |Day Party NYC

Taj II Lounge and Event Space

BRUNCH PARTIES
"The Early Set" at Room 623, Harlem's speakeasy Jazz Club
Fri Apr 03 2020 at 07:00 pm "The Early Set" at Room 623, Harlem's speakeasy Jazz Club

Room 623

MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT

What's Happening Next in New York?

Discover New York Events