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

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

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Categories: In-Person, Museums & Galleries

Host or Publisher New York Adventure Club