Do you have a passion for history? Visiting New York can fulfill your thirst by providing you with a chance to explore some of the best historical sites in the region. The state is home to various tourist attractions. Visitors from the U.S. and other countries visit the area to explore iconic places. MoMA PS1 is one of the most significant contemporary art institutions in the U.S. This place can be an ideal fit for your next trip.
We have gathered all the details you need to know about MoMA PS1 to plan your trip. Let’s start with the place’s history and essential highlights.
MoMA PS1 – An Overview
MoMA PS1 is a modern art museum in Court Square in Long Island City, Queens, NY. The museum has attracted thousands of visitors over the decades to showcase its valuable archives. MoMA PS1 regularly organizes events to entertain visitors from diverse backgrounds. Moreover, you can enjoy Sunday Sessions performances at the museum to spend quality time.
The history of MoMA goes back to 1971 when Alanna Heiss laid the museum’s foundation as the Institute of Art and Urban Resources Inc. The institute’s mission was to turn abandoned and underutilized New York buildings into art studios. New York has always been a magnet for artists and historians. The place served as the platform to promote contemporary and alternative art.
In 1976, Heiss opened the Contemporary Art Center, the P.S. 1, in the Romanesque Revival public school building. The establishment of P.S. 1 helped boost the organization’s exhibition and studio space. The building dates back to 1892, being the first school in Long Island City until 1963.
With the passing years, the contemporary art museum required renovation to sustain its presence for the coming years. P.S. 1 reopened in October 1997 after undergoing a three-year $8.5 million renovation project. The crown for designing the new structure of the art museum goes to Frederick Fisher & Partners, a Los Angeles architecture firm.
In February 1999, the Contemporary Art Center (P.S. 1) underwent an institutional merge with the Museum of Modern Art, aiming to preserve P.S 1 as an experimentation and exploration site.
Collections to Explore at MoMA PS1
MoMA is an ideal site to explore modern art and historical collections from various timelines. If you are a passionate history lover, the place has everything to keep you engaged and entertained throughout your time at the museum. You can explore the different sections with family or friends and read details about the preserved elements.
Here, we have listed the collections you can find at MoMA.
Collections from 1880s-1940s
Exploring the fifth floor at MoMA will come across intriguing collections from the 1880s-1940s era. The museum management has arranged the different preserved art pieces chronologically, making it easy for visitors to take references and explore items. You can find a series of galleries showcasing various pieces of historical art pieces on the museum floor.
The section attracts many foreign tourists and visitors to explore the hidden American and related history. While this is true, local research students often plan trips to MoMA to take notes on historical references from the 19th century.
Collections from 1940s-1970s
The fourth floor will open your eyes to the 1940s-1970s timeline. You can find many contemporary pieces of artwork displayed in the fourth-floor gallery. The historical elements cover the monuments from the 1960s, the World War II art pieces, Harlem inspirations, abstract paintings, etc. You may check the official website for the list of art pieces on the fourth floor.
The section pulls visitors born in the 1940s and 1950s to explore iconic sites of modern history. It is worth mentioning that the compiled collection of artwork attributes to various artists and passionate historians.
Collections from 1970s-Present
The second floor at MoMA takes you to the latest modern history timeline. You can find an extensive art collection from 1970 to the present. What makes this section a highlight for many tourists is the relatable artwork and stories from modern history. While the other floors may not offer much to relate to for most youngsters, the second floor appeals to them differently.
The common interests include the artworks of the New York artists in the 80s timeline, the relationship of art with human experience, local cultural pieces, Latin American history, the internet transformation, instrumental healing, and modern systems of global production and communication. All these collections receive much praise from local and international tourists.
Exhibitions and Events
Besides historical collections, MoMA also holds exhibitions to engage visitors with various forms of artistic representation. From filmmaking to minimal artwork, artists come to feature their work in the ongoing exhibitions at MoMA. If you have a passion for exploring modern art and its various divisions, you may not be able to get enough of the contemporary art museum.
Since exhibitions and events occur throughout the week, you may have to check with the MoMA PS1 management about the show timings and details before heading to the place. You may also visit the official MoMA website to explore exhibition information and tourist map.
MoMA Store
Exploring brilliant pieces of artwork at the museum can spark an interest in you to get your hands on some of them. If you are passionate about collecting artwork, the MoMA store has everything to give back to you. You can explore the various categories of artwork, including the stuff for home, office, tech, books, kids, and holidays. You can also explore gifts to get some for your loved ones.
Visiting the store section on the website can help you explore the catalog and various items to buy. Moreover, you can place online orders for doorstep deliveries.
The Takeaway
MoMA PS1 is one of the best art museums in New York. You may never get enough of the intriguing artwork displayed on different floors. If you want to plan a family trip to the contemporary art museum in Long Island City, feel free to contact the museum administration or check the official website.