Whitney Museum of American Art

If you're looking for a diverse collection of 20th century art, be sure to make a stop at this prominent Madison Avenue museum. The Whitney Museum, founded by sculptor and art collector Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, houses seven floors of more than 18,000 works of art from renowned artists such as Andy Warhol, Georgia O'Keeffe, Cindy Sherman, William Eggleston, Jasper Johns and Edward Hopper.

In 1914, Gertrude Whitney opened the Whitney Studio Club on W. 8th Street in Greenwich Village, creating a space where young unknown artists could display their work. Whitney's wealthy upbringing allowed her to become both a patron of the arts, while being able to devote time to assist women in the art world. She was prompted to open her own American art museum after her attempt to donate nearly 700 works of art to the Metropolitan Museum in 1929 was declined. After relocating from W. 54th Street, the Whitney Museum finally settled on 75th Street on the corner of Madison Avenue, its current and uniquely modern location. Prize-winning architect Renzo Piano is currently designing a space on Gansevoort Street that will provide an extra 50,000 square feet of gallery space to bring The Whitney back to its Greenwich Village roots. This project is scheduled to open to the public in 2012.

The Whitney features an assortment of educational outlets and events. Visitors lucky enough to catch the Whitney Biennial, held every two years, can view work from lesser-known international artists looking to break into the American art scene. Additionally, a highly selective independent study program, the Whitney ISP, was created in the 1960s to jumpstart the careers of upcoming artists with teachings of both studio art and history. Fourteen students are chosen each year for current or continuing education purposes.

Many museums in Manhattan allow for suggested donations or have specific days or time periods allowing free or "pay what you wish" admission. Visitors can take advantage of this special pricing on Friday nights at the Whitney.

- Lauren DeFilippo