Whitney Museum of American Art

Whitney Museum of American Art, in New York City, founded in 1930 by Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney. It was an outgrowth of the Whitney Studio (1914–18), the Whitney Studio Club (1918–28), and the Whitney Studio Galleries (1928–30). Opened to the public in 1931, the museum actively supports American art through the purchase and exhibition of the work of living artists. Its extensive permanent collection contains sculpture, paintings, drawings, and prints, which are exhibited regularly. Biennial shows of works in various media provide comprehensive reviews of each year's American art. The spacious Madison Avenue building designed by Marcel Breuer to house the collection was opened in 1966.

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2007, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

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