The Whitney Museum of American Art

With its Renzo Piano-designed concrete and steel facade emerging from the banks of the Hudson River, the Whitney Museum is a vanguard of art in New York City, despite a rocky few years mired in controversy (it was previously accused of using artists’ work without permission). The Whitney continues to explore art in the 21st century, and places it in conversation with artists who had a foundational impact on the museum, such as Edward Hopper and Thomas Hart Benton. The Whitney is highly regarded for its Biennial, which rigorously investigates the state of art making and takes place every two years. Across the street from the main building is a sculptural intervention by David Hammons on the water, called Ghost Pier, that’s worth checking out, and it is also right next to the famous New York High Line.\nwhitney.org