GUGGENHEIM MUSEUM, Tour

The Guggenheim, today an architectural icon of the city, did not always enjoy such a positive reputation, and was harshly criticized before, during and after its construction.

This “temple of the spirit”, which was to allow visitors a different way to admire the art works gathered here, came under a constant barrage of criticism both from the neighboring residents on the Upper East Side, intimidated by this odd cylindrical building rising upwards and outwards before their eyes, as well as from the prestigious artists whose works were to be displayed inside.

Despite the controversy, this original circular structure, which contrasts with the vertical, rectangular architecture of the buildings around it, has earned its place in the cityscape, and New Yorkers have become accustomed to its bright white presence, as well as to the thousands of tourists and art aficionados queueing up at the entrance, as also happens every day in the other Guggenheim museums in Venice and Bilbao, soon to be joined by the new one in Abu Dhabi....