The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum Celebrates the 60th Anniversary of Frank Lloyd Wright Building on October 21

“Since its opening on October 21, 1959, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum’s Frank Lloyd Wright–designed building has inspired generations of visitors as a unique ‘temple of spirit’ where radical art and architecture meet. The Guggenheim commemorates the 60th anniversary of its landmark building, which was recently designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with activities and events this October. On October 21, museumgoers can enjoy live jazz, cupcakes, tours, and conversations, and any visitor with an October 21 birthday will be given free entry. Throughout the month, the Guggenheim will offer an enhanced schedule of tours, sketching workshops, and film screenings, and an expanded selection of architecturally themed merchandise in the Guggenheim Store.” — Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum

The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York, NY; 1071 Fifth Ave

The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York, 1959. Photo: William H. Short © The Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation, New York.

Public Opening at The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York

Opening day at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York, 1959. Photo: Robert E. Mates © The Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation, New York.

Public Opening at The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York

Opening day at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York, 1959. Photo: Robert E. Mates © The Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation, New York.

The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York, NY; 1071 Fifth Ave

The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York. Photo: William H. Short © The Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation, New York.

SRGM New York; Inaugural exhibition

Installation view: Guggenheim International Exhibition 1960 (November 1, 1960–January 29, 1961), Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York. Photo: Robert E. Mates © The Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation, New York.

SRGM New York

The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York. Photo: David Heald © The Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation, New York.

Alberto Giacometti

The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York. Photo: David Heald © The Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation, New York.

gen-press-SRGMInterior2_DavidHeald(c)SRGF2019

The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York. Photo: David Heald © The Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation, New York.

James Turrell

Installation view: James Turrell, June 21–September 25, 2013, Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York. Photo: David Heald © Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation.

Jenny Holzer

Installation view: Jenny Holzer: For the Guggenheim, September 26–December 31, 2008, Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York. Photo: David Heald © Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation.

Matthew Barney

Installation view: Matthew Barney: The Cremaster Cycle, February 21–June 11, 2003, Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York. Photo: David Heald © Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation.

On October 21, the Guggenheim will release a new audio guide about the architecture of the Frank Lloyd Wright building with the podcast 99% Invisible. It will feature the podcast’s host, Roman Mars, in conversation with Guggenheim curators and staff as they delve into stories behind the iconic museum’s design, construction, and day-to-day operation.

Title image: The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York. Photo: David Heald © The Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation, New York.

Images courtesy Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum.