Image via Complex Original
The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York City's Upper East Side has been known as a premiere art institution since its opening in 1959, that as a building, is art itself. Designed by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright, it's a landmark of the city and hosts groundbreaking exhibitions time and time again. You may or not be familiar with the Guggenheim, but it has a design history that can't be ignored. See what we mean by checking out these 15 Things You Didn't Know About the Guggenheim Museum.
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In the entrance of the Guggenheim, there is a seal which reads "Let each man exercise the art he knows, which was said by Aristophanes in 422 B.C.
In the entrance of the Guggenheim, there is a seal which reads "Let each man exercise the art he knows," which was said by Aristophanes in 422 B.C.
Frank Lloyd Wright's original design for the museum featured a red facade, as he believed that "red is the color of creation."
Frank Lloyd Wright's original design for the museum featured a red facade, as he believed that "red is the color of creation."
Frank Lloyd Wright created over 700 sketches for the design of the Guggenheim Museum.
Frank Lloyd Wright created over 700 sketches for the design of the Guggenheim Museum.
The Guggenheim was Frank Lloyd Wright's first commissioned project in Manhattan, despite his fame at the time.
The Guggenheim was Frank Lloyd Wright's first commissioned project in Manhattan, despite his fame at the time.
Frank Lloyd Wright felt the need to design every single element of the museum, down to the chairs.
Frank Lloyd Wright felt the need to design every single element of the museum, down to the chairs.
The ramp of the museum, from the bottom to the dome, is 1,416 feet total or over a quarter of a mile long.
The ramp of the museum, from the bottom to the dome, is 1,416 feet total or over a quarter of a mile long.
Frank Lloyd Wright intended to keep motorized wheelchairs in the museum for those who wanted to experience the museum while seated.
Frank Lloyd Wright intended to keep motorized wheelchairs in the museum for those who wanted to experience the museum while seated.
In 1954, LIFE magazine published an article titled "New Art Museum Will Be New York's Strangest Building," mirroring the widespread skepticism towards Frank Lloyd Wright's design.
In 1954, LIFE magazine published an article titled "New Art Museum Will Be New York's Strangest Building," mirroring the widespread skepticism towards Frank Lloyd Wright's design.
President Dwight D. Eisenhower sent a congratulatory note to be read at the opening ceremonies of the Guggenheim on October 21, 1959, 16 years after the conception of the plans for the museum.
President Dwight D. Eisenhower sent a congratulatory note to be read at the opening ceremonies of the Guggenheim on October 21, 1959, 16 years after the conception of the plans for the museum.
The Guggenheim Museum building became a National Historic Landmark on October 6, 2008.
The Guggenheim Museum building became a National Historic Landmark on October 6, 2008.
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