Art, Fashion, and Style

Today’s post is inspired by this tweet from @HUGOBOSS:

Good Morning rainy New York… So excited about the @hugoboss Prize 2010 tonight at the @Guggenheim Museum!

We heard about the annual Hugo Boss event at the Guggenheim when we toured the Hugo Boss headquarters on our NYC tour this spring. It seems like such an obvious and perfect combination, fashion and art. Hugo Boss is one of the most prestigious labels in fashion, and the Guggenheim one of the most unique and beautiful art museums in the world.

This picture of the Guggenheim, taken by chrisbastian44 on Flickr, gives you an idea of the museum’s unique design. You’ll have to imagine the Hugo Boss glamor into it, but here are some more details about the museum itself, the perfect attraction for educational tours.

It has something for everyone. The fascinating Guggenheim building is located on Fifth Avenue just across from the southern part of Central Park. In the midst of other more typical skyscrapers, this one looks kind of like a giant dollop of concrete sour cream.

Don’t tell Frank Lloyd Wright I said that though. Wright was the world-famous designer behind this sophisticated design (not at all dollop-like). Last year’s anniversary exhibition at the Guggenheim paid tribute to this legendary American architect. You can find his work throughout the United States and even visit his own homes and studios in places like Chicago and in Scottsdale, Arizona. Still, the Guggenheim is one of his most familiar designs.

The Guggenheim’s shape is not just for the exterior view. The design of the Guggenheim is first and foremost to enhance the viewing experience of the art inside. You’ll find collections of modern and contemporary art in the Guggenheim, so it’s only fitting that the space is thoroughly modern as well. Upon entering the building, you’ll see something like the view in the photo here. You begin your Guggenheim experience after riding the elevator to the top. From there, you’ll stroll the downward spiraling walkway through the galleries.

What you’ll see there is, in the words of the Guggenheim administrators, “at once a vital cultural center, an educational institution, and the heart of an international network of museums.” It’s a tall order, but the Guggenheim certainly delivers. The artwork at the Guggenheim was acquired from extensive private collections. The modern and contemporary artwork is assembled in pleasing and eclectic variety as they might be hung in a glorious home. Though the art is not arranged by historical era, the Guggenheim continues to acquire pieces, hoping to erase any chronological gaps.

The Guggenheim is far more than artwork on a wall. You might find any number of thrilling exhibitions at any given season at the Guggenheim. Check their website before visiting, and you can choose a time with exhibits that most interest you. Besides the exhibitions, the Guggenheim offers lectures by art critics and even by the artists themselves. You may be able to attend a film screening or a live performance. And for students, the Guggenheim offers classes, both youth and adult. Plus, you can view the galleries with the guidance of an experienced docent if you prefer.

With its brilliant collection, the Guggenheim is perfect for art tours. But the Guggenheim is also a must-see attraction for theme tours in architectural design. It’s a living study of Frank Lloyd Wright’s belief that function and beauty go hand in hand. It’s a beautiful choice for live events and a perfect choice at any time for students.