Whitney Museum of American Art
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The Whitney Museum of American Art in New York City harbors one of the most important collections of contemporary American art of the 20th century. Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney founded the museum in 1931 with approximately 700 works of art from her own estate.
The present building was planned and built 1963 - 1966 by Marcel Breuer and Hamilton P. Smith after moving twice. It is impressive with its staircase façade made from granite stones and its external upside-down windows.
The museum displays paintings, drawings, prints, sculptures and photography. Every two years, the museum hosts the Whitney Biennial, an international art show which displays many lesser-known artists new to the American art scene.
The permanent collection contains more than 12,000 works of art from many renowned artists. Artists represented include Alexander Calder, Andy Warhol, Jasper Johns, Keith Haring, Willem de Kooning and Edward Hopper, who bequeathed many of his works to the Whitney Museum.
In addition to its traditional collection the Whitney has an internet website, called Artport, that features "Net Art" that changes monthly.
Its current director is Adam Weinberg (2003- ). Former directors include Maxwell L. Anderson (1998-2003), David A. Ross (1991-1997), and Thomas Armstrong III (1974-1990).
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