Oct 21, 2009 – Interior of Guggenheim Museum, Manhattan, New York – Pepeira Tom / Photolibrary

• This world-famous museum opened 50 years ago today.
  Which one is it?
• The Guggenheim foundation has championed some of modern art’s most innovative pioneers.
  Like this guy
• Can you guess which famous architect designed this landmark building?
  You might be surprised
• This is one of Manhattan’s most distinctive buildings.
  Do you recognize it?

The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum opened its doors on October 21, 1959 and is one of the best-known museums in New York City and one of the 20th century’s most important architectural landmarks. Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, the museum––which is often called simply The Guggenheim––is the permanent home to a renowned collection of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, early Modern, and contemporary art, and also features special exhibitions throughout the year. Located on the Upper East Side in New York City it is the second museum opened by the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation which was founded in 1937. The 50th year anniversary of the Frank Lloyd Wright building will occur on October 21, 2009. The Museum recently underwent an extensive, three year renovation. In September, 2008, the Board of Trustees of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation confirmed the appointment of Richard Armstrong as its fifth director, effective November 4, 2008. He succeeds Thomas Krens, who served as Director from 1998.