# Museum of Modern Art

> art museum in Manhattan in New York City, New York, United States

**Wikidata**: [Q188740](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q188740)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Museum_of_Modern_Art)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/museum-of-modern-art

## Summary
The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is a premier art museum located in Manhattan, New York City, established in 1929. It is renowned for its extensive collection of modern and contemporary art, including iconic works like Van Gogh's *The Starry Night* and Picasso's *Les Demoiselles d'Avignon*. As one of the largest and most influential museums globally, MoMA plays a pivotal role in shaping art historical narratives and contemporary cultural discourse.

## Key Facts
- **Founded**: November 7, 1929
- **Location**: 11 West 53rd Street, Manhattan, New York City, New York, United States
- **Founders**: Lillie P. Bliss, Mary Quinn Sullivan, and Abby Aldrich Rockefeller
- **Director (as of 2023)**: Glenn D. Lowry
- **Collection Size**: Over 200,000 works
- **Notable Works**: *The Starry Night* (Van Gogh), *Les Demoiselles d'Avignon* (Picasso), *The Persistence of Memory* (Dalí)
- **Affiliations**: International Federation of Film Archives, member of the Association of Art Museum Directors
- **Subsidiaries**: MoMA PS1 (established 1971)
- **Revenue (2020)**: $408,408,432
- **Coordinates**: 40°45′37″N 73°58′39″W
- **Website**: [moma.org](https://www.moma.org/)
- **Social Media**: @MuseumModernArt (Twitter), @themuseumofmodernart (Instagram)
- **Awards**: Academy Honorary Award (1975)

## FAQs
**When was MoMA founded and by whom?**  
MoMA was founded on November 7, 1929, by Lillie P. Bliss, Mary Quinn Sullivan, and Abby Aldrich Rockefeller.

**What are some of MoMA's most famous artworks?**  
The museum houses iconic pieces such as Van Gogh's *The Starry Night*, Picasso's *Les Demoiselles d'Avignon*, and Dalí's *The Persistence of Memory*.

**Is MoMA part of any larger organizations or networks?**  
Yes, MoMA is affiliated with the International Federation of Film Archives and the Association of Art Museum Directors. It also operates MoMA PS1, a subsidiary focused on contemporary art.

**What is MoMA's annual revenue?**  
In 2020, MoMA reported revenue of $408,408,432, reflecting its significant financial scale and operational capacity.

**How can I engage with MoMA digitally?**  
MoMA maintains an active online presence through its website (moma.org) and social media platforms, including Twitter (@MuseumModernArt) and Instagram (@themuseumofmodernart).

## Why It Matters
The Museum of Modern Art is a cornerstone of global art culture, defining and redefining modern and contemporary art through its unparalleled collection, groundbreaking exhibitions, and educational initiatives. As a leader in the art world, MoMA influences artistic trends, preserves cultural heritage, and democratizes access to art through its robust programming and digital engagement. Its founding in 1929 marked a pivotal shift in the institutional recognition of modern art, establishing a model for museums worldwide. MoMA's impact extends beyond the art sphere, contributing to New York City's status as a global cultural capital and driving economic activity through tourism and local engagement.

## Notable For
- **Pioneering Modern Art**: First museum dedicated to modern art, challenging traditional fine arts norms.
- **Iconic Architecture**: Yoshio Taniguchi's 2004 redesign of the museum's flagship building.
- **Film Preservation**: Founding member of the International Federation of Film Archives, emphasizing cinema as art.
- **Innovative Exhibitions**: Landmark shows like *The Museum of Modern Art, 1929–1959* (1959) and *OnLine: Drawing Through the Internet* (2000).
- **Global Influence**: Sets curatorial standards and trends followed by institutions internationally.
- **Diverse Collections**: Encompasses painting, sculpture, photography, film, and design, reflecting a holistic view of modern creativity.
- **Public Engagement**: Offers free admission on Fridays from 5:00–8:00 PM, promoting accessibility.

## Body

### History
MoMA was established in 1929 by Lillie P. Bliss, Mary Quinn Sullivan, and Abby Aldrich Rockefeller, with Alfred H. Barr Jr. as its first director. The museum opened in a rented townhouse on Fifth Avenue, later moving to its current location at 11 West 53rd Street in 1932. Key milestones include the 1939 exhibition *Bauhaus: 1919–1933*, which introduced American audiences to modernist design, and the 1958 reopening after a major expansion led by architect Edward Durell Stone.

### Collections and Exhibitions
MoMA's collection spans over 200,000 works, including masterpieces like Rousseau's *The Sleeping Gypsy* and Morris Louis's *Beta II*. The museum is renowned for its rigorous scholarship, exemplified by exhibitions such as *Primitivism in 20th Century Art* (1984), curated by Kirk Varnedoe, and *Dada* (2006), which explored the revolutionary art movement. MoMA PS1, founded in 1971, serves as a hub for experimental and contemporary art, hosting the annual *Greater New York* exhibition.

### Architecture
The museum's architecture has evolved significantly over time. The original 1932 building by Edward Durell Stone was expanded multiple times, with notable renovations by César Pelli (1986) and Yoshio Taniguchi (2004). Taniguchi's redesign, costing $858 million, reconfigured the museum around a central atrium, enhancing visitor flow and doubling exhibition space. A 2019 expansion by Diller Scofidio + Renfro further integrated the museum's holdings, emphasizing interdisciplinary connections.

### Leadership and Governance
Glenn D. Lowry has served as MoMA's director since 1995, overseeing significant growth and digital transformation. The museum's board includes prominent figures such as Ronald S. Lauder and Leon Black, contributing to its strategic direction and fundraising efforts. MoMA operates as a nonprofit organization, relying on admissions, memberships, and philanthropy to sustain its operations.

### Digital Initiatives
MoMA has embraced digital innovation, launching an online collection platform in 2007 and offering virtual exhibitions through its website. The museum's YouTube channel features artist interviews and curatorial insights, while its Open Access initiative provides over 200,000 high-resolution images of artworks for public use. These efforts reflect MoMA's commitment to accessibility and global engagement.

### Community and Education
MoMA's educational programs include guided tours, workshops, and lectures, catering to diverse audiences. The museum's Teen Program, launched in 1992, provides creative opportunities for New York City youth. Collaborations with organizations like the New York Public Library and the Guggenheim Museum underscore MoMA's role as a community anchor and cultural collaborator.

### Financials and Operations
MoMA's annual revenue exceeds $400 million, supported by a $1.2 billion endowment. The museum employs over 1,000 staff members, with departments spanning curatorial, conservation, and visitor services. Its store, located onsite and online, generates significant revenue through the sale of art-inspired merchandise and publications.

### Global Impact
MoMA's influence extends beyond its walls, with traveling exhibitions and partnerships with international institutions such as the Tate Modern and the Centre Pompidou. The museum's conservation lab sets global standards for art preservation, and its fellowship programs foster the next generation of art professionals worldwide. As a cultural ambassador, MoMA reflects and shapes the evolving definition of modern and contemporary art, ensuring its continued relevance in an ever-changing world.

## References

1. GRID Release 2017-05-22
2. archINFORM
3. [Source](https://www.acmi.net.au/creators/79645)
4. [Source](https://www.archdaily.com/430903/ad-classics-the-museum-of-modern-art)
5. Women as interpreters of the visual arts, 1820–1979
6. [Source](https://www.moma.org/about/who-we-are/moma-history)
7. [Source](https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/131624100)
8. Virtual International Authority File
9. Japan Search
10. BnF authorities
11. CiNii Research
12. [About MoMA PS1](http://www.momaps1.org/about/)
13. [Source](http://www.icam-web.org/memberlist.php?subnode_id=1&key=U)
14. [List of members](https://glamlabs.io/list-members/)
15. [Source](https://nysmuseums.org/)
16. [Ronald S. Lauder Joins Getty Board of Trustees. 2016](https://news.artnet.com/art-world/ronald-s-lauder-joins-j-paul-getty-trust-board-790061)
17. [Marie-Josée Kravis Named MoMA Board Chair, Succeeding Leon Black. 2021](https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/marie-josee-kravis-moma-board-chair-1234591051/)
18. [Leon Black Named Chairman of MoMA’s Board of Trustees, Ronnie Heyman President. 2018](https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/leon-black-named-chairman-momas-board-trustees-ronnie-heyman-president-10401/)
19. [Officers and trustees | MoMA](https://web.archive.org/web/20190118231551/https://www.moma.org/about/trustees)
20. [Marie-Josée Kravis to Succeed Leon Black as MoMA Chair. 2021](https://www.artforum.com/news/marie-josee-kravis-to-succeed-leon-black-as-moma-chair-249823/)
21. [Sotheby's to sell $70m of art stored at MoMA to benefit New York museum's digital initiatives. 2022](https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2022/09/14/sothebys-70m-william-paley-collection-museum-modern-art)
22. [Source](https://www.moma.org/momaorg/shared/pdfs/docs/press_archives/4914/releases/MOMA_1972_0143_126.pdf)
23. [Source](https://www.moma.org/momaorg/shared/pdfs/docs/press_archives/6256/releases/MOMA_1985_0110_109.pdf)
24. [Source](https://www.moma.org/momaorg/shared/pdfs/docs/press_archives/2472/releases/MOMA_1959_0038.pdf)
25. [Source](https://www.moma.org/momaorg/shared/pdfs/docs/press_archives/2143/releases/MOMA_1957_0001.pdf)
26. [The Art of Propaganda: A Web of Propagandists at the Museum of Modern Art](https://www.mutualart.com/Article/The-Art-of-Propaganda--A-Web-of-Propagan/98091057F1E936AB)
27. [WILLIAM BURDEN, EX-MUSEUM PRESIDENT, DIES (Published 1984). 1984](https://www.moma.org/momaorg/shared/pdfs/docs/press_archives/1727/releases/MOMA_1953_0057_51.pdf)
28. [Museum of Modern Art | MoMA](https://web.archive.org/web/20170201222318/https://www.moma.org/about/trustees)
29. [Jerry Speyer Named Chairman of MoMA. 2007](https://www.artforum.com/news/jerry-speyer-named-chairman-of-moma-180406/)
30. [MoMA Shuffles Its Board: Speyer is New Chairman. 2007](https://www.artsjournal.com/culturegrrl/2007/05/moma_shuffles_its_board_speyer.html)
31. [Officers and trustees](https://web.archive.org/web/20180201214810/https://www.moma.org/about/trustees)
32. [Source](https://artfacts.net/institution/museum-of-modern-art-moma/2228)
33. [Source](https://theluxurytravelexpert.com/2020/11/09/top-10-best-museums-in-the-world/)
34. [Source](https://www.moma.org/visit/)
35. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
36. [New York museum returns painting stolen by Nazis after decade-long battle](https://www.lootedart.com/news.php?r=RJVEOL537061)
37. [Museums and Heirs Settle Dispute Over Picasso](https://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/03/arts/design/03arts-MUSEUMSHEIRS_BRF.html)
38. [George Grosz's Heirs Sue MOMA on Paintings](https://www.lootedart.com/news.php?r=NL4438955501)
39. [MoMA to return Nazi-looted painting to heirs of German-Jewish art collector](https://www.lootedart.com/news.php?r=RJVEIG442901)
40. [Schiele Artworks Returned to Heirs of Owner Killed by Nazis. Schiele Artworks to Be Returned to Heirs of Owner Killed by Nazis. 2023](https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/20/arts/schiele-fritz-grunbaum-nazis.html)
41. [Source](https://assets.moma.org/documents/moma_catalogue_185_300099602.pdf)
42. [MoMA's sustained deaccessioning continues. 2004](https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2004/04/01/momas-sustained-deaccessioning-continues)
43. [Source](https://new.mta.info/agency/arts-design/collection/the-subway-design-for-a-modern-icon)
44. MusicBrainz
45. [Dictionary of Art Historians](http://arthistorians.info/barra)
46. [Source](https://www.moma.org/interactives/moma_through_time/1920/alfred-h-barr-jr-selected-as-first-director/)
47. [Source](https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/28/arts/design/christophe-cherix-moma-director.html)
48. Visitor Figures 2013
49. Visitor Figures 2015
50. Visitor Figures 2016