Whitney Museum of American Art (original building) Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Significant dates

Whitney Museum of American Art (original building); currently New York Studio School of Drawing, Painting and Sculpture
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
U.S. National Historic Landmark

(2011)
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Location	8–12 West 8th Street Manhattan, New York City
Built	1838 (original buildings) 1931 (remodeled into gallery and residence) 1936 (remodeled into museum)
Architect	Auguste L. Noel of Noel & Miller (1931 and 1936)
Architectural style	Neoclassical
NRHP reference No.	92001877
Added to NRHP	April 27, 1992
Designated NHL	April 27, 1992

The Whitney Museum of American Art original building is a group of three old houses in Greenwich Village, New York City. These houses, built in 1838, are located at 8–12 West 8th Street. This special place was once the first home of the famous Whitney Museum of American Art. Today, it is home to the New York Studio School of Drawing, Painting and Sculpture.

A Home for Artists

The story of this building began in 1907. A wealthy artist named Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney opened the Whitney Studio Gallery here. She wanted to give young artists a place to show their work. It was also a spot where artists could meet and share ideas. Later, she opened another place called the Whitney Studio Club.

Stained glass window (and sketch) by Robert Winthrop Chanler, originally in the Whitney Studio

Artistic Touches by Robert Winthrop Chanler

Around 1918, a friend and artist named Robert Winthrop Chanler made the inside of the 8th Street building look amazing. He added a special ceiling with carvings and a huge fireplace. This fireplace was 20 feet tall and made of plaster and bronze. He also created beautiful stained glass windows and decorative screens.

The Birth of a Museum

In 1929, Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney had collected nearly 500 new artworks. She offered to give them to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. However, the Metropolitan Museum did not accept her gift. Because of this, Whitney decided to start her own museum. She created the Whitney Museum of American Art.

The Museum's First Home

In 1931, Whitney hired an architect named Auguste L. Noel. He changed the three houses at 8–12 West 8th Street. They became a gallery for art and a home for Whitney herself. This was the very first location for the Whitney Museum of American Art.

Moving On

The Whitney Museum grew and needed more space. In 1954, the museum moved to a new building on 54th Street. Later, in 1966, it moved again to 945 Madison Avenue at East 75th Street. After the museum moved out, the building on 8th Street got another house added to it. This was #14 West 8th Street, built in 1853–54. The entire building then became the New York Studio School of Drawing, Painting and Sculpture.

A Protected Landmark

This historic building is part of the Greenwich Village Historic District. This district was created in 1969 to protect important places. In 1992, the building was also named a National Historic Landmark. This means it is a very important place in American history.