Explore Kandinsky's Legacy at the Guggenheim

In 929, Solomon R. Guggenheim began collecting Kandinsky's art, eventually purchasing more than 150 paintings, as well as visiting his Bauhaus studio in 1930. Guggenheim's interest in Kandinsky's nonobjective art led to the creation of the Museum of Non-Objective Painting in 1939 and then the opening of the Guggenheim Museum. From the moment the museum opened its doors on October 21, 1959, permanent galleries have been dedicated to Kandinsky.

Art historians can celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Guggenheim Museum by soaking in the works created by one of the museum's most celebrated artists. From now until January 13, 2010 modern art enthusiasts can view the works of Vaisily Kandinsky (1866-1944), the artist and visionary who has been labeled the pioneer of abstraction. In this collection culled from a number of museums and private collections, one can find close to a hundred of Kandinsky's canvases created from 1902 to 1942 as well as more than 60 works done on paper.

A time line circles portions of the exhibit allowing history buffs to track the significant events in Kandinsky's life. By taking a chronological tour of his work, one can see how his abstraction was clearly influenced by the Russian Revolution and two world wars. The accompanying exhibit Gabriele Münter and Vasily Kandinsky, 1902-14: A Life in Photographs features a range of German artist Gabriele Münter's photographs and a few pictures taken by Kandinsky that document their relationship.

A full range of educational offerings are being offered during the run of this exhibit. Log on to guggenheim.org/education for a complete schedule. Also, guided tours are available on select days and are free with museum admission. In addition, Kandinsky: A Close Look, a three-part "anti-docu-mentary" film created by filmmaker Grehame Weinbren will be screened on Fridays.

Art enthusiasts can purchase a 320-page illustrated catalogue highlighting Kandinsky's work and featuring a biography. An audio tour is included as part of admission.

The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum is located at 1071 Fifth Avenue in Manhattan. The museum is opened Sunday to Wednesday and Fridays from 10 am to 5:45 pm, and Sat, 10 am to 7:45 pm. The museum is closed on Thursdays.

Admission to the Guggenheim is $18 for adults, $15 for, students/seniors (65+), children under 12 and members are admitted for free. Budget conscious art aficionados can visit the Guggenheim Saturdays from 5:45pm to closing where they can pay-as-they-wish admission.

For more information log on to guggenheim.org.