10 must-see works at the Whitney Museum
Quick answer
The Whitney's must-sees are Hopper's Early Sunday Morning, Jasper Johns's Three Flags, Calder's Circus, O'Keeffe's Flower Abstraction, Pollock's Number 27 and the terraces of Renzo Piano's building, with views of the Hudson. The collection rotates, so confirm what is on view before you go.
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The 10 key works, by space
The permanent collection rotates, so some works may be in storage or on loan during your visit. Check the museum's floor plan.
- 1
Permanent collection
Early Sunday Morning — Edward Hopper (1930)
A deserted New York street at dawn: urban solitude turned into an icon of American art.
- 2
Permanent collection
A Woman in the Sun — Edward Hopper (1961)
A nude woman in an empty room, one of Hopper's last introspective portraits.
- 3
Permanent collection
South Carolina Morning — Edward Hopper (1955)
A figure on a porch in clean light: Hopper in his mature phase.
- 4
Permanent collection
Three Flags — Jasper Johns (1958)
Three stacked flags in encaustic: a landmark of Pop-era art and its reflection on symbols.
- 5
Permanent collection
Circus — Alexander Calder (1926-1931)
A miniature circus made of wire and everyday objects, which Calder animated with his own hands.
- 6
Permanent collection
Flower Abstraction — Georgia O'Keeffe (1924)
A flower enlarged to abstraction, a signature of O'Keeffe's vision.
- 7
Permanent collection
Standing Woman (Elevation) — Gaston Lachaise (1912-1927)
A monumental sculpture celebrating the female form with bold scale.
- 8
Permanent collection
Number 27, 1950 — Jackson Pollock
Interwoven drips across the canvas: Abstract Expressionism at its peak.
- 9
Permanent collection
Woman and Bicycle — Willem de Kooning (1952-1953)
A ferocious figure between abstract gesture and figuration, a symbol of postwar painting.
- 10
Upper floors · outdoors
The terraces — Renzo Piano (2015)
Terraces overlooking the Hudson, the High Line and lower Manhattan, an essential part of the experience.
How to see them in one visit
Take the elevator to the top floor and work down; the collection and exhibitions change, so combine this list with our 2-hour route and the day's floor plan.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most famous work at the Whitney?
Hopper's Early Sunday Morning and Jasper Johns's Three Flags, together with Renzo Piano's building and its terraces.
Can I always see these works?
No. The collection rotates and works can be on loan or in storage.
What is the Whitney Biennial?
An exhibition held every two years showing contemporary American artists.
Where are the Hopper paintings?
In the permanent collection, depending on rotation. Check the day's floor plan.