Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation

**History** The Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation was founded in 1937, and its first New York–based venue for the display of art, the Museum of Non-Objective Painting, opened in 1939. With its exhibitions of Solomon Guggenheim’s somewhat eccentric art collection, the unusual gallery—designed by William Muschenheim at the behest of Hilla Rebay, the foundation’s curator and the museum’s director—provided many visitors with their first encounter with great works by [Vasily Kandinsky](https://www.guggenheim.org/artwork/artist/vasily-kandinsky), as well as works by his followers, including [Rudolf Bauer](https://www.guggenheim.org/artwork/artist/rudolf-bauer), Alice Mason, Otto Nebel, and [Rolph Scarlett](https://www.guggenheim.org/artwork/artist/rolph-scarlett). The need for a permanent building to house Guggenheim’s art collection became evident in the early 1940s, and in 1943 renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright gained the commission to design a museum in New York City. The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum opened on October 21, 1959. The Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation is dedicated to promoting the understanding and appreciation of modern and contemporary art through exhibitions, education programs, research initiatives, and publications. The Guggenheim international constellation of museums includes the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York; the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, Venice; the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao; and the future Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. **Mission** Committed to innovation, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation collects, preserves, and interprets modern and contemporary art, and explores ideas across cultures through dynamic curatorial and educational initiatives and collaborations. With its constellation of architecturally and culturally distinct museums, exhibitions, publications, and digital platforms, the foundation engages both local and global audiences. **Architecture** From the revolutionary visions of Frank Lloyd Wright and Frank Gehry to the stately presence of the Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, the Guggenheim symbolizes the intersection of radical art and architecture. Across the globe, the Guggenheim’s four museums stand not just as backdrops for the most visionary art of the modern and contemporary eras, but as masterpieces in and of themselves. Experience the iconic architecture of the Guggenheim’s museums, learn how two renowned contemporary architects made profound ideas a reality, and find out how you can step inside these stunning structures from anywhere in the world. **The Foundation** Our Collection[**Art of Our Time**](https://www.guggenheim.org/collection-online) Browse hundreds of works by modern and contemporary artists from around the globe in the Guggenheim’s Collection Online. Our History[**Building a Legacy**](https://www.guggenheim.org/about-us/history) Since its creation in 1937, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation has furthered the understanding and appreciation of art. Read our story. Our Culture[**Diversity, Equity, Access, Inclusion**](https://www.guggenheim.org/about-us/diversity-equity-access-and-inclusion) We at the Guggenheim are dedicated to building an inclusive and equitable institution. Learn about the work we are doing. Our Planet[**Sustainability**](https://www.guggenheim.org/about-us/sustainability-at-the-guggenheim) Find out how the Guggenheim is working to lessen its environmental impact and implement more sustainable practices.