If you can time your visit to the Whitney Museum of American Art during its annual and biennial exhibitions, you’ll take in the tradition (since 1932) of showcasing recent contemporary art from the most important living and working artists of the time. Over the decades, the Whitney has purchased many works for its collection from young and relatively unknown artists to spotlight in these exhibitions and add to the museum’s collection of masterpieces by Stuart Davis, Jasper Johns, and more recently, Louise Bourgeois and Matthew Ritchie.

Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney originally opened her museum to the public on W. 8th Street with 700 pieces from her personal collection. Now housed in the Marcel Breuer-designed five-story building (with two underground levels), the collection has amassed more than 18,000 works of contemporary art by the likes of O’Keefe, Pollack, and Warhol.

Rich programming for all ages illuminates the exhibitions and collection, with a wide range of activities, including Family Fun Art Workshops ($10/family), Youth Insights programs (paid after-school opportunities for 10th–12th grade students), and a large range of free programs for seniors in collaboration with community senior centers. Whitney After Hours occurs every Friday evening 6–9 p.m. during pay-what-you-wish admission and includes live performances, artists appearances, and educational events for adults.