Neuberger Museum of Art

We hadn’t been to the Neuberger in a couple of years and when we stopped by yesterday we were reminded why. Although or perhaps because it was planned by «noted» architects, the SUNY Purchase campus is one of if not the least appealing in the entire NY State college system (no, I haven’t been to all 60+ campuses, but I visited a great many of them as a college counselor!). Even without the reconstruction still taking place on their main plaza, the Museum entrance is a drab and unwelcoming affair. Although there is a gift shop just inside, like the rest of the Museum it had no visitors. Unfortunately, much of their space also had no art as well! Two of their largest galleries were entirely closed while new exhibits were being installed. One gallery had a small, intentionally «black and white» exhibit on «After 1965» whose limited depth perhaps reflected that it was largely composed of works from the institution’s own (limited) holdings. The standing exhibit of African art still looks as uncomfortable in the geometric western-​style white walls that enclose it as ever, and the upper level, which for many years displayed welcomed highlights from founder Roy Neuberger’s (1903 – 2010) donation of significant 20^th century American paintings was instead showing an undistinguished group of photographs (many if not most of them later printings) by an uneven selection of 20^th century American artists.

I wish I had checked in on Unilocal prior to coming here for the discount … and seriously I was pretty disappointed because I was hoping to see parts of their permanent collection. After perusing the museum, I went up to the front counter in confusion.
«Do you have works by O’Keefe and Hopper ???»
«They’re part of our permanent collection, but it’s on tour.»
«How long will they be on tour for?»
«Two years.»
«When did they go on tour?»
«At the beginning of the month.»
Okay … totally wish I had known that. Or that they’d offer some sort of discount for not having the majority of their pieces. :(
The gift shop is pretty cool, though!

Just called the museum to purchase the Kuba Textiles Exhibit catalogue. I spoke to a nice young man who transferred me to someone in the museum shop. The woman was very nasty. She was short tempered and extremely rude. I suggest she have some fiber for breakfast. If not oatmeal with blueberries, maybe she can chew on one of the Kuba textiles. I suppose it was almost closing time, but whatever her problem was, she lost a sale.

I notice that mine is the first Unilocal review of this museum since 2008! That just underscores my view that this museum just isn’t first rate.
To be sure, there is some good and occasionally outstanding work by first rank artists such as Pollock, DeKooning, Hooper, Rothko, Frankenthaler, Avery, Chamberlain, Park, Stella, Diebenkorn, Pippin, and Calder. But here are the problems. First, there is typically only one work by each of these artists in a single large gallery devoted to their work, and in most cases the work is typical but not exciting or outstanding. Secondly, the show on my recent visit was almost exactly the same as shown on my previous visit years before.
I know Roy Neuberger was a sincere and dedicated collector of contemporary art of the mid-​20^th century, and these pieces at auction would be worth a fortune. But, if the Neuberger had to survive independently of its SUNY campus, I am sure it would fold quickly. As an example, there were hardly any souls besides me there on two weekend visits.
Similarly, their African sculpture collection was interesting, with a few terrific pieces, but overall nothing remotely like the Met’s collection.
Finally, the temporary exhibits in three remaining galleries were not enough to create excitement or sustain repeat visits. So if you’re around, definitely go see everything and you’ll have an enjoyable and worthwhile visit of an hour or so, particularly with the jewels of Roy Neuberger’s personal collection like Edward Hopper’s «Barber Shop». Regrettably, however, greatness presently eludes this institution.

The Neuberger is a wonderful museum and provides an invaluable experience for SUNY Purchase students.
The museum is small and cozy with just 5 gallery rooms, but sure does pack a lot of punch within its walls. The museum has also been known to utilize the lobbies, hallways, and conference rooms to display additional artwork. You’ll never fight a crowd at the museum which is always a very enjoyable experience.
Curators at the museum utilize all forms of art in their well thought out shows. Although the museum doesn’t necessarily show the most famous pieces of art, they always display art from the most famous artists. Their unknown works. Their early works. Their late works. etc. I personally find these works far more inspiring and enjoyable than the typical textbook pieces because although not as famous, they seem to have more meaning behind them.
If you stop by, keep your eyes peeled for NeuGuides– student guides who are trained to engage visitors in discussions about the art. You will get a lot more information out of them than you will from the docents. In fact, most NeuGuides will be able to share with you special stories and fun facts about many of the pieces or the museum itself.
fun fact: The Neuberger was actually the very first building to be built on the Purchase campus and classes were taught inside there until additional buildings were built.

Perhaps I’m biased since I worked here for about a year and a half (January 2006-​May 2007), but I truly believe the Neuberger is a very special place that is horribly under-​recognized.
The Neu has re-​installed and renovated their Roy R. Neuberger Collection (with excellent works from very famous artists) as well as the African Art collection. They also have changing exhibitions from up-​and-​coming modern & contemporary artists — which change about 3 times a year. There’s also a huge variety of public programs, for families, children and adults.
Check their website and make the trip, it’s worth it.

I’m going to make this short:
solid permanent collection of 20^th century art, and really interesting exhibits. Check their website before you go to see if it’s something you want to see (
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This is a great place to visit when you are also going to the Donald Kendall Sculpture Garden across the road at the Pepsico International HQs.
They charge the general public $ 5.00 to get in.

Don’t feel like traveling to the city to look at some art? Look no further than Purchase, NY. Suny Purchase’s Neuberger museum is an all year round establishment with permanent and temporary art collections. There’s Pollock and Duchamp, among other works in residence.
On the plus side, if you’re a Purchase student, admission is free with id.

Queens residents, past and present, take note of the Neuberger’s current exhibit. «Crossing the BLVD: strangers, neighbors, aliens in a new america» is a fascinating exhibit depicting the immigrant experience in Queens through photographs, immigration documents, music, and interviews. At $ 3 for students of any college (free for Purchase students) and $ 5 general, this museum is a bargain, considering that you could spend hours in this exhibit alone. Currently, another exhibit of interest is under way, which showcases the work of 103 artists collected by the museum’s namesake: check out works by Edward Hopper, Georgia O’Keeffe, Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko, etc., while getting to know some lesser-​known artists of all different styles. So Westchester people, if you feel like getting you some culture without the hassle of Metro-​North, I’d recommend a trip here!