‘Announcement of 2023 Acquisitions by Guggenheim Museum’
The Guggenheim Museum recently expanded its collection by acquiring 102 works by over 60 artists in 2023. More than half of these artists are new to the museum’s collection, showcasing a commitment to diversity and innovation in modern and contemporary art.
The new acquisitions encompass a wide range of artistic mediums, including paintings, sculptures, and textile works. Notable pieces include André Masson’s painting “Le Dormeur” (1942), Barbara Chase-Riboud’s sculpture “Pushkin” (1984–85), and Sanford Biggers’s wall-based textile sculpture “Poly” (2023). The collection also features works by artists who have recently exhibited at the Guggenheim, such as Nick Cave, Alex Katz, Sung Neung Kyung, and Lee Kun-Yong.
Naomi Beckwith, Deputy Director and Jennifer and David Stockman Chief Curator, expressed the museum’s excitement about the new additions, stating that they celebrate the diverse range of artists that contribute to the museum’s legacy. The acquisitions also include works by internationally recognized artists like Sol Calero, Sheroanawë Hakihiiwë, Mohammed Ahmed Ibrahim, and Moshekwa Langa.
Additionally, the museum received a gift of thirty-five artworks from the Elizabeth R. and Michael M. Rea Collection, which includes significant pieces by artists like Ad Reinhardt and Anne Truitt, as well as drawings by Alberto Giacometti, Roy Lichtenstein, and Yves Tanguy. The collection now includes Jacob Lawrence’s “Tragedy and Comedy Theater, Series No. 2,” making it the Guggenheim’s earliest work by a Black artist.
The acquisitions were made possible by various acquisition committees, ensuring a diverse selection of works from different geographies, disciplines, timelines, and cultures. The museum continues to uphold its mission of promoting modern and contemporary art through exhibitions, education programs, and research initiatives.
With a rich history dating back to 1937, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation operates a constellation of museums around the world, including the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection in Venice, and the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao. The museum is dedicated to fostering an understanding and appreciation of modern and contemporary art and is recognized for its architectural significance as a UNESCO World Heritage site. To learn more about the museum and its global operations, visit guggenheim.org.