Leslie B.
Yelp
I notice that mine is the first Yelp 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-20th 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.