Nathan Eddy
Google
A nearly sublime museum experience, lovingly restored. The collection of art may or may not be to your taste, tho there are some standout works from Stubbs, Reynolds, van Dyck, Bacon, and above all the magnificent Turner holdings. The real star is the the Kahn building itself, however, all blonde oak and fine concrete, travertine and pale linen walls, spongy carpet and mod seating, the magnificent concrete cylinder containing the stairwell (skip the slow clunky elevator). The new skylights are a major improvement, and the whole place is wonderful for people watching along with enjoyment of the art. The shops along the Chapel Street facade are a nice touch although the exterior steel panels are still (to me) absolutely dreadful. I don’t buy the argument that it’s a background building—it’s just ugly. No matter, still a treat to walk through, under and up around in Kahn’s last masterpiece. Don’t miss it.
