10 Aug Guggenheim New York Announces Summer and Fall Public Programs

Inviting the community to gather for a free block party, Teen Fest, architecture activations, and participatory offerings inspired by exhibitions on view

• August’s special free Late Shift: block pARTy filled with live music, art making, games
• Cosmic-themed Teen Fest for teens ages 13–18
• Constellation-wide “Drawing the Guggenheim” event
• Architecture tours on the occasion of Archtober

This season, the Guggenheim New York invites visitors of all ages and interests to experience the museum’s vibrant cultural offerings. From accessible gallery experiences to family-friendly activities, the Guggenheim’s programs foster thoughtful dialogue and hands-on creativity. Weekend Stroller Hour and drop-in Art Cart programs will continue, welcoming families with children of all ages, while our free Teen Circle and Teen Tuesdays offer teenagers a space to build their own community, culminating in a cosmic-themed Teen Fest.

Programs kick off on August 20 with a free block party edition of the museum’s monthly Late Shift series, featuring three musical acts, art making, snacks, a Pop playground with games, a photobooth, and a film screening of Barbie (2023). Throughout the month of October, the museum embraces architecture programming with building tours and a “Drawing the Guggenheim” event across the constellation of museums in New York, Bilbao, and Venice. Activations by 2026 Poet-in-Residence Patrick Rosal will continue throughout the season, with“blessing the boats”: Poet aracelis girmay on Lucille Clifton taking place September 15 and A Ceremony for Water on December 8. In an ongoing participatory project designed by Rosal in the museum’s Café Rebay, various prompts and hands-on activities will encourage deeper interpersonal connection and emphasize the value of assembly, inviting visitors to experience poetry as a communal experience.

Additional public programs dedicated to the upcoming exhibition, Taryn Simon | Father Country, I Do Love You will be announced in September.

Seasonal programming highlights include:

Late Shift: block pARTy
Thursday, August 20, 5–8:30 pm
Reserve Tickets
Free

On August 20, the Guggenheim New York will take over 88th Street for a free, end-of-summer block pARTy filled with live music, art making, games, food, and drinks. The evening features a lineup including Debit’s DJ set blending bass-heavy electronic grooves; A.B.E.L.A.’s expansive interplay of electronic and ancestral rhythms from across the Global South; and drumming ensemble Fogo Azul’s Brazilian percussion and movement, with an infectious energy that is sure to spill into the crowd.

Inspired by Guggenheim Pop: 1960 to Now, 88th Street will be transformed into a Pop playground where guests can challenge friends to a match of chess, Connect 4, Jenga, art trivia, or badminton inspired directly by Claes Oldenberg. There will also be communal puzzle tables with Frank Lloyd Wright designs as well as drop-in art making and a photobooth.

In the Wright Restaurant, visitors can enjoy refreshing summer mocktails and block party favorites like popcorn, jumbo pretzels, and hot dogs. To beat the heat, the Peter B. Lewis Theater will be screening the fan-favorite film Barbie (2023)!

Please note: Museum galleries will be closed during Late Shift: Block pARTy. To explore Guggenheim Pop: 1960 to Now and other exhibitions on view, guests can visit before the Block pARTy begins at 5 pm.

Late Shift
Third Thursday of every month, 6:30–9 pm
Reserve Tickets
$30 General, $19 Student, Free for Members

On third Thursdays, explore the Guggenheim’s iconic spiral after dark during Late Shift, when the galleries stay open until 9 pm and the vibe shifts. Each Late Shift is a one-night-only opportunity to experience live music in the Guggenheim’s rotunda—alongside after-hours access to exhibitions—making it a standout destination for New York audiences.

Following August’s Block pARTy, the next Late Shift occurrences will take place on Thursdays, October 15, November 19, and December 17.

Activities and interventions to be announced.

Academy of American Poets Chancellors Reading
Friday, October 16, 6:30 pm

Join us for an extraordinary evening of poetry with the Academy’s Chancellors, an honorary group of esteemed poets from across the country. Featuring Jericho Brown, Gabrielle Calvocoressi, Natalie Diaz, Cornelius Eady, Nikky Finney, Kimiko Hahn, Ilya Kaminsky, Ed Roberson, Patricia Smith, Tracy K. Smith, Afaa Michael Weaver, and Eleanor Wilner.

The evening will also feature the 2026 recipients of the Academy’s major honors, the Wallace Stevens Award Award and the Fellowship, both of which are selected by the Chancellors.

Co-presented by the Academy of American Poets and Guggenheim Poet-in-Residence.

Drawing the Guggenheim
Sunday, October 25, 11 am–5 pm
Free with RSVP

On Sunday, October 25, the Guggenheim museums of New York, Venice, and Bilbao jointly present the tenth edition of Drawing the Guggenheim, a global drawing session for visitors of all ages to discover the three museums and the iconic buildings that host them!

Join us for a day of drop-in sketching and other activations celebrating Frank Lloyd Wright’s New York masterpiece.

Teen Tuesday
September 1, 4–5:30 pm
Learn More
Free with RSVP

On September 1, the museums hosts a special teen slam in collaboration with Urban Word NYC, themed around “Reflections,” a celebration of growth, change, and new beginnings as summer transitions into fall and a new school year begins. Through creative expression and conversation, participants will have the opportunity to share their perspectives, hear other teen poets perform, and connect with peers.

Open to ages 13–18. Participants are welcome to drop in anytime during the event; however, advance RSVP is encouraged to reserve a spot for one or more sessions.

This program is part of the Guggenheim’s free Teen Circle Membership.

Teen Fest: “Imagining Futures”
Friday, October 30, 3:30 pm–5:30 pm
Free for Teen Circle Members

Teens are invited to envision their futures in an afternoon of exploration, connection, and creativity. Through exhibitions, interactive activities, and collaborative experiences, participants will have opportunities to connect with peers, share ideas, and reflect on their hopes for the future. As they navigate themes of discovery and transformation, teens will be encouraged to celebrate their unique perspectives while discovering new paths and possibilities.

Teen Circle
Ongoing
Learn More
Free to Join

The Teen Circle is a free pass for NYC teens ages 13–18 to connect with the arts, meet other creative teens, and be part of a vibrant cultural community at the Guggenheim New York. Members can explore the museum for free, bring up to four guests, and access exclusive events, performances, and other special offerings.

Teen Collab
Applications open August–September, program begins fall 2026
Learn More
Free to Apply

The Teen Collaborative is a pre-professional arts program that brings together NYC public high school students to learn about the museum and produce content for their peers. Students collaborate to make the museum more accessible to teen audiences, learn about careers in the arts, and cultivate leadership and other skills that prepare them for the next steps of their young adult lives. Students will receive a stipend for their participation.

Stroller Hour
Monthly on select Saturdays, 9:30–10:30 am
Reserve Tickets
$30 Adults, Free for children 12 and under and Members at the Dual/Family Level and above

One Saturday each month, families with children ages 5 and under are invited to enjoy the museum for an hour before it opens to the public. Experience the rotunda exhibition in a welcoming environment and explore works on view through an interactive gallery activity. Start your weekend at the Guggenheim and spark wonder in your littlest museumgoer!

Advance registration is required. Program registration includes museum admission, and older siblings are welcome to join.

Art Cart
Saturdays at select times, 10:30 am–12:30 pm and 3–5 pm
Learn More
Free with Admission

Every Saturday, visitors of all ages are invited to explore the museum’s collection and current exhibitions through hands-on artmaking in the galleries. Each month features a new activity that welcomes everyone—from little ones to lifelong artists—to experiment with materials and creatively respond to works on view. Drop in with family, friends, and get the fun rolling!

Advance registration is not required.

Mind’s Eye
Monthly on select Mondays, 6–8 pm, and Wednesdays, 2–4 pm
Learn More
Free with RSVP

Monthly Mind’s Eye tours and workshops for visitors who are blind or have low vision are conducted by arts and education professionals through verbal description, conversation, sensory experiences, and creative practice.

RSVP is required at least three days before the program. To RSVP, email access@guggenheim.org. Staff assistance is available at the museum. Please note that some Mind’s Eye programs are virtual and others take place in person.

Architecture Tours
Saturdays and Sundays in October, 11:30–12:30 pm
Reserve Tickets
$50 General, $45 Members

Hour-long architecture tours offer an inside look at the Guggenheim New York’s stunning architecture. These building walkthroughs guide visitors through the rich history and structural elements of Frank Lloyd Wright’s landmark building, while providing insight into its innovative materials and design.

Tours include same-day museum admission and are limited in size to ensure an intimate experience.

Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
1071 5th Ave
New York, NY 10128