Art in the City - SFMoMA Member Preview Day

We were fortunate to get tickets to the SFMoMA's Member Preview Day. I love the additional collections, the new Snøhetta building, and of course, the existing collections.

It was a lot to take in. I'll definitely have to come back on a weekday after its official opening on May 14.

The day started out rainy but that didn't deter me, Mijo and our friends Jim and Jose. Walking from the Yerba Buena Gardens allowed us to see the old Mario Botta designed building and the new Snøhetta designed addition at the back. I like the contrast of the two buildings as if the two are a multi racial couple.

[read my other blogs about Art in the City]

Our tickets were timed at 1:15pm.  We got in right away thanks to the wonderful ushers and museum staff. There were already lots of people inside it was like we stepped into a parallel universe where everyone is excited to see art and appreciates great architecture.  The energy inside was contagious. I definitely felt the excitement of everyone present. 

Here's a view of the SFMoMA eye from the stairs.

 

Speaking of the new building by Snøhetta, here's a miniature version.  I love the sort of randomness of the angles and the lines of the facade. There is definitely mass and has a chalky feel from afar.

   

Here's the actual facade as seen from the outdoor area of the museum cafe. 

   

At the lobby of the Snøhetta building, Richard Serra's massive sculpture called Sequence dominates. If I worked nearby, I would come here just to relax during lunch hours. 

   

The elevators let us plan our visit better.

   

Outdoor sculptures by Alexander Calder. Mijo and I were definitely admiring the green wall. From here, we could look up and see the wavy texture of the building. 

   

They let us take pictures without flash. There was truly a lot to take in so I decided to not linger in one room. Though, I stated longer in galleries where my favorites are showcased.

Of course, my favorite Andy Warhol is displayed.

   

   

Another favorite is Roy Lichtenstein.

   

   

I love these Portraits by Chuck Close.

   

I overheard someone said about this painting by Gerhard Richter, I've seen that before. I was chuckling because that was my thoughts exactly.

   

Mijo loved this sculpture by Martin Puryear.

   

I think the cafe remained in the same area. Again, the view from the outdoor part of the museum cafe has lots of great views of the new building. It also has a lot of outdoor sculptures.

    

The photography section was huge. 

   

I also checked out my other favorites which stayed in the Mario Botta building.

Here is Diego Rivera's Flower Carrier.

 

Mark Rothko's No. 14.

   

Mijo's favorites are the Matisse collections.

   

My favorite, Picasso's Les Femmes d'Algiers.

   

Back in the new Snøhetta building, I also love the stairs on the sides of the building.

   

And the huge windows that double as seating areas.

 

It was a lot to take in in one visit. I have new favorites among the new additions.  I love the renovations and the new Snøhetta building. Lots of interesting items at the Museum Store. I will have to come back, soon. Welcome back, SFMoMA!

~rl