RE: RFE 945 Madison Avenue, Whitney Museum of American Art

Sarah Carroll, Chair
Landmarks Preservation Commission
1 Centre Street
New York, NY 10007

RE: RFE 945 Madison Avenue, Whitney Museum of American Art

Dear Chair Carroll:

The Preservation League of New York State supports the Request for Evaluation, seeking Interior Landmark Designation, for the former Whitney Museum of American Art at 945 Madison Avenue, submitted by Docomomo US and Docomomo US New York/Tri-State. Although the property is located within the Upper East Side Historic District, we agree that it is significant enough to merit both Individual and Interior designation.

As a seminal work of Bauhaus master, Marcel Breuer; as the longtime home of one of New York’s most prominent cultural institutions; and as a nationally significant interior and exterior, The Whitney Museum of American Art undoubtedly deserves protection as a designated New York City Interior Landmark. Since its opening 57 years ago in 1966, the building has customarily been open or accessible to the public. Today, the recently restored interior is largely as it was originally designed.

For these reasons, we enthusiastically support Docomomo’s RFE and respectfully request that the Landmarks Preservation Commission consider protection of these unique interior spaces.

Sincerely,

Caitlin Meives
Director of Preservation