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Landmarks Commission designates former Whitney Museum building and interior as New York City landmarks
Summary
The Landmarks Preservation Commission voted unanimously May 20 to designate Marcel Breuer's former Whitney Museum at 945 Madison Avenue as an individual New York City landmark and to designate portions of its interior as a New York City interior landmark.
The New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission on May 20 voted to designate the former Whitney Museum of American Art, 945 Madison Avenue, as an individual New York City landmark and to designate portions of its interior as a New York City interior landmark.
The commission's research department described the 1964–66 Marcel Breuer building and the linked interior spaces as a noted example of brutalist architecture; the research staff recommended designation in reports LP-2685 and LP-2686 dated May 20, 2025. The motions to adopt the individual designation and the interior designation carried with nine votes in favor and none opposed.
At the hearing, Lisa Buckley of the research department summarized the building's design, noting the inverted stepped-pyramid form, granite and exposed concrete cladding, and an interior palette of bush-hammered concrete, stone, and wood. Director of Research Margaret Hermann reminded commissioners that the public hearing on March 11 drew public testimony in support and one written submission in support of designation.
Commissioners praised the exterior and the interior. Vice Chair Bland said the building and its interior are "really strong examples of the brutalist style" and a testament to the city's role in design. Commissioner Jefferson moved the motion to adopt the exterior designation; Commissioner Goldblum seconded. Commissioner Chen read the motion for the interior designation, which Commissioner Ginsburg seconded. Mark Slitherman, the commission's counsel, called the roll for both votes.
Sotheby's, which acquired the building in 2024 and intends to use it for gallery space, and preservation groups including the New York Landmarks Conservancy and the Historic Districts Council participated in testimony and outreach noted in the research report.
The designated exterior site is identified in the commission report as Manhattan Block 1389, Lot 50. The interior landmark designation covers portions of the lower level facing Madison Avenue, the main first-floor lobby and coat-check/vestibule, and the main stairwell from the lower level through the fifth floor, with fixtures and attached furnishings described in the designation report.
The commission recorded the designations officially at the meeting. No follow-up motions or conditions were recorded beyond the standard designation language in the adoption motions.
