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New York is immodest, wonderfully so. Its skyscrapers compete against the skyline, and its voices rise above the contemporary Babel. Its art museums reflect the city's temperament: The Metropolitan is an august classical pile, the Whitney a bristling modern fortress, the Guggenheim a cosmic spiral. In its way, the Museum of Modern Art was always the most cocksure of them all. Not only did MoMA own the greatest collection of modern art in the world--it was also a living part of the story it was telling, championing modern ideas even as it codified them. MoMA did not need to show off with a grand or fancy edifice. The modern pilgrims would come anyway. MoMA had the goods: It was the squirrel with the nut in its cheek. In certain important ways, the beautiful new MoMA, designed by the Japanese architect Yoshio Taniguchi, changes the museum's traditional character. Or perhaps the new building simply mirrors a subtle change in spirit that occurred some time ago. MoMA is no longer the edgy institution of its youth, a place of argument, sharp elbows, and missionary zeal. It remains a vital museum, but one whose energies now seem older and more contemplative. In its early days, the museum's celebrated garden was a place of retreat--not just from the hurly-burly of the city but from the metaphysical racket within the museum. Now, in this new building, Taniguchi has imbued the entire museum with the spirit of the garden, creating a light-filled temple. — Mark Stevens

Guided tours for 10-25 people are led by a MoMA lecturer twice per day; Tours must be booked in advance by calling 212-708-9685; $27; $24 seniors; $21 college students (prices include museum admission).

Classes & Lectures
Gallery talks on the context and significance of museum's collection and special exhibitions are led by lecturers, educators, graduate students, and occasionally curators every Wed.—Mon., at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. On the fourth Sun. of each month, the 1:30 p.m. talk is interpreted in sign language.

Target Free Friday Nights
Fri., 4 p.m.—8 p.m. Museum admission is free

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