The Early Bird Gets the Warhol: Quiet Mornings at the MoMA

Sunrise – an assembly of professionals, art lovers and inspiration-seekers gather at the Museum of Modern Art to enjoy a monthly event the museum calls “Quiet Mornings at the MoMA.”

Attendees are encouraged to turn their phones on silent, as it offers the opportunity to wander around the galleries in the still quiet of the morning without the interruption of cell phones or big, noisy crowds.

Whether you prefer the complexity of a Pollock or the tranquility of van Gogh’s “Starry Night," a morning spent at the MoMA is the perfect way to recharge and inspire yourself for the day ahead.

Photo by Anne Sraders.

Photo by Anne Sraders.

The museum slowly fills with morning light as 8 o’clock approaches. The galleries —sans the distractions of electronic devices, loud voices and afternoon crowds— becomes a personal, intimate, and creative space to ponder the artwork or one’s own thoughts.

Contemplative individuals adorn every bench, taking time at the beginning of their days to stop and consider the artwork.

The event runs from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. the first Wednesday of every month and provides a meditation session from 8:30 a.m. until 9 a.m. This session is aimed at creating serenity for museum-goers, through meditation techniques like controlled breathing exercises.

Sara Auster, meditation teacher, musician and sound-therapy practitioner, lead the session.

“For most of us who live in New York City, there is so much movement all around us…and so it is important for us to take pauses to rest, to reset, and to gain a new perspective,” Auster said.

Photo by Anne Sraders

Photo by Anne Sraders

The morning meditation along with the opportunity to thoughtfully take in the artwork allows visitors “…a way for us to access inspiration, creativity, to connect the world to ourselves, and also to each other,” Auster said.

Students should take advantage of this sunrise activity in order to break up their morning routine. Having a few moments before the school day, offers one the opportunity to enjoy and contemplate art, and to relax with some measured breathing. It can be very beneficial for stressed students looking for a change in their daily routine.

 Tickets are $8 with a valid student ID. Shake up your morning next on March 1!

 

CultureAnne SradersArt, MoMa, Culture