New York - Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum

The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum is the world's finest collection of modern art. The unique building (likened to a giant white shell) was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1943. Visitors take the elevator to the top floor and walk down the spiral ramp while viewing paintings. The works of Picasso, Chagall, Modigliani, Kandinsky, Leger, Manet and many others are displayed.

Wright's single spiral ramp is ingenious and functional, while the outer "shell" design was aimed to make the building appear like a piece of sculpture. During construction, Wright battled city officials who demanded one fire escape per floor. Wright argued that there was only one floor--one continuous one--in his building, so it required only one escape.